Position sought: Green County Board Supervisor, District 26
Age: 66
City/town of residence: Town of New Glarus
Family: Wife (retired), two grown daughters and one grandson
Education: Masters degree in Rehabilitation Counseling; Significant coursework in the biological and physical sciences
Occupation: Retired
Previous elected positions held: None
What are the top issues facing this district/municipality and how would you work to resolve it?
Perhaps the most important issue facing Green County right now is well water quality. According to the UW Center for Watershed Science, between 20 and 25 percent of our wells test positive for bacteria or exhibit nitrates at higher than safe levels. Although are certainly other origins of contamination, including faulty septic systems and over-application of fertilizers, land-spreading of manure on shallow soils is a major source.
Heeding the concerns of citizens, in 2016 the Green County Board funded a study to map the susceptibility of the county's groundwater. In 2017 the Board passed a moratorium on livestock facilities with 1000+ animal units and established the Livestock Facility Study Group. I credit County Supervisor Ted Fahey for his support of these measures.
Since late 2015 I have attended nearly every meeting of the Green County Land and Water Conservation Committee and have closely followed the work of Livestock Facility Study Group. That group is tasked with making science-based recommendations for ordinances on the siting and/or operation of livestock facilities. I have attended all but one of the Study Group's meetings and if elected, will help ensure that the County Board acts on the Study Group's proposals.
What are other key issues facing the district/municipality, and how would you work to resolve them?
1. Another matter of concern is the deteriorating condition of our roads and bridges. State aid has been significantly reduced, so we will need to come up with creative solutions to the problem. Over the past few months I have often consulted with the Green County Highway Commissioner to gain a better understanding of the issue. I will ask to serve on the Highway Committee to offer a fresh perspective.
2. I think we need to have a county-wide discussion about gun violence in schools. We need to coordinate the efforts of Law Enforcement, Human Services and the various school districts in the county to make sure that our children do not end up being victims. As a member of the Green County Board, I plan to play a significant role in making this work happen.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
Commitment, Involvement and Time
I adore Green County. I will do everything I can to help preserve the health, welfare and prosperity of these people I've come to love and respect.
I grew up the son of blue-collar parents. I put myself through college working on a cow-calf operation and then worked in the coalfields of southern West Virginia, helping injured miners find gainful employment. I did a stint as a 4H agent and spent the rest of my career helping scientists choose the best instruments for their research.
When I retired, I decided to start making a difference right here. I joined the Town of NG Parks Commission and a number of Town committees. I regularly attend meetings of the Town Board and Plan Commission, the County Board and the County committees that deal with groundwater issues. I'm am also an active member of the Wisconsin Farmers Union and Co-Chair of Green County United to Amend, an effort to get the corrupting influence of big money out of politics.
Most of the work of the County Board is done in committee during the day in Monroe. Because I'm retired, I have time to attend what are typically 2-6 meetings per month.
Age: 66
City/town of residence: Town of New Glarus
Family: Wife (retired), two grown daughters and one grandson
Education: Masters degree in Rehabilitation Counseling; Significant coursework in the biological and physical sciences
Occupation: Retired
Previous elected positions held: None
What are the top issues facing this district/municipality and how would you work to resolve it?
Perhaps the most important issue facing Green County right now is well water quality. According to the UW Center for Watershed Science, between 20 and 25 percent of our wells test positive for bacteria or exhibit nitrates at higher than safe levels. Although are certainly other origins of contamination, including faulty septic systems and over-application of fertilizers, land-spreading of manure on shallow soils is a major source.
Heeding the concerns of citizens, in 2016 the Green County Board funded a study to map the susceptibility of the county's groundwater. In 2017 the Board passed a moratorium on livestock facilities with 1000+ animal units and established the Livestock Facility Study Group. I credit County Supervisor Ted Fahey for his support of these measures.
Since late 2015 I have attended nearly every meeting of the Green County Land and Water Conservation Committee and have closely followed the work of Livestock Facility Study Group. That group is tasked with making science-based recommendations for ordinances on the siting and/or operation of livestock facilities. I have attended all but one of the Study Group's meetings and if elected, will help ensure that the County Board acts on the Study Group's proposals.
What are other key issues facing the district/municipality, and how would you work to resolve them?
1. Another matter of concern is the deteriorating condition of our roads and bridges. State aid has been significantly reduced, so we will need to come up with creative solutions to the problem. Over the past few months I have often consulted with the Green County Highway Commissioner to gain a better understanding of the issue. I will ask to serve on the Highway Committee to offer a fresh perspective.
2. I think we need to have a county-wide discussion about gun violence in schools. We need to coordinate the efforts of Law Enforcement, Human Services and the various school districts in the county to make sure that our children do not end up being victims. As a member of the Green County Board, I plan to play a significant role in making this work happen.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
Commitment, Involvement and Time
I adore Green County. I will do everything I can to help preserve the health, welfare and prosperity of these people I've come to love and respect.
I grew up the son of blue-collar parents. I put myself through college working on a cow-calf operation and then worked in the coalfields of southern West Virginia, helping injured miners find gainful employment. I did a stint as a 4H agent and spent the rest of my career helping scientists choose the best instruments for their research.
When I retired, I decided to start making a difference right here. I joined the Town of NG Parks Commission and a number of Town committees. I regularly attend meetings of the Town Board and Plan Commission, the County Board and the County committees that deal with groundwater issues. I'm am also an active member of the Wisconsin Farmers Union and Co-Chair of Green County United to Amend, an effort to get the corrupting influence of big money out of politics.
Most of the work of the County Board is done in committee during the day in Monroe. Because I'm retired, I have time to attend what are typically 2-6 meetings per month.