Todd Larson
Age: 61 Hometown: Rural Blanchardville District: 25
Any other public service?
I have a very extensive record of public service dating all the way back to high school, when I served as student rep on the School Board. To individually list all prior public service would be too lengthy for present purposes — for anyone interested, most of that information is available online.
Locally, in recent years, I have served as volunteer at the Monroe Clinic Hospice Home (with my fabulous certified therapy dog Boudu), as fundraiser and Board member at the Green County Humane Society, and as Member of the York Township Plan Commission.
At present I also serve as Governor’s Appointee on the Wisconsin Humanities Council, and Representative of the Alumni Affairs Council of Carleton College.
I served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Togo, West Africa after college and before law and grad schools.
I served for twenty years, all over the world, as international civil servant with the United Nations (UN), in a variety of capacities.
I served as Senior Presidential Appointee in DC for one presidential term, after retiring from the UN.
What do you most want the county board to address in the near future? (75 words or less):
I commit to the basics: clean water, safe roads, good health care / education, fair taxes.
I will promote dialogue among diverse demographics, with many of the same goals and common duty to plan for the future. My career at the UN prepared me well for such negotiation.
When elected, the first thing I will do is establish ongoing means for (a) residents to provide input, and (b) me to report back on Board actions.
What are you most proud of about Green County: ?(75 words)
I am very proud of Green County — our beautiful and unspoiled land, diverse populations, and open minded, welcoming attitudes. Plus, our amenities are unparalleled, even as compared with large urban centers. I am perhaps most proud of our demonstrated civic pride. Whilst originally from the area, as an adult I have lived all over the world — and never witnessed anything similar. I will work to keep District 25 the best place to live, period.
Erica Roth
Age: 47 Hometown: Clawson, MI District: 24
Time on the County Board. If any: 6 years
Any other public service? I have served and currently serve on several boards including South Western Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission, Wisconsin Farmers Union — South Central Chapter, and South Central Wisconsin Hemp Cooperative.
What do you most want the county board to address in the near future? (75 words or less)
One of the issues currently at the forefront is the use of the ARPA funds at the county level. Broadband in the county, as well as more zoning code updates — specifically for wind and solar power siting — would be largely beneficial to the residents of Green County also.
What are you most proud of about Green County: (75 words)
There is a lot to be proud of about Green County but I think it is the people of Green County to be most proud of. The residents of Green County ARE our community, our friends, our neighbors. Theses are the people who make the changes to move us forward while upholding traditions and celebrating our unique culture. These are the people who are dedicated to making Green County the great place it is, those who work and live here making it a welcoming and robust community.
Kurt Schafer
Age: 65 Hometown: Albany (Township), WI
District: Green County District 24
Any other public service?
I have been a member of the Albany Lions Club going on eight years, since we moved to the township. I served as Lions Club President for three years and I currently serve on the Board of Directors as Immediate Past President.
I am also a veteran of the United States Navy.
What do you most want the county board to address in the near future? (75 words or less)
As I have knocked on doors and spoken with the residents of District #24, many of them don’t know how county government is structured and operates. I think that the county board needs to communicate more effectively with residents and explore ways to reduce bureaucratic overreach / spending.
What are you most proud of about Green County: (75 words)
I am proud of how the citizens and businesses of Green County have been able to endure and persevere through the stresses and strictures to which they have been subjected over the past two years.
I will be proud to represent all residents of District #24 at the county level and to be accountable to them.
Russ Torkelson
Age: 70 Hometown: Rural Monticello District 18
Any other public service? 20 years on the county board, Monticello School Board
What do you most want the county board to address in the near future? (75 words or less)
Most of the problems could be solved if we could find that money tree. We have excellent employers I wish we could find money to pay better wages. We’re not keeping up with inflation.
We’ve been doing an excellent job of upgrading county facilities, but we need a new highway shop our shop was built in 1938 and it is very outdated and dangerous.
What are you most proud of about Green County: (75 words)
The work ethic of the employers of the county. It is a non-partisan form of government in the county, we can talk things over and get things done. I’ve met so many good people and made so many good friends. We’re always working to keep taxes as low as possible.
Melissa Even
Age: 52 Hometown: Monroe District: 2
Any other public service?
I have not held any other office but I am a Member (treasurer) of the City Of Monroe Redevelopment Authority, Green County Healthy Community Coalition (Steering Committee), Green County Family YMCA Board (VP) Member Monroe Women’s Club.
What do you most want the county board to address in the near future? (75 words or less)
Of course one never knows what is most critical until one has access to the inner workings.
A common matter that we are faced with county wide is adequate housing and development in all markets. Senior housing, affordable housing and market priced housing to attract and retain our valuable and talented workforce affects us county-wide. This situation is not unique to Green County so we should find successes from other communities and work to replicate them. I am aware that we have many issues that can not be resolved with swift action so working together to identify primary issues that are causing multiple county-wide limitations would be a great starting point.
What are you most proud of about Green County? (75 words)
I am most proud of the global reputation that Green County has developed in producing the best cheeses and dairy products in the world. Having the highest concentration of Master Cheese Makers in Green County has not come by accident. We have amazing natural resources and we use them carefully to continue the advancement of the agricultural industry.
Green County is a community of volunteers and doers. We have so much to be thankful for at the hands and minds of committed volunteers.
Jonathon F. Rupp
Hometown: Monroe District: 2
Any other public service?
This is a non-partisan position. I feel that I have many qualifications that are worthy of fulfilling this position if elected April 5. I’m a 1966 graduate of Monroe High School and have basically lived in Green County for close to 70 years of my life. I graduated from MATC in 1971 from the Architectural Drafting Class. I also graduated in 1992 from MATC for their Real Estate Appraisal class and made the Dean’s list. I served for 9 years at the Zwingli United Church of Christ in Monticello as a consistory member. I am also a past congregational president. I served two terms on the Green County Historical Society Board of directors and I was also the board president for a year. I have worked at Colony Brands for 28 years and continue to work full-time.
I am a Green County Civil War Historian. I have become heavily involved with the Col. Hans C. Heg Camp #15 (Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War). I (our family) had 6 family members that fought in the Civil War for the Union cause. I strongly urge you to vote for me on April 5th or to consider me.
Isaiah Carlson
Age: 20 Hometown: Sylvester Township District: 16
Any other public service?
Election poll worker; Music volunteer in Green County nursing homes for over 12 years.
What do you most want the county board to address in the near future? (75 words or less)
I would like the Board to boldly examine how its ordinances and policies affect small businesses and farms. Entrepreneurs are the heart of Green County, and too many are struggling and going out of business. The solution starts locally, by listening to business owners on how to make County restrictions simpler and County policies better for businesses.
Further, the County should cooperate closely with Townships to address residents’ concerns regarding clean water and road budgeting.
What are you most proud of about Green County: (75 words)
I am proud of Green County’s focus on family and community. Having lived almost my entire life in Green County, I was instilled with the importance of being thoughtful towards others and being happy to help a friend or neighbor. When I started attending Township, School, and County Board meetings, I became impressed with Green County citizens’ expectation that leaders always treat each other respectfully. I am honored to learn from the Green County community.
Michael L Furgal
Age: 83 Hometown: Monroe District: 6
Time on County Board: 33 years
Any other public service: Post, District, and State Commander, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW); State CEO/CFO, VFW; State Legislative Committee, VFW; South Central Library Board of Trustees; Taxation and Finance Steering Committee, Wisconsin Counties Association; Wisconsin County Mutual Insurance Corporation Board of Directors; Preliminary Review Committee, Office of Lawyer Regulation, Wisconsin Supreme Court; Southwestern Wisconsin Community Action Program Board of Directors; Council on Veterans Programs of the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs; and Green County Aging and Disability Resource Center Committee
What do you most want the county board to address in the near future?
The jail and our roads and bridges need to be brought up to modern day standards. I will strive to find a way to accomplish this without increasing the tax levy.
What are you most proud of abut Green County?
I am proud of the way the County Board of Supervisors collaboratively work together for the good of the county taxpayers. Our committee system works because we have open meetings and listen to our constituents.
Sue Nelson
Age: 66 Hometown: Kenosha, WI.
Resident of Green County since January 1979
District: Current District 14; Redistricted to District 10
Any other public service: Current term County Board Supervisor
What do you most want the county board to address in the near future?
To continue on the path of economic development to ensure a bright future for Green County including advancing more opportunities for Agricultural Tourism and other business endeavors for rural land owners to ensure they thrive and sustain our communities.
What are you most proud of about Green County:
The traditions of our county are so rich from our dairy farm heritage to the lifelong commitment of neighbors-helping-neighbors to the incredible determination of our Green County workforce, it would be my honor to represent District 10 to expand upon the work of retiring supervisor Oscar Olson.
Brenda Carus
District: 7
Any other public service?
Amplifying regional arts and opportunities for all our children led me to serve on the boards of the Monroe Theatre Guild and Shakespeare on the Edge, as well as found the Stateline Homeschoolers, a local parent-led educational group running for nearly twenty years. I value our local economy, inspiring me to serve on the Monroe Main Street Economic Restructuring Committee and step up to be Treasurer for Heartland Threads Fibershed, a non-profit championing local fiber.
What do you most want the county board to address in the near future? (75 words or less)
Land use will be an important issue: how can we as a community balance our agricultural needs with the business and residential development necessary for economic growth? As a Monroe business owner who grew up on a Wisconsin dairy farm, I understand both perspectives and the need for collaborative solutions. Smart fiscal policy is also crucial given the challenges our local governments now bear due to tax levy limitations imposed without increased state revenue sharing.
What are you most proud of about Green County? (75 words)
Green County has a strong, vibrant small business community, crucial for providing jobs and opportunities for current and future residents. This is a visionary county, actively working to prevent rural brain drain and proactively cultivating communities where people want to live now and for years to come. We work together to improve our infrastructure in the traditional sense as well as technological infrastructure and crucial support services like child care.
Name: Kristi Leonard
Age: 61 Hometown: Blanchardville
District: Previously District 25, due to County supervisor redistricting my home is now in District 14
Time on the County Board. If any: 9 years
Any other public service?
Pecatonica Area Schools Board of Education. I am an active member in many community and civic groups.
What do you most want the county board to address in the near future? (75 words or less)
The full county board will be voting on the Green County allotment of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) is Intended to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, including the public health and economic impacts- give aid to states and local governments. The use of these one-time funds is very important to potential projects that will positively impact households and residents of Green County.
What are you most proud of about Green County: (75 words)
Say cheese! Green County is home to the only Limburger factory in the United States — we remain famous for our Swiss heritage and ethnic cuisine, colorful festivals, and tasty local brews perfectly paired with award-winning cheese. Enjoy the scenery along the way along our well-kept rural county roads! Natural resources, conservation practices and environmental enhancement activities abound within county boundaries. Green County is a great place to live and work!
Jody Hoesly
Age: 61 Hometown: Town of New Glarus District: 26
Time on the County Board. If any: 4
Any other public service:
● New Glarus Public Library trustee for over 10 years
● New Glarus RoboKnights coach for over 5 years
What do you most want the county board to address in the near future? (75 words or less)
1. Broadband — Work with providers and funders to make Broadband more accessible, resilient, competitive and affordable for Green County residents and businesses
2. ARPA Projects — Allocate ARPA funding for projects that we can look back on with pride.
3. Capital Improvements — Develop a long term borrowing plan to fund facility improvements while trying to minimize impact on taxes.
What are you most proud of about Green County: (75 words)
The dedicated, talented, and innovative people who:
● Help to share our Swiss heritage and old world traditions
● Provide locally sourced foods and products
● Support local initiatives that improve our communities
Joe Snow
Age: 61 Hometown: Columbus, WI District: 3
Time on board: 4 years
Other public service: Retired 35 year veteran of the fire service, serve on the Green County Law Enforcement and Emergency Services committee, member of the Monroe Morning Optimists Club, Pleasant View Nursing Home volunteer, member of the Brodhead Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 431, coordinator of the chapter’s EAA youth aviation program known as “Young Eagles”
What do you most want the county board to address in the near future? (75 words or less)
Restoration of the historic County Courthouse. I feel that this grand structure is a vital part of our local history and economy, and must be preserved for future generations. More financial resources will need to be secured, and the board will be tasked to accomplish this in resourceful and creative ways with minimal impact to the taxpayers, and to inspire community involvement and support.
What are you most proud of about Green County: (75 words)
The overwhelming generosity, community involvement and support of its residents in all her communities. I’m also very inspired by the dedication the board members by being good stewards of our resources, and handling difficult issues with civility and dignity.
Thank you for this opportunity to share my views and passions with you. It is an honor and a privilege to serve.
Kathy Pennington
Age: 61 Hometown: Brooklyn District: 31
Any other public service?: Currently, serving as Chairperson, Town of Brooklyn and member of the Green County Broadband Ad-Hoc committee.
What do you most want the county board to address in the near future? (75 words or less)
To ensure a bright future for everyone by addressing issues impacting our communities. Particulary imperative are the short-term needs, most notably internet shortfalls as well as long term objectives of expanding our economic development and allocating resources to improve our infrastructure from roads to schools.
What are you most proud of about Green County? (75 words)
All of our pride is rooted in securing Green County’s future for us, our neighbors and our children. This is why I applaud the important work that the Green County Board has done to date to grow our county’s economy. There is much more work that can be done and I am inspired to work with this resourceful board to continue the forward momentum as a county supervisor. Our collective goal is certainly to sustain our county economically while safeguarding our pride in our rural heritage and rich agricultural traditions.