MARINETTE – During the spring election on April 7 there will be two open seats — District 15 and District 22 — on the Marinette County Board.
The candidates for District 15 are Glenn Broderick and incumbent David Podoski. The candidates for District 22 are incumbent David R Buechler and Trygve A. Rhude.
In an effort to give all candidates an opportunity to present their approach to the county board position, the Peshtigo Times reached out to candidates with a questionnaire form.
In district order, responses from Podoski, Buechler and Rhude can be found in this issue. Broderick was unable to be reached after multiple attempts.
Why are you running to retain this position?
There are many important issues coming up in the next year. I want to make sure my district is well represented and vote according to their wishes and needs.
If re-elected, what will be your top priorities?
Economic development , property taxes and housing are the most asked questions in my district. Making decisions that benefit the most residents is important.
What is your approach to handling complex issues?
Listen to all sides of the issue and make the decision on what benefits the majority of the resident’s.
How will you involve residents in the decision making process?
I am always available by phone or e-mail to answer any questions or issues residents may have. I will attend any local meetings if needed.
Why are you running to retain this position?
I am running to retain my elected position because I truly enjoy serving the people of Marinette County. When residents reach out with concerns or problems, it is very rewarding to be able to assist them and help find solutions. I value being accessible and responsive to the community, and I appreciate the trust people place in me.
I also enjoy the challenges that come with the role and remain committed to continuing this work on behalf of our county.
If re-elected, what will be your top priorities?
If re-elected, my top priorities will be keeping taxes affordable for all residents while ensuring that essential services remain strong and accessible for both taxpayers and visitors to Marinette County.
I am also committed to working collaboratively to identify a practical and beneficial long-term solution for the UW-Center—one that serves our community’s needs without placing any additional financial burden on our residents.
What is your approach to handling complex issues?
My approach to handling complex issues begins with gathering accurate and complete information. I believe it’s important to listen carefully to those who are directly involved and those most affected, ensuring all perspectives are considered.
From there, I focus on what is in the best interest of Marinette County as a whole. By encouraging open discussion and thoughtful input, I work toward making well-informed, balanced decisions that serve our community effectively.
How will you involve residents in the decision making process?
I believe residents should have a voice in the decisions that impact their community. I encourage people in my district to reach out to me directly to discuss issues facing Marinette County, and I make it a priority to take the time to listen to their concerns and ideas.
Open communication is essential, and I am committed to considering resident input carefully and reflecting those perspectives when making decisions and casting my votes.
Why are you running for this position?
I previously served on the County Board and enjoyed working with the residence of District 22. It is often said that being an elected official is a thankless job, I never thought that. In the past two years I have attended many Board and committee meetings. I have followed the agendas, looked into issues that may affect those of us living in District 22, and have voiced my opinions at many committee and Board meetings.
I would like to continue to serve the people of Marinette County and specifically the residents of Supervisory District 22.
If elected, I will have the opportunity to be part of the discussion concerning the future of the U.W. Marinette Campus. My experience as a businessman and background as a lifetime resident of Marinette County, including my role with local volunteer and community organizations will serve me well as a member of the County Board.
If elected, what will be your top priorities?
Marinette County is under pressure to find ways to balance its budget and still meet its responsibilities to provide the infrastructure and services residents depend on. I will urge the Administration to increase efficiency by providing services in cooperation with other local governments.
The County should join forces with other Counties and ask the State to distribute the five billion of surplus to local governments and find a way to make the shared revenue distributed more equitable thereby reducing property taxes.
Additional ways to save taxpayer dollars:
Protecting and improving the Counties recreational opportunities which provide tourist sales tax dollars.
Continue to manage and improve our County forest lands which are a large source of income for the county.
Manage the fund balance so that it continues to provide interest income to the County.
Look at employee positions and do not fill those that are not absolutely necessary.
What is your approach to handling complex issues?
Having belonged to many stakeholder groups and dealing with employees and customers as a business owner I have learned to listen and take into consideration all sides of an issue.
Concentrating on the issue at hand rather than personalities helps keep discussion and debate focused and less controversial. Listening to constituents, doing the research and gathering the facts is key to making good decisions.
How will you involve residents in the decision-making process?
Listening, and encouraging public participation in county government is the first step in making county government accountable. I am willing to talk with, and listen to, the people that elect me. The more I learn, the better representative I will be.
As a previous board member I have notified and encouraged residents to attend committee and board meetings when I know it’s something that they have an interest in. I have continued to do this even while not being a County Board Supervisor.
I will respond to all contacts from constituents in a timely manner as I have done in the past. And, I will encourage all who work and serve the people of Marinette County to be transparent, engaged and respectful of the governing process.
I can be reached at rhudetrygve@gmail.com.
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