Thursday, October 3, 2024

Becker challenged by Pyle for District 26

Posted

By Ben Rodgers

Editor

SUAMICO – Incumbent Mark Becker will face challenger Jim Pyle for the right to represent District 26 on the Brown County Board of Supervisors on April 3.

District 26 includes parts of Suamico, Howard, Pittsfield and Pulaski.

The Press sent questions to both candidates with a limit of 250 words per answer.

Below are their answers in full.

Name: Mark Becker

Immediate family: Wife Alyssa, two boys, Charlie and Benjamin

Occupation: Finance manager

Any civic groups you belong to: Brown County Board of Supervisors

What are you goals for Brown County for the next five years?

The main goal is to keep being a strong advocate for District 26. Being a very rural district, I promised to the voters two years ago that I would be an outspoken supervisor, making sure our voices were heard on the board. I would like to keep the advocacy going. My main goals are to continue to be a responsible spender of taxpayer dollars, and to continue to advocate for openness and transparency in local government.

Why should residents choose you as a Brown County supervisor?

Over the last two years, we have accomplished a lot. It was an honor to vote for the largest property tax and overall debt reduction in the history of Brown County. We eliminated hiring discrimination on our county application. We brought a $1 million dollar project for District 26 in the Pulaski Library. But there are many things left to do. As someone who is deeply involved in projects, I am the only candidate in the District 26 race who will see these projects to fruition.

What issues face the county and how would you handle them?

One major issue that will be facing Brown County will be how we as a board handle the 0.5 percent sales tax money. We need to be responsible with these dollars, and we need to keep the promises that we made to our communities. I will fight to make sure we uphold these promises. Also, a big area of contention will be building the new addition to the county jail. I believe that we need to find ways to reduce recidivism before we make a major expansion to our jail.

Why did you choose to run for county supervisor?

I chose to run for supervisor because our district needed a strong voice to advocate for the rural communities. That was the promise I made to voters, and I am proud to say that I have kept it. I would like to continue that advocacy for one more term.

If elected, what do you hope to accomplish in your term?

I would like to see the library project through to completion. I would also like to continue my advocacy for our elderly population in Brown County.

Name: Jim Pyle

Immediate family: Wife Paula, daughter Ashley

Occupation: Self-employed audio video contractor, AVC Systems

Any civic groups you belong to: Hobart Planning and Zoning and Public Works, Pittsfield Planning and Zoning, Howard-Suamico Optimist, Green Bay Area Great Lakes Sports Fishermen, Howard Parade Committee

What are you goals for Brown County for the next five years?

I am committed to saving tax payers dollars, returning our tax payers dollars back to our community, reduce human trafficking, and making our schools safe.

Why should residents choose you as a Brown County supervisor?

I would eliminate wasteful spending and bring back communication to our rural towns and villages.

What issues face the county and how would you handle them?

The 0.5 percent sales tax should have went to a referendum so that the voters had a voice. A lot of the money is going to remain in Green Bay. More money needs to be put back into the rural communities.

Why did you choose to run for county supervisor?

Many constituents have asked me to run for District 26 seat because they felt they were not being represented. There has been a lack of communication between the communities. They felt I had a strong background in budgeting to bring back funds to the rural communities.

If elected, what do you hope to accomplish in your term?

I will get more of the 0.5 percent tax increase back to the rural communities. I will make sure our schools are protected. I will eliminate wasteful spending.