My top priorities if elected would be to continue to try and provide the tools and support our county department heads and their staff need to do their work in providing the resources and service they do for our residents. The Vilas County employees continue year after year to do a good job, even at times when they’ve had to it with less money. County staff are dedicated to our residents/taxpayers, I will try to do the same. I will also continue to work for our residents and businesses to stay within budgets, while trying to make the best decisions that are cost effective.

They should address it the way they have this past year, as a top priority with a serious commitment to do the best they can with the tax dollars they have. This is not easy, but our county board chairman, vice chairs and the full county board have made, I believe a strong effort in committing to health and human services Vilas County provides. We understand how important this is to Vilas County residents.

1, Land and Water conservation; to protect our natural resources which supports our outdoor recreational opportunities. It also support local businesses and protect the health of lakes/streams which benefits our economy. 2, Maintaining good sustainable forestry management. That protects our watersheds, and county forest land that provide income to local townships and county. This maintains our natural resources which attract people and businesses. It supports Boating, kayaking, fishing, hunting, trapping, equestrian, as well our growing biking, hiking trails and ATV/UTV, snowmobiling infrastructure. That supports organizations that promote our trail systems, clubs, and businesses. 3, Protecting ground water. That protect public and private water supplies. Good decision-making saves tax dollars. A healthy environment is important for overall public health. Forestry brings in money at little or no cost to taxpayers. That aids Vilas County to provide services while supporting local jobs.

Our infrastructure is the base of things that’s needed for communities to function, grow and prosper. They’re very costly and need to be maintained as long as possible. Highways, energy supplies, broadband communication, schools, libraries, solid waste and waste- water management all contribute to our economic stability and growth. If federal funds are available thru grants or other programs, they need to be taken advantage of. Having department heads and staff of the quality we have in Vilas County makes our ability to compete, manage and allocate federal funds wisely. Allocating those funds when received requires working together to make the best decisions possibly. The long-term planning done by county departments heads and staff aids the process of allocating funds. Managing federal funds, especially one-time grants/funds can be challenging. I think overall our departments and county board does a good job when receiving federal funding.

Every form of communication allowing local residents, businesses, cabin owners or others to respectfully communicate issues with their county board supervisors is a good thing. As a county board supervisor, I will try to take advantage of most new avenues of communication. We’ve come a long way but not everyone is up to speed on new technologies. Person to person; face to face communication still works good too. Vilas County has a great website to get info and services or connect with county board supervisors. Technology has made it easier to find answers for your needs. Please take time to look at your county’s website. For a good example go to ADRC’s tab “Aging and Disability resource center of Vilas County”. Look at their annual report. Our departments do a good job for you, and It’s there for you. Please come to our committee meetings and full county board meetings. I hope to see you there.