Best Community Advocate

Andrew Werthmann is not only the longest-serving member of the Eau Claire City Council but also a strong advocate for progressive causes such as environmental protection and living wages. Werthmann has been elected by Democratic activists to represent the state on the Democratic National Committee. Joe Luginbill is a former Eau Claire school board member who started a charitable foundation that was supposed to operate the re-opened State Theatre and establish a home for former foster kids. However, recent news that the foundation left numerous groups in a lurch by failing to pay bills, and the fact that Luginbill has allegedly skipped town, may mean some poll voters would vote differently now than when voting took place in December. Peter Farrow, CEO of Group Health Cooperative in Eau Claire, a nonprofit health plan that serves more than 70,000 members, has served in numerous roles in community and health-related organizations. – Tom Giffey