By Kris Leonhardt
Editor-in-chief
GREEN BAY – Multiple seats will be contested this on the Brown County Board of Supervisors.
District 6 will see a primary this month, while five other districts will face off on April 2.
District 5
Dan Theno (Incumbent)
Please provide your background, education and experiences that qualify you for the position:
I have devoted much of my adult life to public service. At age 25, I became the second-youngest person in history to be elected to the Wisconsin State Senate. I served four terms in the Senate followed by two terms as mayor of my hometown of Ashland. Subsequently, I served as the director of a state agency, manager of government affairs for the former Fort Howard Corporation in Green Bay, a municipal government administrator and executive director of a statewide non-profit organization. More recently, I was President of the east side Oak Grove Neighborhood Association, chair of the Green Bay Neighborhood Leadership Council and recipient of the Resident Leadership Award. I am currently chair of the Green Bay Traffic, Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission; director of the Brown County Historical Society, member of the Human Services Board and serve on the Brown County Education and Recreation Committee. In addition to my many volunteer community betterment activities, I am currently serving in my first term on the Brown County Board, representing the people living in District 5 on the east side of Green Bay.
What developments would you like to see the county make over the upcoming term:
Should I be re-elected, I will continue to work on making sure that Brown County government is fiscally responsible while meeting the basic needs of our people. I am proud of the fact that in the first two years of my membership on the County Board of Supervisors, we were able to cut the county tax rate, reduce the county debt and yet deliver outstanding service to our citizens.
I would like to continue my work on the county board’s education and recreation committee which oversees the Neville Museum, the NEW Zoo, our Brown County Libraries, the county golf course and the parks department. Those departments of Brown County are all doing an outstanding job in meeting the various needs of our citizens.
Although I am not on the county board’s law enforcement committee, I am very interested in pursuing county and state solutions to the current backlog in our county court system. “Justice delayed is justice denied” as the old saying goes. We need to take a harder look at whether we need more public defenders, assistant district attorneys and judges to make sure that defendants are processed through the criminal justice system in an equitable, fair and cost-efficient manner.
Finally, as a new member of the Brown County Board of Supervisors, I am very pleased by how the 26 members of the board, department heads, staff and Brown County Executive Troy Streckenbach work together for the betterment of Brown County. Some of the members of the County Board are more progressive and some are more conservative, but everyone tries to work together to serve our citizens. We need to keep partisan politics out of local government.
What means would you use to further involve your constituents in the decision-making process:
I publish my email address and phone number in communications with the residents of District 5 and always encourage them to contact me with their issues or concerns.
Part of the problem with county government in general is that many people don’t know exactly what the county does. When I mention to them that the county is responsible for the airport, the Port of Green Bay; our libraries, parks and trails, the zoo and the Neville Museum; the jail and court system, county social services, recycling and landfilling, emergency management and 911, marriage licensing and property records, county planning and zoning, county roads and bridges, the Resch Center and Expo, UW Extension, land and water conservation programs, the new STEM center, public health and many other functions, they begin to understand how important Brown County government really is.
People need to be able to know what Brown County government actually does in order to be more involved in making their voices heard. One way that can be accomplished is to televise or record meetings of the board of supervisors. That would offer citizens more information and ensure a greater degree of transparency.
For a small news outlet, the Press-Times does an admirable job of reporting on local government. We need to encourage all media outlets to cover the vital decisions being made locally that are often more important to our citizens than decisions being made in Madison or Washington.
Gloria Jane Eastman
Please provide your background, education and experiences that qualify you for the position:
The role of the county board is largely to fund and oversee the social services at the county level. I believe deeply in the power of everyday people to represent the best interests of their peers. I am a new voice in the conversation that reflects the majority of the people in District 5 and that is my strength. As a person who was the child of a single father in Brown County, as a person who has recently experienced brief unemployment, and as a person who is a renter (like 43% of Green Bay households) I greatly respect and have personal experience with the critical role those services play.
As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, as a person under 35 and as someone who grew up and remains a part of the working class, I bring a crucial perspective of this county that many of the other members do not have. I am at my core an organizer and activist. I currently co-chair the Green Bay chapter of the DSA and have held other leadership positions in other organizations for many years. I also formally studied leadership in college.
What developments would you like to see the county make over the upcoming term:
I am working towards a better future for all Brown County residents. I will ensure decisions that are made answer to a call for equity and access. An example goal would be to have all committee and board meetings available on YouTube—a highly accessible platform. I recently had an orthopedic surgery that led to me relying on mobility aids such as a wheelchair and rollator and without the ability to drive a car for several months.
My experiences navigating Brown County in this way gave me personal insight on the importance of our public transit system, as well as the ways in which people can fall through the cracks. As a member of the Brown County board, I can be trusted to listen to what the people most impacted need and learn how we can better ensure that they have the ability to engage fully in their community.
Additionally, I will dedicate myself to passing a comprehensive green plan that ensures clean air, clean water and cleaner energy to bring a brighter future to all Brown County residents. Climate change affects lower economic classes first as well as renters since people are unable to make major changes to their housing. This directly impacts the people in my district, but also all across Brown County. Brown County is just one small place, but the world is made up of millions of small places and we must all do our part.
What means would you use to further involve your constituents in the decision-making process:
It is currently incredibly hard for the common constituent to monitor and understand the role of the county board. Under the current system, the people who struggle most to access this board are some of the same people who rely most heavily on the services that we provide and oversee. Increasing access and accountability to those constituents ensures that we are being held accountable for our actions and the impacts that they have. I would like to see greater board accessibility (such as the YouTube videos discussed above). This is important so that any person, regardless of education level or ability, can engage with the government body that oversees the social services which play such an important role in the lives of my neighbors in District 5 and all Brown County residents. I plan to be available in person, but I also plan to remain available via email, social media platforms and phone so that people can reach out on their own schedule (even a 3rd shift schedule) and get a response back before the next meeting.
District 6
Primary on Feb. 20. Candidate profiles published in Feb. 2 edition.
District 14
Nick Dagneau (Incumbent)
Please provide your background, education and experiences that qualify you for the position:
I am a lifelong Green Bay Area resident, graduated from Preble High School and then from St. Norbert College with a bachelors degree in business administration. My entire professional career I have worked within the financial field. I am proudly a member of Central Church in Green Bay, where I also volunteer with Ruby’s Pantry once a month.
What developments would you like to see the county make over the upcoming term:
Holding a seat on the county board, I will look forward to working with municipalities to come up with solutions to pressing issues. I will strive to support infrastructure projects that will better the conditions for all Brown County residents. I would like to come up with solutions with my counterparts that will tackle the issue of the growing homeless population in the Green Bay area.
What means would you use to further involve your constituents in the decision-making process:
I would encourage constituents to reach out to me with comments and concerns they may have pertaining to particular issues. I would love to hear others’ points of view and hear ideas, because we are all stronger together, and together we are Allouez. I would also strongly encourage my constituents to get involved by attending the monthly board meetings that are always open to the public.
Latosha Greenleaf
Please provide your background, education and experiences that qualify you for the position:
I have a bachelors degree in accounting and 15 years of experience at B&B Packaging. I recently became a full-time executive director of a nonprofit I founded, Urban Cultural Arts & Event Center, driven by my passion for helping people. I’ve lived in Allouez for six years, raising three kids.
What developments would you like to see the county make over the upcoming term:
For the county, I want to continue focusing on sustainable development, invest strategically for economic growth and improve education and healthcare services.
What means would you use to further involve your constituents in the decision-making process:
To involve the residents in the decision-making process, I’d host town hall meetings, implement an online platform for feedback and collaborate with community groups. I aim to be a dedicated advocate, ensuring your voices shape our county’s future.
District 18
Patrick Hopkins (Incumbent)
Multiple requests were made to this candidate by both phone and email, and no responses were received.
Katie McDonald
Please provide your background, education and experiences that qualify you for the position:
I am born and raised in Green Bay. I now live in De Pere with my husband and three children. My formal education is in teaching. I hold a bachelor degree in elementary and middle school education from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. I have worked with youth in our schools both in Green Bay and De Pere for over 20 years.
I believe our youth is the key to our future. I intend to work with my fellow supervisors to help with issues affecting our future families including neighborhood safety, decreased crime and mental and physical health/wellness.
What developments would you like to see the county make over the upcoming term:
I would like to see developments focused on supporting our youth, as well as the aging population. My parents and in-laws are part of a generation that has supported us for many years. As a family, we are affected by several age related diseases. As our aging population grows, their needs will continue to grow as well. The county needs to be prepared for supporting them and their families through this need. I have worked with several wonderful organizations in our county including Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC), Curative Connections and Brown County Health Department.
Other developments I see needs for are Brown County Drug Task Force, Court Systems and supporting the sheriff’s department. They are all vital to our safety and security. We all deserve to feel safe in our schools, homes and communities.
What means would you use to further involve your constituents in the decision-making process:
I love spending time with people, and I will continue to seek out all peoples’ opinions and thoughts regarding issues they hold dear to their heart. I am an avid outdoors person and frequently found in the community at local events. I have a servant leader’s heart. I enjoy understanding people’s view points on all sides of issues so we can work together and learn from one another.
District 23
Ray Suennen (Incumbent)
Please provide your background, education and experiences that qualify you for the position:
I have 43 years of business and professional experience. I am a Certified Public Accountant, a Certified Management Accountant and a former small business owner. I owned and managed a residential care facility for teenage boys for five years and a supper club for five years.
My experience includes 25 years of accounting and finance, including 12 years of budgeting for small companies to a large NYSE reporting corporation, 10 years as controller and worked for CPA firms performing auditing and tax preparation. For eight years, I directed a large corporation’s governmental legal compliance program.
I have 33 years of leadership and management experience as a controller, manager/director and business owner. I have worked in 9 different industries, which has given me a very diverse and well-rounded knowledge base.
I have been a trustee on the Howard Village Board since 2010 (14 years). Currently, I am also on the Howard-Suamico Optimist Club Board. Previously, I was on the board ofdirectors of a local $100 million credit union for five years. I am a member of St. Johns the Baptists Parish.
I have two bachelor’s degrees, accounting and business. I have excellent analytical and organizational skills, a promoter of improvements and efficiencies, strong communications skills, a problem solver and an energetic self-starter.
A county supervisor’s duties involve making “business” decisions, understanding business and contracting transactions, budgeting, expenditures and effectively being able to communicate.
I am the only candidate that has extensive and in-depth experience in business, accounting, budgeting, finance and been on other boards. I have been a small business owner, has contracting and compliance experience, worked in nine different industries and served on three County committees. I am currently a Brown County supervisor, since 2018.
What developments would you like to see the county make over the upcoming term:
The Brown County Courthouse and Law Enforcement Centerdo not have a secure access entryway. The safety and security of victims, witnesses, employees, judges and residents are a priority and the proposed Security Access Building needs to be constructed.
The Huber Detention Facility in downtown Green Bay has excessive deterioration and soon, will not be allowed to continue to operate. A new jail pod will be needed to replace the existing Huber Detentions Facility, which will provide a safer work atmosphere for employees and will increase operational efficiencies and provide cost savings.
The former Eagles Nest property needs further development to be a functioning Safe Harbor for boaters on the Bay of Green Bay and for other recreational purposes.
Lineville Road reconstruction will be started in 2024 making Lineville into a four-lane road, which will improve safety for the school traffic, as well as reducing the overall traffic congestion.
The downtown county office buildings need to be retrofitted to improve energy conservation and cost savings. An energy audit was conducted in 2023. The most effective improvements need to be made, taking into consideration the return on investment. As chair of the County Energy Subcommittee, I promoted the audit and such improvements.
The former Pullium electricity plant location needs to be developed into a dock, have storage capabilities and a transfer station, which will support the transport of raw materials to local manufacturers.
The Veterans Small Homes Project received 3.5 acres of land from Brown County in 2023.This project will start development in 2024 and I will continue to support this project for our Veterans.
What means would you use to further involve your constituents in the decision-making process:
Residents may increase their participation by becoming more knowledgeable of the candidates, talking with the candidates and by encouraging more residents to vote. The decision-making process of who represents the community is by voting.
The County is really a business that provides services to its residents. Residents should familiarize themselves with the candidates and select the candidate who has the most applicable experience. Business experience includes the technical skill level, scope of the responsibilities, the degree of difficulty of the duties, years of experience and the leadership/management positions held. The greater the skillset, the greater the probability of a thoroughly analyzed decision.
Residents can volunteer to be a member on one of the many Brown County committees. As a committee member, a resident may express their opinion and will learn more about what is involved in situations under consideration and existing programs. There is an online application process available.
Residents are encouraged to attend County committee and board meetings. Each meeting has an open forum, during which residents may express their opinions and concerns, so that such can be considered in the decision-making process.
Residents are also encouraged to contact any county board supervisor and express their opinion and concerns on any issue, including when an issue is in the decision-making process.
Dixon Wolfe
Please provide your background, education and experiences that qualify you for the position:
As a resident of Howard, I can’t help but express gratitude for the incredible culture and services our community provides. There’s something special about Howard that transforms it from a mere place to live into a vibrant community that champions hardworking individuals and families. Howard is an ideal spot to put down roots, and I’m committed to ensuring it remains a safe and thriving community.
Armed with a bachelors degree from Boyce College, I’ve established a foundation grounded in academic excellence. In the past six years, I’ve had the privilege of serving as a manager and director for several Chick-fil-A restaurants, including the one in Green Bay. In this capacity, I oversaw multiple levels of management and led a team of over 100 employees. These experiences have equipped me well as I aim to bring a fresh and business-minded perspective to the county board.
During my tenure, I played a crucial role in driving the financial success of our organization, culminating in a remarkable $6 million in revenue in 2022. This experience has equipped me with invaluable skills in leadership, strategic decision-making and effective team management.
Within the professional realm, I have been deeply passionate about community engagement. My commitment to building connections is evident in my successful collaborations with nationally recognized corporations such as the Packers to promote and market the Chick-fil-A brand. These experiences have not only strengthened my professional acumen but also underscored the importance of collaboration and listening to those around me.
Beyond my professional career, I actively engage with my church in Suamico. I enjoy serving on the music team and leading ministry efforts.
I have a background in working within low-income neighborhoods on community restoration projects. One impactful initiative involved spearheading a community garden project focused on providing sustenance to those facing food insecurity. This hands-on experience in community outreach has grounded me in the practical aspects of addressing community needs, emphasizing the significance of working towards sustainable solutions.
What developments would you like to see the county make over the upcoming term:
My top priority is ensuring fiscal responsibility and enhancing community well-being. Together, our goal is to cultivate a thriving community through prudent resource management, especially considering the economic challenges and rising costs in 2024.
Recognizing the need for a fresh perspective, I am dedicated to protecting our families from financial burdens by implementing policies that shield residents from the impacts of inflation. I also want to ensure that the projects residents care about are getting done. The county board must prioritize investments in roads, infrastructure, and essential services, ensuring responsible spending and a steadfast focus on projects that align with top priorities. This ensures we effectively manage budgets and meet the needs of the constituents we serve.
I firmly advocate for a return to the simplicity and effectiveness of foundational education within libraries and learning centers. Prioritizing basic skills in reading, writing and math is crucial in these environments. We must ensure that our funding focus remains on equipping individuals with these essential skills, avoiding unnecessary complexities or agendas that may detract from their learning experience.
Having witnessed crime firsthand during my upbringing, I am driven by an unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety of our community. I am steadfast in my resolve to prevent an increase in crime rates, and I pledge to do everything in my power to protect our residents. My personal experiences fuel my determination to create a secure environment for Brown County residents. It’s not just a pledge; what I have lived through informs my dedication to robust support for our police and firefighters, who play a crucial role in maintaining public safety.
What means would you use to further involve your constituents in the decision-making process:
I am exploring alternative avenues to ensure constituents’ voices are heard. Leveraging digital platforms, including social media and a dedicated website, will create accessible spaces for constituents to engage in discussions and virtual interactions. This approach ensures that even those with time constraints or mobility challenges can actively participate.
To reach a diverse range of voices, I wish to establish advisors representing different community interests. These advisors will serve as guides, providing valuable perspectives on various issues and contributing to a more comprehensive decision-making process during my term. They ensure that the interests of the constituents are known to me so that I may appropriately vote on direct needs.
District 24
Vanya Koepke
Please provide your background, education and experiences that qualify you for the position:
I am currently a trustee on the Hobart Village Board where I serve on the Public Works, Tax Assessment Review and the Bay Area Room Tax Committees. I have previously served as a commissioner on the Green Bay Police and Fire Commission. Additionally, I served on Hobart’s first parks and recreation committee.
In my time as a trustee, we have built a brand-new Fire Station without raising taxes. We have kept the Hobart/Lawrence Police department and invested into their training and resources. I voted to reduce fees and freeze property taxes in Hobart to help residents during inflation. I also voted to secure a 17-year ambulance contract for Hobart with Brown County Rescue. This contract has reduced response times and improved public safety in the village and surrounding communities.
In addition to my elected duties, I work at Schneider National as an operations manager and have worked there for almost eight years. I have a bachelors degree from UW-Green Bay (where I served as the Student Government President) with a double major in political science and public administration.
I am married to my wife Callee and volunteer at Spring Lake Church.
What developments would you like to see the county make over the upcoming term:
I am running to leverage my experience and community partnerships to do the following through collaborative efforts to fix the Opioid Crisis (this will take longer than two years, but we must continue to lay a foundation and make measurable progress towards the ultimate goal); improve roads and transportation; responsibly manage tax-payer dollars; manage the scope of government and provide affordable solutions; improve housing availability; and finish the Duck Creek Trail between Pamperin Park and Oneida. We must do better in connecting the county trail system. This project will be instrumental in the areas of public health, recreation and connection between multiple communities. We must also protect property access for property owners who have to cross the Duck Creek Trail from main roadways.
What means would you use to further involve your constituents in the decision-making process:
In my first term as a trustee on the Hobart Village Board, I have hosted over 20 monthly listening sessions. Listening to constituent input is a priority to me. I would continue holding these valuable listening sessions (in Hobart and Howard).
Further, I leverage social media, event attendance and in-person visits to my constituents as a way to stay engaged with their needs.
Ross Toellner
Please provide your background, education and experiences that qualify you for the position:
I am a husband, a dad of two — five- and two-year-old — and a teacher. I have worked at Bay Port High School for almost 13 years as a business educator. I have had the privilege of working with over 4,000 students in my career and have loved every second of it.
I earned a bachelors degree in marketing and business education with a minor in economics and business administration from UW-Stout, and a masters in school counseling from Lakeland University. I am a lifelong resident of Brown County and a graduate of West De Pere High School. I own a home in Howard.
I am a true believer in hearing all sides to an issue before making a decision. Being open-minded and open to ideas is important to me. While I don’t have political experience I do have knowledge of the issues. I have prided myself on making all County types of board meetings within the last year, and many of the county committee meetings. I have built relationships with current county employees and supervisors.
My other experiences include working for St. John’s Ministry Men’s Homeless Shelter, working with “Miss Amazing” — an event for young ladies with disabilities, being a performing arts center manager for Howard Suamico School district with over 90 events a year and being a treasurer for a non-profit organization. All of these experiences and skills will make me well-suited to handle the challenges of being a county board supervisor.
What developments would you like to see the county make over the upcoming term:
Brown County should continue to recruit and retain the high-quality employees we have and need. As a Brown County supervisor, I can support this goal by finding new ways of promoting, paying and benefiting our employees.
I would also like to see a concentration on conservation. The board has started this process by working with UW-Green Bay, Green Bay City Council and Oneida Nation on the National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) project. The included benefit of renovating Renard Island as a park and facility for families is a great added bonus.
Finally, I would like to emphasize mental health and work with our health and human services department to stop the epidemic of depression, anxiety and mental illness. My belief is that if we can work through those core issues, many of the drug and crime issues we have in our county will also decrease.
For my district, I will focus on the relationship we have with the Oneida Nation, and continue to grow that. I will work hard on getting the Duck Creek Trail completed, which would allow someone on a bike to travel from New London to Green Bay (Duck Creek Trail) to Wausau (Mountain Bay Trail) with only one small area of residential streets.
What means would you use to further involve your constituents in the decision-making process:
Involving my constituents is something I have thought about a lot both before announcing my candidacy and in my time walking neighborhoods. Now that I am a candidate, I want to hear from all of my constituents. My cell phone number is (920) 655-8287, I will give it to anyone and everyone. Listening, to me, is 80% of a conversation, and I genuinely want to hear from the people what they would like to see happen.
I know that I will never have all of the answers. We hire people for Brown County to be experts in their field, I am not hired for that. I am hired by my constituents to listen to them and work for them. I can’t always promise that I can give the results people want, but I will always try to do what is best for the community.
I want everyone to know that if you have issues, questions or concerns with Brown County and if you live in District 24, call, email or text me. I am open to hearing your thoughts.
Also if you have something great to say about Brown County, let me know I would love to pass it on to those that are in charge of that area as we all need positive reinforcement sometimes.