WIPPS to Host Barrett, Petri, Thompson for Bipartisan Discussion on Governance and Civility

The Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy and Service (WIPPS) will host Ambassador Tom Barrett, Representative Tom Petri, and Governor Tommy Thompson for a bipartisan panel discussion, Effective Governance and Civility in Polarized Times, on October 1, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m., at the UW Center for Civic Engagement in Wausau and virtually.

In addition to discussing their time in government, the speakers will examine the past, present, and future of effective governance and civility. Jeff Mayers, president of WisPolitics, will moderate the panel.

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, Thompson was a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly (1967 to 1987).

The discussion will cover the impact of political polarization on governing, what effective bipartisan cooperation looks like, and how elected officials and citizens alike can foster productive relationships across political differences. Panelists will also reflect on how public service has changed throughout their careers and how to strengthen public trust, civility, and effective governance. During the Q&A, audience members will have the opportunity to submit questions to the speakers.

This event is free and open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis, with virtual attendance available via Zoom (click here to register for the Zoom webinar).

Event Details:

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

Click here for the event flyer.

This event is presented by the Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy and Service in partnership with WisPolitics.

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.