I first ran in 2022 seeking to develop innovative and evidence-based policy solutions, build trust and partnerships across differences, and serve my constituents to the best of my ability—transparently, ethically, responsibly. I believe I’ve done these things throughout the last two years, and they’re still at the heart of why I do this work. I care deeply about La Crosse. I’m a third-generation public servant who was born and raised here, so I’m invested in our area’s future. By prioritizing sustainability, access to healthcare and human services, safe and affordable housing, better infrastructure including broadband, and so much more, I will help make our community stronger, healthier, and more resilient.

District 30 stretches from Goose Island, up to the southside Walmart, up and over to Grandad’s Bluff, down and over to Hwy. 33, and finally down to Hwy. 14/61, County Rd. MM, and County Rd. K. It’s a large District, covering urban, suburban, and rural areas. Needless to say, there are many County-level resources that could benefit the District. I have heard directly from constituents about housing, healthcare, childcare, broadband, roads, water, sewer, and more, and these areas deserve time, attention, and investment.

However, when walking or driving through the District, one aspect is particularly hard to ignore: the lack of adequate stormwater infrastructure. District 30 contains countless areas with washed out banks, piles of trees and rocks swept up by surging water, blocked culverts, and rutted drainage channels. Shelby alone doesn’t have enough resources to build and maintain weather-ready infrastructure, and the County can and should fund additional projects through grants.

There are numerous pressing challenges for our County, but climate change and the increasingly extreme weather that follows are—and will continue to be for some time—the most critical. As greenhouse gas levels rise and the environment warms, we will experience greater climate-related harms, some of which we’ve seen just in recent months: smoke-filled air, severe storms including hail and high winds, drought, and flooding. From these come direct and indirect consequences, including financial hardship, threats to health and safety, and stress.

I also see the rising cost of living as a central issue for County residents. This is an expansive problem, covering healthcare costs, childcare shortages, rising home prices, jobs that pay less than the living wage, and so much more. With that said, our area must remain affordable to those who live here, and La Crosse County is well-positioned to help address many of these challenges.

Over the last two years, sustainability drove many of my decisions. I voted to invest over $1 million in solar panels that will offset 13% of the County’s electricity needs. I co-sponsored a budgetary amendment to allocate $200,000 for Bluffland preservation and access. I also partnered with stakeholders to help secure $560,000 for Shelby stormwater infrastructure improvements. I am eager to explore additional policy solutions in this area including greater waste reduction and diversion, additional investments in electrification, efficiency, and renewable energy, greenspace preservation, and weather-ready infrastructure.

To address the rising cost of living, I have prioritized right-sized County fees and fines, access to mental healthcare, free Jail calls, childcare grants, investments in affordable housing, skilled trades training, and more. Heading into my second term, I will continue to seek, support, and develop approaches for an affordable La Crosse County.