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Election Coverage 2024 -
Dillon Gray -
Joan Kapp -
John Jarvis -
Gene Wedde -
Mark Kerschner -
Anna Villarreal Garbis
Body
Waushara County residents in District 4, 6, and 11 have opposition and will have two candidates each on the ballot for April 2nd. The candidates are, Dillon Gray, and Joan Kapp in District 4, John Jarvis and Gene Wedde in District 6, and Mark Kerschner and Anna Villarreal Garbis in District 11. The following is a closer look into the candidates:
Dillon Gray
District #4 – Village of Redgranite Wards I & II, Town of Leon, Ward IV, Town of Warren, Ward II
What inspired you to run for Waushara County Board? Several members of the Redgranite Community requested that I would run. Plus seeing the positive changes made by the village boards decisions has been very encouraging.
What qualifications and skills do you bring to the table? I have a lengthy history of managing people and building teams. I have a strong background is process improvement and eliminating waste. I enjoy building relationships and promoting teamwork along-side making hard decisions that benefit the people around me.
What do you believe is the most pressing issues facing the county? There is not enough for our minors to do. We have parks that are more geared towards the infants and younger kids, but we really have nothing for the teenagers. This causes them to get into more trouble. We have the quarry in Redgranite, but that is one thing. Wautoma has the Treehouse and some youth group programs, but that’s it. We need to ensure there is activities that help them make connections so that they don’t get routed into situations that keep our police busy instead.
What do you enjoy most about living in Waushara County? I have traveled the world for the military and have lived in different states. But at the end of the day, moving back to this area is the best choice I made. Our community in Waushara County is very family driven. Having kids and having them grow up in that type of environment is something that I am proud of. Do you believe in strategic planning? What do you see as the benefits?
Strategic planning is critical for anything you do. If you don’t, there is a good possibility that something is going to be overlooked. The further out you start this process, the greater the chance that everything will be covered or at least looked at.
What areas of the county interest you the most? I run a business in Wautoma, but I am definitely set on Redgranite. We started the Quarry committee last year and have already created 1 festival that was a great opportunity for everyone. To see all the different people that donated time, money and resources to making that happen was amazing. It just shows what potential Redgranite has.
Joan Kapp
District #4 -Village of Redgranite Wards I & II, Town of Leon, Ward IV, Town of Warren, Ward II
What inspired you to run for Waushara County Board? I want to help and make a difference in county government.
What qualifications and skills do you bring to the table? I have attended board meetings for the last two years and I know what is happening in Waushara County Government. I am a Wautoma High School graduate and have always been community minded.
What do you believe are the most pressing issues facing the county? Working to keep taxes down for the taxpayers. Showing support for all departments within the county.
What do you enjoy most about living in Waushara County?
I like the fact that it is centrally located. It is a beautiful county and I will work with government to keep it that way. We also have many lakes and streams that benefit our residents and visitors.
Do you believe in strategic planning? What do you see as the benefits? I believe you have to start with a first point to get to the foreseeable end. You always need a starting point and see the end result. I believe planning ahead for any department is vital to keeping the departments running smoothly and keeping costs in control. What areas of the county interest you the most? I believe we have an excellent park system, highway department, and zoning. I believe in maintaining Waushara County to keep it the beautiful county it is.
John Jarvis
District 6 – Town of Marion, Ward I, Town of Mt. Morris, Wards I & II, Town of Wautoma, Ward III
What inspired you to run for Waushara County Board? Having been appointed in the Fall of 2019, my first election was in 2020. As a new board member, I was skeptical, believing that there was a vast amount of wasted spending at all levels of government. My eyes were certainly opened in one of my first committee assignments, the transportation coordinating committee. It was so inspiring to watch our Aging and Disability Director Debbie Paavola, Veterans Service Director Bill Rosenau and several folks from our Human Services department all work together to fulfill the transportation needs of our disadvantaged residents. These county employees were not only budget minded but passionate, leaving no stone unturned, finding ways to transport people to doctors appointments, work or even trips to do their shopping. This is only one example, but the theme stays constant no matter the committee I serve on, our county workers are not only mindful of their resources, but they are determined to make them stretch to best serve the people of Waushara County. This is what inspires me most about serving on the County Board.
What qualifications and skills do you bring to the table? I have lived and worked my entire life in Waushara County. As a business owner, I have been faced with many of the same challenges that I am also faced with on the county board. I have had many leadership roles on numerous state and local committees since returning from college and taking over my family’s business. These life experiences have given me the skills to be a productive county board supervisor. Every decision made by county committees has consequences that affect different segments of our community. For this reason alone, I feel it is of utmost importance to be extremely thoughtful and diligent when determining the best course of action. As a member of the Waushara County Board, I understand it is necessary to be mindful of the needs of Waushara County as this will only strengthen our community into the future.
What do you believe are the most pressing issues facing the county? There are numerous issues that we will face in Waushara County, but there are three that I feel that will need extra attention in the future.
First, is the cost and availability of adequate childcare. There are many younger workers in Waushara County. We need to find opportunities to develop and support new childcare options which are affordable for our young workforce. Secondly, is developing affordable housing. I feel it is necessary for us to examine existing rules and barriers. Finding ways to make a starter home affordable, based upon regional wages. Finally, we need to finish the fiber optic project, providing affordable high-speed internet to all corners of Waushara County. The use of broadband is important everywhere, but it is becoming increasingly relevant to rural entrepreneurs and would certainly boost rural economic growth.
What do you enjoy most about living in Waushara County? Like many of the residents of Waushara County, I enjoy and appreciate the intense sense of community this area offers. Regardless of the event, softball games, church socials, area festivals, county fair or our Freedom Fest, all are very well supported. Likewise, when there is a more tragic event, such as the pallet fire in Richford, residents drop what they are doing to lend a hand in any way possible.
Waushara County is also bursting with outdoor activities. Skiing, fishing, golf or hunting, our county offers it all in abundance. I genuinely appreciate the charm of small-town living and the welcoming atmosphere of the local communities, which make up Waushara County.
Do you believe in strategic planning? What do you see as the benefits? Strategic planning is especially important and that is why I worked to have it developed into a standing committee within our county. It is a highly effective exercise to, not only, chart a course for the future but help to keep all involved on a uniform trajectory.
Strategic planning offers many benefits on a day-to-day basis and the fulfillment of future goals. On a departmental level a strategic plan can remind everyone within that department of the overall goals and bring them back to those goals and keep them in line when making future decisions. Many divisions of the county also work in conjunction with one another, so by using this planning process, these types of collaborations will also be unified. The Waushara County Strategic Planning Committee has developed a mission and vision statement supported by five pillars, which every department then uses in developing their own plan, again keeping the continuity.
Strategic planning lays out a roadmap within a department and allows staff transitions to become much more seamless. Structuring the necessary duties, safety plans and protocols, along with planning for future capital improvement, enabling an employee to quickly become familiar with their department.
What areas of the county interest you the most? The areas that interest me most are budgeting and collaboration. I am amazed at the dedication of our county workers and our board of supervisors being meticulous in finding ways to stretch budgets while still delivering first-rate services. Budgets continue to shrink, and the unfunded mandates keep growing, so it is imperative that we exhaust every avenue, finding the best, most cost-effective options available. Also, I recognize the need to collaborate both within the departments of our county and to pursue joint ventures with neighboring counties. Openly discussing and sharing advice with our neighbors, on common issues, is the collaboration, I feel is needed to move Waushara County forward.
Gene Wedde
District #6 Town of Marion Ward I, Town of Mt. Morris Wards I & II, Town of Wautoma Ward III
What inspired you to run for Waushara County Board? I was inspired to run for Waushara County Board while employed by the County. A discussion and possible motion action item relating to COVID policies affecting employees was on the County Board agenda. I, along with many other employees, was not in favor of the possible action and I chose to speak during public comment at that meeting. After my presentation, that former Board better understood the effects that their decision would have on the employees and voted against those policies. After that meeting, I felt that my presentation made a difference and I was compelled to attend future meetings. For the past two and a half years I have personally attended the majority of the County Board meetings, along with numerous Executive Committee, Buildings and Grounds Committee and a few other meetings. During that timeframe I have witnessed some decisions made by the Board that I feel do not align with the values of the majority of taxpaying citizens in Waushara County.
The building project was another inspiration. As a former Waushara County Buildings and Grounds employee I have first-hand knowledge of the condition of the current Courthouse. With the original structure nearing 100 years of age and the addition nearing 50 years of age, there are routine maintenance issues to consider. In the long run building a new Courthouse vs renovating the current one was the right decision. However, not the design that was chosen. The atrium is a non-value-added feature that was not needed. We now have a structure with a large area that will need to be heated, cooled and cleaned and contributes nothing to the day-to-day operations of our County Government. There also has been other wasteful spending in the building project that with proper oversight could have been corrected verses being passed onto the taxpayers. That all said, my biggest inspiration is I feel that I can make a positive difference in moving OUR County forward. I will do my best for the BEST people in Wisconsin!!!!!
What qualifications and skills do you bring to the table? My qualifications and skills would be that I have stepped forward and made the choice to serve Waushara County taxpaying citizens in a fiscally conservative way. During my 5-year tenure with Waushara County I was able to see how local Government works from the inside. With being a former employee, I’ve seen how decisions made by the Board affect day to day operations and by attending the Board meetings I better understand how they make those decisions. I feel with those qualifications it will help me to make the most educated decisions on all County matters AND with the taxpayers best interest in mind.
What do you believe is the most pressing issues facing the county? In speaking with many taxpaying residents, the number one concern is what will happen with their future property tax bills after the completion of the County building project and upcoming property reevaluations. Many residents have chosen Waushara County to call their home because the costs were less than where they relocated from. We all understand that a slight, annual tax increase to keep up with local services is part of owning property, but many in the Tri-County School District received a large increase in 2023. A minimal annual increase is manageable for most budgets, however, large increases are hard to absorb for most and especially in our current economy.
Another concern is lack of business and industry within our County. We need to attract investors in our communities that will provide employment and goods and services for our residents. When we achieve that goal then we can keep those tax dollars local and ease the tax burden on our residents.
Strong, local leadership is also a concern. With the recently vacated County Administrator position we now need to attract a qualified replacement. In my opinion, the new Administrator MUST have prior municipal management experience and be willing to reside within Waushara County. When we have that invested and dedicated candidate in place, it will help to restore stability in our County Government.
What do you enjoy most about living in Waushara County? I enjoy Waushara County for many reasons, the good people, the places to go and things to do. I also enjoy living away from all the hustle and bustle of the big cities. Waushara County has so much to offer with an excellent parks system, many beautiful lakes and streams, an extensive recreational trail system for hiking, biking, snowmobiling and ATV / UTV’s AND boasts “ The Biggest Little County Fair in Wisconsin”.
Do you believe in strategic planning? What do you see as the benefits? I have been involved in various forms of strategic planning in past manufacturing careers. Strategic planning can be a great tool in identifying and achieving future goals if properly implemented and monitored. Municipal strategic planning differs slightly as it requires community input and involvement to be successful. With the proper strategic plan in place, Waushara County can identify future needs and goals, properly and fiscally budget for those expenditures and have a more positive outcome with the taxpayers.
What areas of the county interest you the most? To properly and effectively serve as an elected County Board Supervisor you MUST be interested in each and every facet of the County. As a former employee I have had interaction with all departments and have a good understanding of their day-to-day operations. By personally attending County Board meetings I have heard many annual reports which are very informative and explain their roles and what they do for the County.
Mark Kerschner
District #11 – Town of Coloma, Ward I, Village of Coloma, Ward I, Town of Hancock, Ward I, Town of Richford, Ward I, Village of Hancock, Ward I
What inspired you to run for Waushara County Board? Seeing the building project finished. Being able to work with the different Departments to help serve our county residents better is vital. Working with residents in my district as well as residents in all of Waushara County.
What qualifications and skills do you bring to the table? I have been in business in Waushara County for many years and have a business background. I am able to work with people to help them with their concerns. I was Town of Coloma Chairman for 42 years and with the help of good board members have put the town in good financial standing.
What do you believe is the most pressing issues facing the county? The building project is the first thing to be finished which will make working conditions much better. Working with all county employees to create better working conditions. We have good Department heads their leadership is a plus.
What do you enjoy most about living in Waushara County? I enjoy Waushara County for what it offers good fishing, hunting, camping , snowmobile trails, ATV Trails, and we have great county park system. I enjoy working with people.
Do you believe in strategic planning? What do you see as the benefits? Yes, I feel it will help the county in the future planning. The more we can plan and look ahead the better it is for all our departments and our taxpayers.
What areas of the county interest you the most? The entire county interests me. I ‘m working on the following committees EMS, Sheriff’s Department, Highway and Parks , Buildings and Grounds I have worked on Zoning in the past. I have been of the Board Vice Chair for the past 12 years.
Anna Villarreal Garbis
District #11-Townships of Coloma. Hancock, Richford W-1, Villages of Coloma and Hancock
What inspired you to run for Waushara County Board? I would like to serve as the conduit for information going back to my district. I don’t think that exists right now. Transparency is key. District 11 deserves to have a channel through which information passes between board meetings back to our communities. Public Policy is so important because it affects all of us everyday individuals. Changes to public policy, big or small, affect us all. We deserve to know what is happening in the county seat. Representatives must speak for their constituents not just the business community.
What qualifications and skills do you bring to the table? I worked in commercial insurance until hedge funds and venture capitalists started buying up agencies. I decided I needed to do something different. I am now the Program Manager at CCLS – Creative Community Living Services in Stevens Point. We are a day center serving adults with developmental disabilities, mental illness, physical disabilities, and/ or functional limitations of advanced aging. We foster independence and design our services to meet the individual needs of our clients. I am also the treasurer for the Hancock Beach Restoration Board. We formed a couple of years ago to raise funds to bring our park and beach back to its former glory. We recently incorporated and are now in the process of forming a 501c3 for non-profit status to help in securing grants to further our cause.
What do you believe are the most pressing issues facing the county? 1. Economic development. We should be looking at providing incentives to attract small businesses into our area. 2. We need to find a way for owners to restore older buildings in our rural downtown areas that are now too cost prohibitive to upgrade. 3. For both of those reasons, rural communities need to have a seat at the table both in Madison and in Washington. We should be insisting that our lawmakers reinstate the White House Rural Council, with a focus on economic opportunity. This is crucial to elevating the issues that we face in our rural communities and forcing an ongoing commitment to rural economic development.
What do you enjoy most about living in Waushara County? I live in the Village of Hancock. I am truly fortunate to live in a lake community, so, along with my wonderful friends and neighbors, I am able to enjoy the beauty of the water, the birds and the animals here. I love hiking on all of the DNR land with my dog. It is so peaceful and beautiful. I am blessed.
Do you believe in strategic planning? What do you see as the benefits? Strategic planning has its benefits as long as there is an effective system for monitoring and evaluating progress. Clear, measurable goals need to be outlined to establish a sense of direction. Thoughtful planning for the future outlined in 5, 10, 20 and 50 year increments is essential. High percentages of strategic planning attempts are unsuccessful due to insufficient accountability, ineffective communication, inadequate planning, or lack of follow-up.
What areas of the county interest you the most? Revitalizing our downtown areas, bringing small businesses into our area, rural economic development and caring for our greenspaces.
Dillon Gray
District #4 – Village of Redgranite Wards I & II, Town of Leon, Ward IV, Town of Warren, Ward II
What inspired you to run for Waushara County Board? Several members of the Redgranite Community requested that I would run. Plus seeing the positive changes made by the village boards decisions has been very encouraging.
What qualifications and skills do you bring to the table? I have a lengthy history of managing people and building teams. I have a strong background is process improvement and eliminating waste. I enjoy building relationships and promoting teamwork along-side making hard decisions that benefit the people around me.
What do you believe is the most pressing issues facing the county? There is not enough for our minors to do. We have parks that are more geared towards the infants and younger kids, but we really have nothing for the teenagers. This causes them to get into more trouble. We have the quarry in Redgranite, but that is one thing. Wautoma has the Treehouse and some youth group programs, but that’s it. We need to ensure there is activities that help them make connections so that they don’t get routed into situations that keep our police busy instead.
What do you enjoy most about living in Waushara County? I have traveled the world for the military and have lived in different states. But at the end of the day, moving back to this area is the best choice I made. Our community in Waushara County is very family driven. Having kids and having them grow up in that type of environment is something that I am proud of. Do you believe in strategic planning? What do you see as the benefits?
Strategic planning is critical for anything you do. If you don’t, there is a good possibility that something is going to be overlooked. The further out you start this process, the greater the chance that everything will be covered or at least looked at.
What areas of the county interest you the most? I run a business in Wautoma, but I am definitely set on Redgranite. We started the Quarry committee last year and have already created 1 festival that was a great opportunity for everyone. To see all the different people that donated time, money and resources to making that happen was amazing. It just shows what potential Redgranite has.
Joan Kapp
District #4 -Village of Redgranite Wards I & II, Town of Leon, Ward IV, Town of Warren, Ward II
What inspired you to run for Waushara County Board? I want to help and make a difference in county government.
What qualifications and skills do you bring to the table? I have attended board meetings for the last two years and I know what is happening in Waushara County Government. I am a Wautoma High School graduate and have always been community minded.
What do you believe are the most pressing issues facing the county? Working to keep taxes down for the taxpayers. Showing support for all departments within the county.
What do you enjoy most about living in Waushara County?
I like the fact that it is centrally located. It is a beautiful county and I will work with government to keep it that way. We also have many lakes and streams that benefit our residents and visitors.
Do you believe in strategic planning? What do you see as the benefits? I believe you have to start with a first point to get to the foreseeable end. You always need a starting point and see the end result. I believe planning ahead for any department is vital to keeping the departments running smoothly and keeping costs in control. What areas of the county interest you the most? I believe we have an excellent park system, highway department, and zoning. I believe in maintaining Waushara County to keep it the beautiful county it is.
John Jarvis
District 6 – Town of Marion, Ward I, Town of Mt. Morris, Wards I & II, Town of Wautoma, Ward III
What inspired you to run for Waushara County Board? Having been appointed in the Fall of 2019, my first election was in 2020. As a new board member, I was skeptical, believing that there was a vast amount of wasted spending at all levels of government. My eyes were certainly opened in one of my first committee assignments, the transportation coordinating committee. It was so inspiring to watch our Aging and Disability Director Debbie Paavola, Veterans Service Director Bill Rosenau and several folks from our Human Services department all work together to fulfill the transportation needs of our disadvantaged residents. These county employees were not only budget minded but passionate, leaving no stone unturned, finding ways to transport people to doctors appointments, work or even trips to do their shopping. This is only one example, but the theme stays constant no matter the committee I serve on, our county workers are not only mindful of their resources, but they are determined to make them stretch to best serve the people of Waushara County. This is what inspires me most about serving on the County Board.
What qualifications and skills do you bring to the table? I have lived and worked my entire life in Waushara County. As a business owner, I have been faced with many of the same challenges that I am also faced with on the county board. I have had many leadership roles on numerous state and local committees since returning from college and taking over my family’s business. These life experiences have given me the skills to be a productive county board supervisor. Every decision made by county committees has consequences that affect different segments of our community. For this reason alone, I feel it is of utmost importance to be extremely thoughtful and diligent when determining the best course of action. As a member of the Waushara County Board, I understand it is necessary to be mindful of the needs of Waushara County as this will only strengthen our community into the future.
What do you believe are the most pressing issues facing the county? There are numerous issues that we will face in Waushara County, but there are three that I feel that will need extra attention in the future.
First, is the cost and availability of adequate childcare. There are many younger workers in Waushara County. We need to find opportunities to develop and support new childcare options which are affordable for our young workforce. Secondly, is developing affordable housing. I feel it is necessary for us to examine existing rules and barriers. Finding ways to make a starter home affordable, based upon regional wages. Finally, we need to finish the fiber optic project, providing affordable high-speed internet to all corners of Waushara County. The use of broadband is important everywhere, but it is becoming increasingly relevant to rural entrepreneurs and would certainly boost rural economic growth.
What do you enjoy most about living in Waushara County? Like many of the residents of Waushara County, I enjoy and appreciate the intense sense of community this area offers. Regardless of the event, softball games, church socials, area festivals, county fair or our Freedom Fest, all are very well supported. Likewise, when there is a more tragic event, such as the pallet fire in Richford, residents drop what they are doing to lend a hand in any way possible.
Waushara County is also bursting with outdoor activities. Skiing, fishing, golf or hunting, our county offers it all in abundance. I genuinely appreciate the charm of small-town living and the welcoming atmosphere of the local communities, which make up Waushara County.
Do you believe in strategic planning? What do you see as the benefits? Strategic planning is especially important and that is why I worked to have it developed into a standing committee within our county. It is a highly effective exercise to, not only, chart a course for the future but help to keep all involved on a uniform trajectory.
Strategic planning offers many benefits on a day-to-day basis and the fulfillment of future goals. On a departmental level a strategic plan can remind everyone within that department of the overall goals and bring them back to those goals and keep them in line when making future decisions. Many divisions of the county also work in conjunction with one another, so by using this planning process, these types of collaborations will also be unified. The Waushara County Strategic Planning Committee has developed a mission and vision statement supported by five pillars, which every department then uses in developing their own plan, again keeping the continuity.
Strategic planning lays out a roadmap within a department and allows staff transitions to become much more seamless. Structuring the necessary duties, safety plans and protocols, along with planning for future capital improvement, enabling an employee to quickly become familiar with their department.
What areas of the county interest you the most? The areas that interest me most are budgeting and collaboration. I am amazed at the dedication of our county workers and our board of supervisors being meticulous in finding ways to stretch budgets while still delivering first-rate services. Budgets continue to shrink, and the unfunded mandates keep growing, so it is imperative that we exhaust every avenue, finding the best, most cost-effective options available. Also, I recognize the need to collaborate both within the departments of our county and to pursue joint ventures with neighboring counties. Openly discussing and sharing advice with our neighbors, on common issues, is the collaboration, I feel is needed to move Waushara County forward.
Gene Wedde
District #6 Town of Marion Ward I, Town of Mt. Morris Wards I & II, Town of Wautoma Ward III
What inspired you to run for Waushara County Board? I was inspired to run for Waushara County Board while employed by the County. A discussion and possible motion action item relating to COVID policies affecting employees was on the County Board agenda. I, along with many other employees, was not in favor of the possible action and I chose to speak during public comment at that meeting. After my presentation, that former Board better understood the effects that their decision would have on the employees and voted against those policies. After that meeting, I felt that my presentation made a difference and I was compelled to attend future meetings. For the past two and a half years I have personally attended the majority of the County Board meetings, along with numerous Executive Committee, Buildings and Grounds Committee and a few other meetings. During that timeframe I have witnessed some decisions made by the Board that I feel do not align with the values of the majority of taxpaying citizens in Waushara County.
The building project was another inspiration. As a former Waushara County Buildings and Grounds employee I have first-hand knowledge of the condition of the current Courthouse. With the original structure nearing 100 years of age and the addition nearing 50 years of age, there are routine maintenance issues to consider. In the long run building a new Courthouse vs renovating the current one was the right decision. However, not the design that was chosen. The atrium is a non-value-added feature that was not needed. We now have a structure with a large area that will need to be heated, cooled and cleaned and contributes nothing to the day-to-day operations of our County Government. There also has been other wasteful spending in the building project that with proper oversight could have been corrected verses being passed onto the taxpayers. That all said, my biggest inspiration is I feel that I can make a positive difference in moving OUR County forward. I will do my best for the BEST people in Wisconsin!!!!!
What qualifications and skills do you bring to the table? My qualifications and skills would be that I have stepped forward and made the choice to serve Waushara County taxpaying citizens in a fiscally conservative way. During my 5-year tenure with Waushara County I was able to see how local Government works from the inside. With being a former employee, I’ve seen how decisions made by the Board affect day to day operations and by attending the Board meetings I better understand how they make those decisions. I feel with those qualifications it will help me to make the most educated decisions on all County matters AND with the taxpayers best interest in mind.
What do you believe is the most pressing issues facing the county? In speaking with many taxpaying residents, the number one concern is what will happen with their future property tax bills after the completion of the County building project and upcoming property reevaluations. Many residents have chosen Waushara County to call their home because the costs were less than where they relocated from. We all understand that a slight, annual tax increase to keep up with local services is part of owning property, but many in the Tri-County School District received a large increase in 2023. A minimal annual increase is manageable for most budgets, however, large increases are hard to absorb for most and especially in our current economy.
Another concern is lack of business and industry within our County. We need to attract investors in our communities that will provide employment and goods and services for our residents. When we achieve that goal then we can keep those tax dollars local and ease the tax burden on our residents.
Strong, local leadership is also a concern. With the recently vacated County Administrator position we now need to attract a qualified replacement. In my opinion, the new Administrator MUST have prior municipal management experience and be willing to reside within Waushara County. When we have that invested and dedicated candidate in place, it will help to restore stability in our County Government.
What do you enjoy most about living in Waushara County? I enjoy Waushara County for many reasons, the good people, the places to go and things to do. I also enjoy living away from all the hustle and bustle of the big cities. Waushara County has so much to offer with an excellent parks system, many beautiful lakes and streams, an extensive recreational trail system for hiking, biking, snowmobiling and ATV / UTV’s AND boasts “ The Biggest Little County Fair in Wisconsin”.
Do you believe in strategic planning? What do you see as the benefits? I have been involved in various forms of strategic planning in past manufacturing careers. Strategic planning can be a great tool in identifying and achieving future goals if properly implemented and monitored. Municipal strategic planning differs slightly as it requires community input and involvement to be successful. With the proper strategic plan in place, Waushara County can identify future needs and goals, properly and fiscally budget for those expenditures and have a more positive outcome with the taxpayers.
What areas of the county interest you the most? To properly and effectively serve as an elected County Board Supervisor you MUST be interested in each and every facet of the County. As a former employee I have had interaction with all departments and have a good understanding of their day-to-day operations. By personally attending County Board meetings I have heard many annual reports which are very informative and explain their roles and what they do for the County.
Mark Kerschner
District #11 – Town of Coloma, Ward I, Village of Coloma, Ward I, Town of Hancock, Ward I, Town of Richford, Ward I, Village of Hancock, Ward I
What inspired you to run for Waushara County Board? Seeing the building project finished. Being able to work with the different Departments to help serve our county residents better is vital. Working with residents in my district as well as residents in all of Waushara County.
What qualifications and skills do you bring to the table? I have been in business in Waushara County for many years and have a business background. I am able to work with people to help them with their concerns. I was Town of Coloma Chairman for 42 years and with the help of good board members have put the town in good financial standing.
What do you believe is the most pressing issues facing the county? The building project is the first thing to be finished which will make working conditions much better. Working with all county employees to create better working conditions. We have good Department heads their leadership is a plus.
What do you enjoy most about living in Waushara County? I enjoy Waushara County for what it offers good fishing, hunting, camping , snowmobile trails, ATV Trails, and we have great county park system. I enjoy working with people.
Do you believe in strategic planning? What do you see as the benefits? Yes, I feel it will help the county in the future planning. The more we can plan and look ahead the better it is for all our departments and our taxpayers.
What areas of the county interest you the most? The entire county interests me. I ‘m working on the following committees EMS, Sheriff’s Department, Highway and Parks , Buildings and Grounds I have worked on Zoning in the past. I have been of the Board Vice Chair for the past 12 years.
Anna Villarreal Garbis
District #11-Townships of Coloma. Hancock, Richford W-1, Villages of Coloma and Hancock
What inspired you to run for Waushara County Board? I would like to serve as the conduit for information going back to my district. I don’t think that exists right now. Transparency is key. District 11 deserves to have a channel through which information passes between board meetings back to our communities. Public Policy is so important because it affects all of us everyday individuals. Changes to public policy, big or small, affect us all. We deserve to know what is happening in the county seat. Representatives must speak for their constituents not just the business community.
What qualifications and skills do you bring to the table? I worked in commercial insurance until hedge funds and venture capitalists started buying up agencies. I decided I needed to do something different. I am now the Program Manager at CCLS – Creative Community Living Services in Stevens Point. We are a day center serving adults with developmental disabilities, mental illness, physical disabilities, and/ or functional limitations of advanced aging. We foster independence and design our services to meet the individual needs of our clients. I am also the treasurer for the Hancock Beach Restoration Board. We formed a couple of years ago to raise funds to bring our park and beach back to its former glory. We recently incorporated and are now in the process of forming a 501c3 for non-profit status to help in securing grants to further our cause.
What do you believe are the most pressing issues facing the county? 1. Economic development. We should be looking at providing incentives to attract small businesses into our area. 2. We need to find a way for owners to restore older buildings in our rural downtown areas that are now too cost prohibitive to upgrade. 3. For both of those reasons, rural communities need to have a seat at the table both in Madison and in Washington. We should be insisting that our lawmakers reinstate the White House Rural Council, with a focus on economic opportunity. This is crucial to elevating the issues that we face in our rural communities and forcing an ongoing commitment to rural economic development.
What do you enjoy most about living in Waushara County? I live in the Village of Hancock. I am truly fortunate to live in a lake community, so, along with my wonderful friends and neighbors, I am able to enjoy the beauty of the water, the birds and the animals here. I love hiking on all of the DNR land with my dog. It is so peaceful and beautiful. I am blessed.
Do you believe in strategic planning? What do you see as the benefits? Strategic planning has its benefits as long as there is an effective system for monitoring and evaluating progress. Clear, measurable goals need to be outlined to establish a sense of direction. Thoughtful planning for the future outlined in 5, 10, 20 and 50 year increments is essential. High percentages of strategic planning attempts are unsuccessful due to insufficient accountability, ineffective communication, inadequate planning, or lack of follow-up.
What areas of the county interest you the most? Revitalizing our downtown areas, bringing small businesses into our area, rural economic development and caring for our greenspaces.