I am running because the current board is not listening to the people of La Crosse County. There is a pattern of dishonesty with the public. Often, they pursue their own personal agenda rather than following the will of the people. The creation of a Civilian Review Board is an example. Their own survey showed that over 70% of respondents were opposed. It took a freedom of information request to make this survey public. The committee report stated the CRB should “collect, manage, and share law enforcement data”. To accomplish these purposes the report states “The CRB should be staffed by one or more county employees.” The fiscal note on the resolution to create the CRB stated “No fiscal impact”. Are we to believe that the time allotted by county staff doesn’t cost anything? The committee report provided no budget. La Crosse County roads are in bad shape. 56% are in fair or poor condition. We rank 63 of 72 counties in road spending. Yet we are old they have invested in our roads.

People don’t feel safe in their homes and neighborhoods. Homeless are encamped along the Black River and in neighborhood parks. Crime has risen sharply. The parks have many discarded hypodermic needles making it unsafe to use them. Many people report fear to use the hiking trails. Public opinion is strongly behind ending the encampments. It will take resources to close the camps and clean up our parks and hiking trails.

The top two issues are the joint plan between the county and city of La Crosse to address the homeless problem and the condition of our county road system.

The Pathways Home plan made public has no budget and says nothing as to how the initiative will be funded. It states that 220 beds will be created but says nothing about where those beds will be located in our community.

We can't repeat the terrible mistake at the Econolodge. 782 police calls in six months. Reports of sex trafficking and drug trafficking. Future site require supervision and security for residents and neighborhoods.

Public opinion is strongly in favor of closing the encampments.

La Crosse County roads are in bad shape. The county rates 44% as good, 37% as fair and 19% as poor. According to the Wisconsin Counties Association Green Book La Crosse County ranks 63 out of 72 counties in per capita road spending. We spend less than half of what the median county spends.

Every county project must have a budget. This ensures fiscal responsibility.

I support closing the homeless encampments which are illegal. We should recognize that there is a spectrum of people. Where those people are housed is important. People have a right to feel safe in their homes and neighborhoods. The latest estimate I have heard is that there are over 400 homeless in La Crosse. We simply don't have the capacity in our hospital system to care for this many drug addicted and mentally ill people. We should seek out families and try to reconnect these people to other support systems.

Improving the condition of our county roads requires increased funding. We need to make that a higher priority before the cost to repair them increases dramatically in the future.

No more debt. We should pay off the county debt which requires $3.1 million in debt service payments this year. Imagine what that money could do for our county.

As a previously elected official on my hometown’s City Council, I know firsthand the important role local government plays in our daily lives. I’m running for a seat on the La Crosse County Board to be an advocate and a liason, helping people understand and take advantage of what services and resources the County has to offer. When elected I will work with my fellow board members to build on and expand county initiatives that address issues Northsiders care about and are impacted by. Alarmingly, I see other candidates in this race spending their time fear mongering and spreading disinformation. Polarization is detrimental to a people-centered democracy, so I hope spring voters remember that we're stronger together united around our shared values. Engaged citizens make for strong communities, and the communities in La Crosse County make our region a vibrant place to work and live.

One example I used when collecting signatures was that the County’s Aging and Disability Resource Center hosted two workshops (Nov ‘23 & Jan ‘24) on the topic of applying for disability benefits, something as a brain cancer survivor I’ve had to navigate. I found out that one of my neighbors unfortunately had a relative recently diagnosed with ALS and took note of the programming to pass along. The ADRC recently published an extensive updated resource guide, as well, with information on food assistance, housing, healthcare, transportation, veteran services, employment assistance, and more. Specifically on the northside, I’m excited to see $2 million in 2023 ARPA funds allocated for expansion of a workforce center in the Boys and Girls Club, identifying a need for skilled trades training. Whether it’s on the doors or at our neighborhood association meetings, I appreciate having these insightful conversations that dig into why I'm running and how the county can be a resource to us all.

The lack of affordable housing is an issue that takes up a lot of real estate in my mind. Everyone’s personal situation is different, whether it makes more sense to rent or own, but regardless of the barriers, my vision for La Crosse County is to harbor a space where we all can thrive, not just survive. Additionally, the impacts of climate change not only contribute to a decrease in quality of life, but it threatens the viability of the La Crosse region for the foreseeable future. For example, a crucial piece of the puzzle is preservation of the blufflands and marsh. According to the WI DNR, wetlands account for approximately 13% of the county’s total area. Wetlands provide flood protection--something the northside is susceptible to--along with filtration and habitat for a variety of plants and animals.

As a La Crosse County Board Supervisor I will be involved in overseeing the execution of the County and City joint plan, “Pathways Home,” that addresses the complex issue of homelessness comprehensively and compassionately. Many local non-profit organizations are already doing important work, and this plan streamlines those efforts while incorporating new strategies such as identifying gaps and implementing case management. My fellow county board members and I will be tracking and sharing this progress. Collaboration can also address key environmental issues: for example, the county landfill provides a renewable energy microgrid to the Onalaska Gundersen Campus through underground decomposition. La Crosse County recognizes the need to prioritize sustainability, and I will support adherence to the goals set in the "Envision 2050" comprehensive plan, mitigating the impacts of climate change through policy, initiatives, and public investment.