I began my career as a legal aid lawyer at a time when Counties didn’t have the systematic rules and safeguards we’ve grown to expect to help people in need. I’ve had the opportunity to see and be part of extraordinary change as a County Board Supervisor since 2005. Now we insist on fairness and conformity in regulations. We look for connections, for example: people who are homeless are better served in the long run by finding home placements providing social services. In many ways, this is full circle from my legal aid work, as now I can help make decisions that broadly work in favor of people, community and taxpayers. Yet there is more work to be done. Each term, I’ve taken new opportunities to add responsibilities and assignments to diligently and ethically help our community. It is life fulfilling work to be part of the team of dedicated people serving our County by developing new businesses, taking care of the elderly, protecting public safety including the jail and so much more.

District 4 residents ask me how the County can address their concerns about the environment, business growth, neighborhoods, homelessness and more. My answer is partnerships, and marshalling our resources through intergovernmental cooperation. For example, the County can support environmental programs to conserve wildlife habitat, particularly the urban wetlands my district is so fortunate to enjoy. (A special interest of mine this year was finding some financial support to allow more countywide planning to expand bluffland trails, recreation and tourism we care about.) We can strategize with economic development partner organizations toward skills development and employment opportunities. The County pursues neighborhood housing assistance funds through state and federal programs, and we’ve launched a regional approach to homelessness. Public transit expansion is important. Collaboration on erosion control and storm water management brings healthier neighborhoods.

“The future” and “the past.” “The future” includes staying true to the Comprehensive Plan, Envision 2050, we established this term with the help of over 1000 citizens. Our vision was to create a framework for future generations for sustainable growth, which means balancing our need to preserve natural resources and farmland with modern social and physical infrastructure, and allowing business to grow. “The past” includes policies that, for example, don’t preserve agricultural land, open space, environmentally sensitive areas, culture or historical sites, or clean water resources. We do not have the needed supply of affordable housing for all income levels, age groups and levels of ability. We’ve seen in our community racial disparities in the number of children living in poverty, birth weight of babies and other health outcomes, homeownership, educational attainment and more. These are barriers we can help address.

We have many opportunities for an even better community using the core value we established to guide us: sustainability and equity, enhanced with collaboration and respect. Fiscal restraint while maintaining public safety and essential community services are foundational. Optimal public health, safe communities, even better county roads are achieved with collaboration. I ask challenging questions and looking for innovations in safe disposal and recycling of solid waste. We will develop a new Climate Action Plan in 2024, and try to inspire private businesses to embrace economic, long term benefits. I’ll continue urging our health & human services teams toward data review and policies to narrow racial disparity gaps in health care. There is much to do, and it is exciting work. I believe in local government. I believe in the future of La Crosse County, where Bob and I raised our three children. I am proud to run for another term.