Scott Williams, swilliams@wolfrivermedia.com
Shawano County Board District 8 incumbent Rosetta Stern is seeking re-election April 5 in a contest with challenger John Krizan.
Stern is a former county clerk who is seeking her eighth term on the County Board, while Krizan is a self-employed farmer making his first entry into local politics.
District 8 is north of the city of Shawano and includes Ward 3 and 4 in the town of Wescott.
The Shawano Leader posed three questions to each of the candidates. Here are their responses:
Why are you interested in serving on the Shawano County Board?
Krizan: I was asked to run by a local citizens group. My main reason for running for County Board is simply to become involved with local government and to use my life experience to try and better serve the taxpayer.
Stern: My years of employment with Shawano County enriched my interests in people. As a supervisor, we are serving by providing sources to help them.
What is your opinion of the county’s current budget and property tax levy?
Krizan: Plenty enough already. I know what it is like to try and come up with thousands of dollars for property taxes despite what current farm or timber prices are … the government always demands their share regardless.
Stern: Prior to creation of a separate finance department, the budget, payrolls and all associated record-keeping was done in the clerk’s office. As a member of the finance committee, that experience has been a bonus for me. With mandated tax levies, department expenses are scrutinized for everyday needs and anticipated increases for specific purposes. As requests are evaluated, occasionally they are reduced, postponed or not included until they can be financially supported.
If you could change one thing about Shawano County government, what would it be?
Krizan: I would like to see some of the zoning regulations loosened or eliminated. I admit I am a novice in this venture, so I am going to refrain from making any bold policy statements; instead, if I am lucky enough to be elected, I intend to listen and learn and use my own judgment based on my personal values of hard work, loyalty and responsibility.
Stern: To encourage taxpayers to become more involved. Talk to your supervisors, ask questions. You pay for these supervisors. We have access to information via resolutions, ordinances, statutory requirements. Example: The recent resolution regarding sale of county-owned land was not passed because the taxpayers voiced not only opposition, but gave good and logical reasons why the county should not sell.