By Press Times Staff
BROWN COUNTY – District 19 for the Brown County board will see a new supervisor after the April election.
With James Kneiszel not seeking reelection, Cassandra Erickson and George Lucia are both vying for the seat.
District 19 is one of the smallest county districts by area and is made up primarily of De Pere east of the Fox River.
The Press Times emailed each candidate the same questions and gave them 100 words to respond to each.
Cassandra Erickson
Why should people vote for you?
Growing up in De Pere and proudly raising my own children here, I’m a candidate that intends to put the needs of our neighborhoods first.
In 2015, I founded a local environmental charity with the goal to bring my neighbors together through grassroots community service.
Because of that work, in 2018 I was granted the River Alliance of Wisconsin’s Water Hero Award.
I’m currently serving a three-year term on the Wisconsin Conservation Congress. The WCC is the only statutory body in the state where citizens elect delegates to advise the Natural Resources Board and the Department of Natural Resources.
What’s the biggest issue in District 19?
In 2016, my social work in the area led me to receive a full scholarship to enroll in CCAR Recovery Coach training.
Since then, I have volunteered my services to offer valuable resources to some of our most vulnerable citizens suffering from substance abuse, mental health issues or seeking support to rebuild their lives after incarceration.
Change begins at home, and I will work to implement housing as a human right in our best effort to eliminate veteran, family and chronic homelessness by expanding the county’s role in affordable housing creation.
What’s one project that should come to District 19?
Extreme weather conditions have eroded our shorelines, created millions in property damage and displaced our neighbors from their homes.
With the restoration of historic wetlands and protection of urban areas, we can provide much needed flood relief and preparedness.
As a citizen, I was proud to support the creation of the De Pere and Green Bay Sustainability Commissions, and as an elected representative, I am thrilled to personally pursue more innovative ways to implement clean energy and green infrastructure throughout Brown County.
George Lucia
Why should people vote for you?
I believe because I have been a lifelong resident of De Pere, over 50 years, as well as my experience qualifies me for the Brown County Board.
I graduated from East De Pere High School.
I’m an Air Force veteran of six years.
I owned a small manufacturing company and retired as a manufacturing supervisor.
I am a member of the Green Bay Retired Men’s Club, the Green Bay Moose Lodge 801 and the Brown County Taxpayers Association. Now I want to give back to the community that has given me so much.
What’s the biggest issue in District 19?
District 19 comprises most of the city of De Pere east of the Fox River, so as the county representative for that area, working with the city bringing new business, jobs and growth will be a necessary part of the job.
As a center-right candidate, I would bring fiscal restraint with common sense budgeting holding taxes as low as possible.
What’s one project that should come to District 19?
The one major project that is of concern for District 19, as well as the county in general, is the southern De Pere bridge completing the Interstate-41 to Interstate-43 beltline.
This project will bring the county and communities continued growth in industry, residents and value to the district.