By Press Times Staff
BROWN COUNTY – Incumbent Tom DeWane will face Rachel Maes April 5 for the right to represent District 2 on the Brown County Board of Supervisors.
District 2 includes parts of Green Bay’s far east side, including parts of the Interstate-43 Industrial Park.
The Press Times emailed each candidate the same question and gave them 200 words to respond.
What do you see as the most important issue facing Brown County and District 2, and if elected, how will you address it?
Thomas Dewane
A: The county invested $56 million in community and infrastructure improvements (county roads), reduced debt by $20 million and lowered the equalized tax rate by 11% in 2020-22.
With the infusion of $51 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds, and a likely $5 million opioid settlement, we need to guarantee those funds are wisely invested to strengthen our neighborhoods and community.
As a Green Bay resident elected to county supervisor, I want to focus on finding ways to help the city solve its crime and road problems – that’s what I’m hearing at the doors.
I plan on working with the sheriff to see if we can enhance the drug task force to target problem areas in Green Bay, and work with public works to see if we can cooperatively work with them to improve their ability to repair roads.
I’ve had the honor to represent east Green Bay on the County Board, and if given the opportunity to serve again, I pledge to work for them and continue to build a stronger and safer Brown County.
As a Green Bay resident and grandfather of nine, I want to ensure our grandkids have the same opportunity we had growing up.
Rachel Maes
A: Several important issues face the Brown County Board of Supervisors in the next term. American Rescue Plan Act funds must be allocated by 2024, so this next Board will have to use good judgment to determine the best ways to support the community with one-time use funds. The current board pledged to work towards using 100% clean energy, so supporting development of clean energy infrastructure must be considered.
I support law enforcement efforts to keep our community safe, including responding to mental health emergencies and more inclusive policing.
I also support the use, and expansion of, treatment courts in our local justice system.
The top issue facing the board and impacting all of these issues is transparency and accessibility.
With recent advances in technology, there is no reason to not make board and committee meetings accessible remotely for residents from anywhere in the county to observe and participate.
Streaming meetings provide visibility into factors our elected officials consider when making decisions on the variety of issues that come before them.
Residents should be encouraged to observe, participate and hold officials accountable.
I will push for live-streaming and recording meetings to provide better transparency and accountability for the Board of Supervisors.