By Tracy Ouellette
SLN Staff
In the Town of Troy, three candidates are on the ballot for the two open supervisor seats – incumbent Supervisor Kathleen Tober, Chaz Self and Jerry Arntson.
Town Chairman John Kendall is running unopposed.
The newspaper asked the candidates several questions about the township and here are their responses:
What is the biggest challenge facing the township right now and what can be done about it?
Arntson: The biggest challenge of any taxing authority is maintaining services for its citizens while controlling taxes. That of course includes managing ongoing services like road maintenance, recycling/garbage removal and fire services along with discerning new options to manage services.
The management of the sanitary district is currently one of our bigger challenges. Working towards a collaborative resolution that ensures effective coverage is needed. I bring my financial management background, business acumen and fiscally conservative principles to this strategic planning conversation.
Self: I am not aware of what the biggest challenges are currently and am motivated to learn and help make neutral decisions as a community. The current board has been in office for sometime and clearly cares about the community. A new perspective to move the community forward not just financially but also communicatively.
Tober: The roads and the funding for road repair is a big issue in the township. We have to work with Madison on that. I also want to see that we have good schools in the area and keep them funded for the next generation all while keeping the taxes down to the taxpayers. The sanitary district is an issue because of the complexity of the township taking it over. There is a lot involved in that, and it’s not a bad situation, just complicated with the government funding. I also thing a new library, which all three municipalities are working on together is something the community needs.
What is working well, or not so well, in the township and why do you feel that way?
Self: The current board has been in office for sometime and clearly cares about the community. A new perspective to move the community forward not just financially but also communicatively.
Tober: I think our township is really a neat townships and a very close community. Everyone knows everyone and we help each other out. I think we’re pretty much on top of things and the Town Board is doing a great job. We have a good relationship with the community and they know they can come to use if they have questions or need something. That’s what a Town Board should be.
Arntson: Most things are working well. I love this community and want to work to keep things the way they are, to maintain the lifestyle we enjoy in our community.
What do you think your personal experience and knowledge will bring to the role?
Tober: I’m very knowledgeable on what’s going on in the world and in our community. I feel my background in agriculture and wildlife gives me a unique perspective. I also have many years of experience working with the Town Board. I know how to work with people and I know how things work in the town. You learn an awful lot working with so many people. Life is a learning experience, you’re always learning something new and that helps to look to the future and to make things better.
Self: Being a business owner and farmer, I have the experience with community building. I am also very involved with moving wisconsin farm policy in a more progressive route.
Arntson: My background in business, accounting and financial management would benefit the community. As I mentioned, I am fiscally conservative. I believe in ensuring things run efficiently and effectively from both a management and financial standpoint.
