Leader Staff
Voters in Shawano County Board District 2 have a three-person race on the primary ballot Tuesday.
The top two finishers will advance to the April 5 election to decide who represents the district for the next two years as county supervisor.
The candidates are incumbent Patrick Hoffman and challengers Mark Bolin and Wesley Bucholz.
County supervisors are paid $75 per meeting.
District 2, which includes generally the west side of Shawano, was represented by Supervisor Ronald Kupper until Kupper died last May after a long battle with cancer. The County Board in June appointed Hoffman to serve out the remainder of the term.
Here are the three candidates in the race, based on information they provided in a questionnaire:
Name: Mark Bolin
Age: 44
Address: 415 W. Wescott Ave, Shawano
Family: Wife, Gina, and two children, Brandon and Ethan
Employment: Self-employed, Bolin’s Speedy T’s and Custom Graphics; former PepsiCo district sales manager, 16 years
Education: University of Phoenix online; Heritage Christian High School, Milwaukee
Experience (elected office only): None
Community involvement: Youth baseball coach for eight years; Shawano Youth League Board of Directors for six years.
Why are you interested in serving on the Shawano County Board? I have always wanted to give back and serve, which is something that I do with my business, but I wanted to broaden my service to more than just to my customers and be more community-based. I think with my business background and my love for the community, in which I have raised a family, it would be a great opportunity to help bring new ideas to the County Board.
What is the most significant current issue facing the county? Development for business and expanding our tourist base. Shawano County is a great place to work, play and raise a family. I want to see that continue for future generations and make Shawano County a place that our graduating classes want to return to and start their career or start a family.
What is your opinion of the county’s current budget and property tax levy? I do not have an opinion on current budget and property tax levy at this time. I will not go into this position with a biased opinion. I will, however, make sure that our tax dollars are spent wisely. I will always review where we as a county can save taxpayer dollars, but also look for wise investments and make sure we are building a future.
Do you favor eliminating, adding or expanding any specific programs in the county? As stated previously, I am not running for County Board with a specific agenda. I will review all information with an open mind and make a decision based on facts and whether or not the taxpayer money or program is being used wisely and efficient.
If you could change one thing about Shawano County government, what would it be? Shawano County government should always be transparent and I believe we can do a better job communicating with the public on the vision we have for Shawano County. County Board meetings should be held at times when people from the public can attend and give input. I believe technology can help Shawano County be more efficient, which in turn will help our taxpayers and the county save money long-term and stay informed.
Name: Wesley Bucholz
Age: 77
Address: 1105 S. Franklin St., Shawano
Family: Spouse, Joyce, and three children, Wes, Craig and Dennis
Employment: Retired
Education: High school diploma
Experience (elected office only): None
Community involvement: Shawano Senior Citizens Commission; past president of AARP; AMVETS, Legion; AARP
Why are you interested in serving on the Shawano County Board? I have always had interest in the Shawano County Board. I study the atlas and plat book often and know Shawano County very well. All my adult life I had someone on the Shawano County Board to keep me informed.
What is the most significant current issue facing the county? To sell or not to sell county land farm in the Township of Belle Plaine.
What is your opinion of the county’s current budget and property tax levy? I think the members of the Shawano County Board are doing a good job. I would fit in very well with my conservative views and common sense.
Do you favor eliminating, adding or expanding any specific programs in the county? Help the rural area in every way we can. Also try to get more industry and jobs in the towns and cities.
If you could change one thing about Shawano County government, what would it be? Try to get more input from the young and old citizens in Shawano County.
Name: Patrick Hoffman
Age: 49
Address: 508 S Smalley St. Shawano
Family: Six children, Alex, Liz, Matt, Christine, Tim and Ben
Employment: Hoffman Wood Fiber since 1992
Education: University of Wisconsin-Green Bay; BYU
Experience: Shawano County Board, appointed, June-present
Community involvement: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormon) in the Young Men’s program; Cub Scouts; Boy Scouts; youth soccer
Why are you interested in serving on the Shawano County Board? I am interested in politics, have been for years. I think the board can use my decidedly constitutional-leaning perspective at times.
What is the most significant current issue facing the county? The most significant issue facing local government is always budgetary concerns.
What is your opinion of the county’s current budget and property tax levy? The current budget and tax levy is too high; government spending is always too much. That being said, the difficult task is to find places to responsibly cut spending within the things mandated by the federal and state governments.
Do you favor eliminating, adding or expanding any specific programs in the county? Again, see the above question and answer.
If you could change one thing about Shawano County government, what would it be? Wishfully thinking, I would cut in half the number of County Board seats.