Seven of the 31 races are contested, as many as County Clerk Mike Doyle can remember at the same time.
Starting today, the Times will present profiles of the candidates in the contested races. Today's profiles are on candidates in contested races in Districts 4, 6, 11 and 16.
In District 6, which consists of Ward 6 in the city of Monroe, incumbent Michael Furgal squares off against Stewart Strait.
MICHAEL FURGAL (INCUMBENT)>
Age: >68
Occupation: >Retired
Lived in district: >Been a county supervisor since 1989
Offices held: >Member of the Wisconsin Counties Association and has served on several committees with that organization
Volunteer positions: >Active in the Veterans of Foreign Wars; former post, district and state commander of the VFW; serves on Sen. Russ Feingold's Veteran Advisory Committee
1. Why are you running? >
I've served my country since 1959 (when he jointed the Marines). I want to continue to serve.
2. What is the most pressing issue facing the county? What would you do to solve it? >
The economy. We've got to do something about bringing higher-paying jobs to the county. We also have to increase our educational base. I think Blackhawk Tech is doing a great job. We also need to improve our infrastructure.
3. Why should people vote for you?>
Because I will continue to do a good job.
4. What is your view of commercial/residential development?>
We need managed growth. We have to be able to grow and manage that growth.
5. What is your particular area of expertise or interest that you can bring to county government? >
Experience in all areas of county government.
STEWART STRAIT>
Age: >68
Occupation: >Retired
Lived in district: >30 years
Offices held: >None
Volunteer positions: >Involved with the Green County Historical Society and a volunteer at St. John's United Church of Christ
1. Why are you running? >
I think we need more of a voice of the people when there are big issues to decide. The present County Board doesn't listen to the people and I think that's wrong. I believe the historic buildings in our county need help. I believe the people in the county should decide when an historic building is abandoned or torn down. History is important to me and to many others in the county. I also believe we need a fiscally responsible county government.
2. What is the most pressing issue facing the county? What would you do to solve it?>
I don't think the county can afford a $20 million debt. We can't live from hand to mouth. The county has to rein in spending. Why are we building more than we need?
3. Why should people vote for you? >
I think we need change. People aren't being told what's going on in the county. Go to a county board meeting and they don't want to listen to you. We need to ask questions and slow down.
4. What is your view of commercial/residential development? > We don't have enough commercial development. I'm talking about industry that will pay decent wages. A family can't live in Monroe with only one income.
5. What is your particular area of expertise or interest that you can bring to county government? >My interest is when they tell the people the Justice Center won't cost them anything. To build something you need the money for it. They're counting on the sales tax. I'm going to want answers. I want them to tell me how it's not going to cost me anything. Watch your pennies and your dollars will take care of themselves.