Seven of the board's 31 seats will be contested. There is no candidate in the 29th District.
Today, the Times continues its profiles of candidates in contested races. Today's profiles are on candidates in Districts 3, 14 and 23. Districts 4, 6, 11 and 16 were featured in Friday's edition.
In District 23, Patrick O'Brien is challenging incumbent Russ Torkelson. The district includes all of Washington township and portion of New Glarus township
PATRICK O'BRIEN>
Age: >45
Occupation: >Househusband
Lived in district: >Eight years
Offices held: >None
Volunteer positions: >Mannerchor New Glarus, Monroe Theatre Guild
1. Why are you running?>
The Justice Center is the entire explanation, and the method to finance it. We will have a $20 million property tax hike for the next 20 years. Currently, we have a 1/2 percent tax in Green County which was suppose to reduce property tax. Now half of that will go to pay off the bonds for the Justice Center for the next 20 years.
About four years ago, I wanted to get familiar with the issues. I asked my county supervisor what the biggest issues were going on in the county. He said it was buying space (for county administration). Russ expressed genuine concerns about the cost, which was $8 million at the time. But now he's supporting it at an increased price, $12.6 million before finance costs.
2. What is the most pressing issue facing the county and what are your plans to address it? >
There are two, the Justice Center and criminal justice practices. I'm concerned about how we allocate resources. I don't believe we need a second judge. We need to reorganize our priorities to keep costs down and so that victims get justice.
I see a pattern of violent acts, like battery and assault, getting light sentences. Violence is the greatest challenge we face. We've got to send a pretty strong message. I want to demand we pursue a new model. Look at the one adopted by the police chief of New York in the 80s and 90s. It focused on enforcing laws at the lower end. Crime rates overall dropped, and there was a deep drop in the violent crime rate. Most people don't start with murder. I'm more interested in setting a strict example up front.
3. Why should people vote for you over your opponent? >
Because they don't want their taxes to increase $20 million over the next 20 years. I'm fiscally conservative. I'm involved with the community. I'm already actively promoting life in Green County, because we need the business. We need a business-friendly environment. This 1/2 percent raises business costs, and it's a long-term cost for the Justice Center.
4. What is your stance on residential and commercial/industrial development? >
I take a strict view. I'm all for development, as long as taxpayers don't have to subsidize it and developers pay the costs, and it doesn't encroach on others' rights. Our township has a firm policy on that.
5. What is your particular area of expertise or interest in county government?>
I've always had a deep interest in tax policy and public policy. And presently, in criminal justice.
RUSS TORKELSON (INCUMBENT)>
Age: >56
Occupation: >Farmer
Lived in district: >35 years
Offices held: >Served four years on County Board of Supervisors, president of New Glarus Farmers' Co-op; past member Monticello School Board (13 years)
Volunteer positions: >Monticello Lions - six years, Washington Reformation Church - 35 years with two years on the Finance Committee.
1. Why are you running? >
I'm experienced. I've been in business; I'm a business person. I have experience with money. I've been in the community so long and have been civilly active.
2. What is the most pressing issue facing the county and what are your plans to address it? >
The most pressing is in Human Services with our aging population, how we're going to service and take care of them. That was one reason for the Justice Center, to make more room for Human Services.
3. Why should people vote for you over your opponent? >
I work well with the other board members; they're all very nice. And I have four years of experience on the board. It's been a learning experience; I've had four years to learn what's going on.
4. What is your stance on residential and commercial/industrial development?>
It's another problem. We need more business and need to keep the businesses going that are in the county. As for residential - there are a lot of plans in place. I don't believe in sprawl all over, but in some guidelines.
5. What is your particular area of expertise or interest in county government?>
Agriculture, extension and land. I was on the Extension Committee my first year. Also the Parks, Land Records and Zoning committees during my first term. This term I am on the Land Conservation and Tri-County Trails committees. I like to change committees and see how the others operate.