I think it’s safe to say that we ALL enjoy the semi-rural ambiance of Ozaukee. Development pressures are eroding that “feel”. What’s the role of the county in retaining open space? Parks are one area—which we have been significantly expanded,—but the county also has a [minor] role in zoning too. While municipalities have the largest say over the development within their boundaries, the county can provide a holistic overview of the patchwork of municipal zoning.

There’s work ahead to protect property rights while also protecting the nature of Ozaukee. As chair of the Comprehensive Planning Board,, I have a leadership responsibility to find this balance by understanding what’s possible and understanding what our community desires.

We “benefitted” from substantial federal COVID relief dollars—nearly $15M. We targeted these funds for long-term community improvements, including law enforcement, capital needs, transitioning local EMS to new business models, and supporting important non-profit endeavors. Now comes the opioid settlement that must be used in ways to address the drug epidemic.

The county is at the center of comprehensive approach that includes root cause, treatment and enforcement. Funding through the opioid settlement must be spent on the program with the highest returns on prevention and treatment.

As a 28-year law enforcement veteran, it is clear that indicators of increasing criminal behavior overspilling into Ozaukee County demand a comprehensive approach. A data-driven, root cause enforcement approach must be implemented.

The County Board has provided additional resources to the Sheriff, including funding for a new dispatch center that will handle ALL Ozaukee County emergency dispatch, a new training and storage facility, and most recently, funding for an innovative co-responder system that pairs law enforcement with a social worker to deescalate engagements and deliver improved outcomes.

That said, the recent Sheriff budget increases can not be sustained without finding efficiencies in county / sheriff operations.

When I came into office, Lasata was operating at a $4 million loss. That has been turned around to the point that Lasaata is now delivering a small profit.

The county must adjust its strategy for its elder care facility to address post-COVID realities. It will be important to provide the full continuum of quality elder care in t the most efficient way possible, and operate it smartly with community-recognized high quality care.

The Board has approved consideration and funding for a CBRF (Community-based Residential Facility) that will allow e full continuum of care at the Lasata campus. When it becomes operational, the county board must keep its eye on the management “ball” to ensure safe, loving, and efficient care for our county’s elders.

I led first responder operations for most of my adult life. Today’s municipal EMS and firefighting services—and the dollars to support them—are stretched thin. The county has helped community emergency services adapt to a new business model, but now the county must find efficiencies in the newly consolidated county dispatch operation.

There continue to be fringe elements attempting to undermine public confidence in election integrity. The county has an election administration role that it has fulfilled well. Continuing and communicating the reality of election integrity is an important county function.

WILL debunks election “decertification”

Legis Audit Bureau election Administration results.