Dane County Supervisor District 18
Two-year termVote for one
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Michele Ritt
(NON)
1. How should the county address the significant budget deficit expected for the 2027 budget?
2. What specific ideas do you have to increase the supply and quality of affordable housing, preserve existing affordable housing, and address the needs of unhoused people?
3. What do you see as the top priorities your constituents have for the county board and how would you address them?
4. Describe your specific experience (educational, occupational, civic, and community) that prepares you to effectively address your priorities.
Home municipality
Madison
Home ZIP code
53704
Preferred pronouns
she/ella
The budget is definitely tight, and the expectation is that this trend will continue. We have excellent services in Dane County, and my goal is to maintain that high level of care. We need to focus on fiscal responsibility with each contract and program. We need to be creative with ways to reduce the cost of programs, without diminishing the level of service to the community. We cannot balance the budget on the backs of our employees. Ultimately, balancing the budget will be collaboration and compromise among the County Board, the County Executive, and the community.
The Dane County Affordable Housing Fund is one of the programs that I support that is designed to address this issue. There is a lack of safe, affordable housing in Dane County. We need to build new units as well as rehab exiting ones. A significant portion of our population is not getting an equal opportunity for home ownership. We need to focus on addressing and removing the barriers that prevent people from renting and purchasing homes. Racial disparities are clear and must be addressed with policy and programming. Housing is a human right.
District 18 is a place where neighbors care about neighbors. People are most concerned with protecting our children, our elders, and our most vulnerable neighbors. Caring for the environment is a priority--our land, water, and air. My goal is to serve the most vulnerable in our community--our seniors, people with differing abilities, and those with housing/food insecurities. I am committed to criminal justice reform, with an emphasis on stabilizing families so that fewer people enter the system. I am devoted to clean air and water, and expanding and protecting our county lands.
I am dedicated to effective problem solving. My years of service in Peace Corps and as a public school special education teacher taught me the importance of creative problem solving and the necessity of bringing all voices to the table. Throughout my years of service on the County Board, I have been an active participant in committees and advocacy across all areas of county government.
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