October 1 in Wausau and Online: Effective Governance and Civility in Polarized Times

The Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy and Service and WisPolitics are hosting a free bipartisan panel discussion featuring three former Wisconsin officeholders on Thursday, October 1, in Wausau. The event will take place from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Veninga Theater in the UW Center for Civic Engagement, with virtual attendance available via Zoom (registration required).

Effective Governance and Civility in Polarized Times will bring together Ambassador Tom Barrett, Representative Tom Petri, and Governor Tommy Thompson to examine the impact of political polarization on effective governance, civility, and bipartisan cooperation.

Moderated by WisPolitics President Jeff Mayers, the conversation will explore how public service has changed throughout the panelists’ careers and how elected officials and citizens alike can foster productive relationships across political differences.

Audience members will have the opportunity to submit questions to the speakers during the Q&A segment.

Event Details:
Effective Governance and Civility in Polarized Times
Thursday, October 1, 2026, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
UW Center for Civic Engagement, Veninga Theater, 625 Stewart Ave., Wausau, WI 54401
Livestream via Zoom (registration is required)
Free and open to the public
Learn more here

Before his time as U.S. Ambassador to Luxembourg during the Biden Administration, Tom Barrett served as the mayor of Milwaukee (2004 to 2021), as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives (1993 to 2003), and in both the Wisconsin Senate (1989 to 1993) and Wisconsin State Assembly (1984 to 1989).

Tom Petri represented Wisconsin’s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives for 18 terms (1979 to 2015) and was a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the House Education and Workforce Committee. Before being elected to Congress, Petri served in the Wisconsin Senate (1973 to 1979).

Tommy Thompson was the longest-serving governor in Wisconsin history, serving four terms (1987 to 2001). Thompson served as U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (2001 to 2005). Prior to his time as governor of Wisconsin, Thompson was a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly (1967 to 1987).

The Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy and Service (WIPPS) is a nonpartisan organization with a mission to address local, state, and national issues by linking public scholarship, civic outreach, and student service to enhance community life throughout Wisconsin.