Scott Williams, swilliams@wolfrivermedia.com
A former top Shawano County government employee is stepping forward to challenge the incumbent supervisor April 5 in Shawano County Board District 20.
Supervisor Richard Giese is seeking his eighth term in a contest with Tom Madsen, who served as the county’s administrative coordinator from 2012 to 2014.
District 20 covers the entire village of Gresham, as well as Ward 1 in the town of Herman and Ward 2 in the town of Red Springs.
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?
Giese: I enjoy serving on the Shawano County Board of supervisors and representing my district. Residents throughout the county sure have different thoughts and beliefs. We discuss and collectively try to come up with a decision that best represents the whole county.
Madsen: I have been involved in local government for over 30 years. During most of that time, I have held positions of leadership, and for almost three years I served as Shawano County’s administrative coordinator. I believe I have a unique perspective on county government and would like to take that experience and knowledge to continue to serve the people of Shawano County.
What is your opinion of the county’s current budget and property tax levy?
Giese: All county departments work hard on keeping the budgets down. Although the finance department does a good job with this, it is unfortunate our tax levy did increase this year due to a very large library bill that came from another county. We have spoken to state representatives to correct this issue in the future.
Madsen: This is a fiscally conservative county government and very aware of spending. The budget for 2016 was completed on time and looks a lot like last year’s. Future budgets are dependent on mandates we have no control over. The state has put limits on how much local governments can tax, therefore, the tax levy is set. Unfunded mandates are a concern. Local governments should have more control over programs, especially unfunded mandates.
If you could change one thing about Shawano County government, what would it be?
Giese: Night meetings. I believe more people would attempt to run for County Board if it didn’t affect their full-time jobs.
Madsen: The divisions within the County Board would be a start. There are too many closed meetings and no record of what transpired at those secretive meetings. That has to end. I believe we should look at combining some of the standing committees as a way of saving money and becoming more efficient. Also, evening meetings would benefit and open county government to all.