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During my 8 years on county board, I’ve gained knowledge, experience, and a network of problem solvers to address constituent concerns. These are advantages I will continue to employ for the benefit of all county residents. As the incumbent representative for District 14, I will continue the strong working relationship of county and town. An example is the search for the best solution for delivering safe, clean water to residents of the Town of Campbell. As a member of the county board, I also am charged with considering all county residents when making decisions. I will continue to learn, listen, and balance their needs/wants as far as the budget allows. One example is updating Hillview Care Center from a 1950s nursing home model to one that suits current and future needs. Another is providing enough sheriff deputies and jailers to keep us, and them, safe.

Funding from the Neighborhood Revitalization program could improve the quality of housing on French Island. That, in turn, would increase the tax base for the town of Campbell. Like all municipalities in Wisconsin, increasing the amount and value of property being taxed is a significant way to increase revenue. Campbell’s annual budget is slightly more than $2.5 million, one-third of which comes from property tax. That amount is stretched to provide bare necessities such as police protection, fire protection, garbage collection, snow plowing, maintenance for streets, equipment, parks and the ever-growing need for flood protection. Paying for other needed improvements requires borrowing money. Increased revenue and a good credit rating are extremely important as the town plans to build its own municipal water system. 

BROADBAND FOR RURAL AREAS Covid showed us how important it is to have reliable internet access -- for students learning from home, for business meetings, for medical appointments, and to keep connected with family and friends. Covid also highlighted the disparity between rural and urban areas of our county. Private internet service providers have been happy to install their systems in densely populated areas. However, the county’s topography of bluffs and wetlands makes it less profitable for ISPs to build the traditional infrastructure. MORE HOUSING THAT IS AFFORDABLE, SAFE, AND DESIRABLE “Affordable” depends on ability to pay. “Safe” means suitable for habitation. Desirable is in the eye of the beholder and could consider location, access to transportation, groceries, jobs and schools, as well as meeting ADA guidelines.

BROADBAND Reliable internet access in rural areas requires private and public investment. If government grants are not enough and if communities can’t meet matching funds requirement, I‘m in favor of county investment to make it happen. HOUSING La Crosse County’s Comprehensive Plan “Envision 2050” looks to the future. Pathways Home: A Plan to End Homelessness in La Crosse considers what exists now and what could be in 5 years. Envision 2050 protects agricultural, natural, and cultural resources, for the future while planning for utilities, housing and transportation now. Proposals include: use sites in existing neighborhoods to minimize environmental impacts of sprawling development; alternative construction types to lower building costs and/or energy use; housing in all communities for transitioning homeless populations. Pathways Home includes closing the housing gap, ending encampments, holding people accountable for criminal activity while also offering services they need.