Look up the word relationship in the dictionary and you’ll find this definition: the way in which two or more concepts, objects, or people are connected, or the state of being connected. As an elected official, it can be an important concept to move projects forward in your community. 

Wausau Mayor Katie Rosenberg talks about why she feels it’s important to build relationships with Chad Holmes, host of The Chad Holmes Show, locally on Bull Falls Radio WXCO 1230 AM, 98.9 FM in the Wausau area, and everywhere via the Civic Media app. 

Chad Holmes hits the topic of connecting with others hard, right out of the gate. 

“How do you respond to big headlines as an elected official?” Chad Holmes asks.

“We go through a process for every project,” Mayor Katie Rosenberg says, “and I don’t think going to the newspaper when you disagree is an effective way to build a relationship. Yes, everyone has the right to free speech, but why can’t you tell me what you want, rather than trying to govern a project by writing letters to the editor?”

The mayor’s reference to a recent letter to the editor solidifies an inability to agree on the problem of lead pipes in the city and higher water costs. 

Holmes asks why there are problems behind both issues. 

“We have to do this,” Mayor Rosenberg says. “We started this journey with the new drinking water facility and yes, rate-payers are having to foot the bill. It’s a heavy lift and I understand why people are upset about having to pay more, but we have to get the rest of this project done now, too.”

“Was this a secret rate increase?” Holmes asks.

“It’s not possible. It can’t be secret,” Mayor Rosenberg says. “There’s always a public announcement and meeting. It’s the process that has to be done and everyone gets to weigh in. We haven’t even had a full year of the higher water rates to see if it is covering the costs of the new facility as needed.”

The mayor is now trying to work on the problem to replace the lead service lines which is a cost she hopes doesn’t get passed on to taxpayers.

“The reason everything is so crazy right now is the availability of infrastructure money,” Mayor Rosenberg says. “We have to replace the lead service lines and get it done in less than 10 years but because there is money available from the federal government, we need to agree this is the way we want to fund the replacement so our taxpayers don’t also have to pay for this project.”  

“You’ve had to work hard with the council, other partners on these efforts,” Holmes says. “What do you think you’ve learned through all of this?”

“I think one of the things that is important is that your intentions are good,” Mayor Rosenberg says. “You want to help people and you do notice when there is hatred in the room. We need to reach outside of ourselves to have conversations with others and build those relationships, no matter if it matches how you feel. Let’s talk about finding a path to disagree in the right way. There are some people who just want to say no but I am going to ask you about your problem, then work with you to try and solve it.”

Mayor Rosenberg is running for reelection this year and has two challengers. Doug Diny and Christopher Wood filed their nomination papers prior to last month’s deadline. A primary election will be held Tuesday, February 20, 2024 with more than two qualified candidates on the ballot. The spring general election will be April 2 between the top two candidates.