Lori Stern
Position sought: Green County Supervisor District 16
Age: 56
City/town of residence: Sylvester Township
Family: Married; 3 adult children; 2 grandchildren
Education: M.A. Ed--Master’s Degree in Education/Program Development
Occupation: Chef/Operator/Owner of Cow & Quince Restaurant in New Glarus
Previous elected positions held: N/A
There will be two contested races for the Green County Board of Supervisors. In District 16, incumbent Arthur F. Carter, who is currently the county board chairman, is being challenged by Lori Stern. In District 30, Skip Miller and Dawn Marie Sass have both filed papers to be on the ballot. There is no candidate on the ballot for District 14, which means the person receiving the most write-in votes in that district will be asked if they want to serve in that position.
What are the top issues facing this district/municipality and how would you work to resolve it?
Preserving access to clean water and air: Constituent concerns about private well contamination are very real. I have worked in public health and traveled globally. Access to potable water for humans (and animals) is vital to the health and economic well-being of our community. I would utilize the scientific information obtained from the water study done in Green County (and any future studies of our natural resources) to make sound zoning and best practice policy decisions moving into the future to protect our natural resources. I would also look for funding and information for residents to test their own wells so that they feel more in control of the health of their drinking water. In addition, I would utilize my professional experience in lobbying and advocacy and, along with other County Supervisors and other counties, go to Madison to fight for more local control to ensure that Green County is able to determine our own future in regards to our natural resources, specifically air and water.
Why are other key issues facing the district/municipality, and how would you work to resolve them?
Transportation and technology infrastructure: Students and businesses often do not have the same opportunities or competitive advantages because of our lack of broadband. Our schools, health systems and constituents should have access to information, services, and expertise beyond our rural community. People are making decisions on where to move/purchase homes based on access to broadband and the ability to work remotely. I would advocate for rural broadband at the state level. In addition, I would explore public-private partnerships to help fund this needed technology infrastructure.
Many of our local roads and bridges are in desperate need of repair. I live on one of these roads myself! There is funding available through the State, but often townships are unaware of how to apply or what programs exist until it is too late. I would work toward a more coordinated communication effort from the County to the townships in my district, providing assistance when needed, to enable our townships to access state and federal monies for roads and road maintenance.
What are you the best candidate for this office?
I have lived in Green County for 10 years. Though I am originally from Wisconsin, I have lived other places and returned-choosing to make Green County my home. I am a small farm operator and business owner. I am also the chef/operator of Cow & Quince restaurant in New Glarus where I source exclusively from local farmers and food artisans.
Before farming and being a restauranteur, I had a career in public policy in the fields of health and education, working these issues at both the state and national level. I have been on non-profit boards. I have also worked in state government. These experiences give me the background and skills to undertake and be successful in the role of Green County Supervisor. As a business owner, recognized for my positive impact on economic development in Green County, I also know firsthand the challenges of running a successful business in a rural setting. With an understanding of the critical areas of private business, education, and government, I am the best candidate to bring stakeholders together from across Green County and at the state level to benefit our community health and economic wellbeing.
