VOTE411 Voter Guide

I am seeking re-election in this cycle. I believe that people are looking for competent, steady leadership in a time when the opposite is being normalized. Further, I believe that our best leaders are servants first. I’ve walked that walk, and lived a life of public service. I have a demonstrable history of leadership and want to share my experience and skills in service to my friends and neighbors. County Board Supervisor is non-partisan elected position. However, some partisans would have you believe that the scope of county government should be narrow, focused primarily on roads, public safety and property taxes. The reality is that county government is about far more than that. We are the essential provider for public health, mental health, and disability services, while also managing housing, veteran support, and child welfare. Ultimately, the county serves as the 'payer of last resort' for indigent care—a legal and moral responsibility we cannot afford to ignore.

I would like to see more collaboration between municipal units of government in exploring shared resources. In theory, we could eliminate duplications in hard assets such as purchased equipment or required services that could be achieved through collaboration, (i.e. seasonal equipment for road maintenance, tractors, mowers, graders, etc.) In addition, I would like to see a more regional approach to issues that face each municipality like public transportation, emergency services, access to broadband. The county is the common denominator with each of the municipal governmental bodies and breaking down silos could lead to savings and efficiencies. I’m not so naive to assume that the county can be or should be “everything to everyone,” but we should endeavor to explore any opportunities to collaborate.

Affordable Housing and Sustainable Program Funding (Shared Revenue)

Affordable Housing: We must evaluate current zoning rules and ordinances and the restrictions they present vs. the need for affordable housing. The pros and cons of development are complicated issues that require regular assessment based on real-time needs. However, housing without transportation and access to services is not a realistic solution. The issues overlap and a collaborative comprehensive approach is required. Sustainable Funding: As a supervisor I will advocate for the constituents I represent. Our voices as individuals need to be represented in Madison and Washington, as an elected official it is my responsibility to amplify those voices personally and through active participation in organizations like Wisconsin Counties Association (WCA) and the National Association of Counties (NACo). At the local level we must recognize the volatility of funding and budget wisely with contingency funds (departmental fund balances) when possible.