Three candidates running for District 17 Portage County Board

Metro Wire Staff

In the county’s 17th District, three candidates will be on the Feb. 20 primary ballot: Suzanne Oehlke (I), Bob Pahmeier, and Jackie Szehner.

Portage Co. Board Supervisors serve two-year terms with all 25 members up for reelection simultaneously.

Questions by League of Women Voters of the Stevens Point Area

Candidates for District 17 County Board Supervisor

Suzanne Oehlke

Please share a brief biography of your education, background and life experiences that help you to take a leadership role serving on the Portage County Board of Supervisors?

My name is Suzanne Oehlke, I am the County Board Supervisor District 17 incumbent.

In 1990, I earned a Master of Science from the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point. I started my career here in Portage County as a Registered Dietitian. Over the last 35 years, I have had the pleasure of serving our community in the following agencies and roles:  Portage County Health Care Center, Portage County Health Department, UW-Stevens Point, Community Action Program Services Inc., and Private Consulting.

Through volunteer service, I have partnered with public and private sectors to advance the vision of building a healthy Portage County and making it a desirable home for this and future generations. Collaborating with community partners across the aisle allowed me to contribute to projects that still support the community’s well-being today including: the farm market voucher program, school nutrition and physical activity guidelines, obesity prevention plans, food security advocacy, breastfeeding initiatives and resources, worksite wellness programming, and health care system best practice implementation. I also served as a policy advisor for several state and local plans which gave me vision on process, planning, and decision making. I know that working together makes a real difference and I prioritize this mindset while serving as your County Board Supervisor.

My husband and I have resided in the district for over 30 years. We raised our two children here and we continue to enjoy the many assets of our community.

The culmination of my work experience, community service, and lived experience has resulted in a strong skill set that prepares me to serve my community. I bring the experience and knowledge essential for adopting budgets, setting policies, evaluating projects, and communicating effectively, key when serving as a County Board Supervisor. I have gleaned much from my first term of service, I am eager to serve, and make it my priority to hear the voice of community members and represent their viewpoints.

Why are you running for this office and what do you hope to accomplish?

I am running for County Board Supervisor to advance the social, economic, and environmental well-being of Portage County and to address the issues and problems that touch our everyday lives. I will keep working across the aisle to identify solutions to county operations and system needs. I hope to build trust in local leadership among voters and generate strong community partnerships. It is also my goal to use our local resources to assist in decision making that moves forward the issues that we face. My ability to actively listen and find common ground creates a platform for working collaboratively with all County Board Supervisors and constituents.

What are the top three issues facing Portage County and how would you approach addressing them?

The top three issues facing Portage County voters reflect what I am hearing when interacting with community members. All issues have an impact on the County as a whole and require that Supervisors bring a collaborative mindset to the table to ensure effective problem solving and decision making.

 The top three issues are:

•  Land and Water Conservation
•  The Portage County Justice Center
• The Portage County Health Care Center

These issues also build on the environment, economics, and social concerns of the County. 

Land and Water Conservation is an essential issue and crucial for protecting our environment and assuring safe and adequate water for present and future generations. Nitrates are a common health related contaminant found in Portage County’s groundwater. Rural and urban constituents must find common ground by working in tandem and across the aisle. We have local resources and subject matter experts who collectively have the means to manage and evaluate our groundwater challenges. These stakeholders include UW-Stevens Point, UW-Extension, Portage County Land and Water Conservation Division and local agriculture. Bringing these stakeholders together to align thinking is an essential element for managing and protecting our at-risk resources. 

A new Portage County Justice Center has been a standing issue of concern among policy makers, county board supervisors, and officials. A new center is crucial for the safety of those providing services and those who use the facilities. The plan as it currently stands includes a new jail, circuit court branch, county clerk, and sheriff’s office. Barriers among policy makers for approving the new Center align with the building location, cost, and access. Establishing a building plan that provides transparent details, includes the feedback of those with boots on the ground who understand operations and logistics, and maintained commitment from vital stakeholders are all key for advancing this much needed project.

The future of the Portage County Health Care Center (PCHCC) remains on the fore front of issues. Two previous referendums to fund a new building have failed to move forward. Potential movements for deciding the destiny of the PCHHC may include a 2024 fall election referendum. The PCHHC is a long-standing institution with a huge footprint. Addressing future operations is complex requiring both rational and emotional examination on how we care for those in need. 

Bob Pahmeier

Please share a brief biography of your education, background and life experiences that help you to take a leadership role serving on the Portage County Board of Supervisors?

With over 29 years of experience in federal law enforcement, I’ve cultivated essential leadership skills such as decision-making, collaboration, and crisis management.  My role as a Business Administrator, overseeing accounting, budgeting, and contracting, has equipped me with a strong sense of organizational expertise.

Having served in the US Army Reserves and recently retired from government service, I bring a disciplined and committed approach to leadership.  My dedication to family and community reflects a personal investment in fostering a sense of responsibility and connection.

My leadership style is characterized by inclusivity and active listening.  I believe in valuing diverse perspectives to make well-informed decisions.  Advocating for fiscal responsibility and equal representation, my experience in soliciting and administering government contracts underscores my ability to manage resources effectively. 

In essence, I see my leadership as a blend of experience, dedication, inclusivity, and a commitment to making informed decisions for the benefit of our community.

Why are you running for this office and what do you hope to accomplish?

I am running for office with a deep commitment to serving the people of District 17 in Portage County.  My extensive background in law enforcement, business administration, and military service has instilled in me a strong sense of duty and a desire to contribute to the well-being of our community.

I hope to accomplish several key objectives:

1. Effective Representation: I aim to be a dedicated voice for the residents of District 17, addressing their concerns and working toward solutions that enhance our community.
2. Fiscal Responsibility: Drawing on my experience in overseeing budgets and government contracts, I aspire to bring a prudent and responsible approach to managing public resources.
3. Inclusivity: I value diverse perspectives and inclusivity, seeking to ensure that everyone’s voice is heard and considered in the decision-making process. 
4. Community Well-being: Prioritizing the welfare of our community, I aim to support initiatives that promote economic growth, public safety, and a high quality of life for all residents.
5. Transparency:  I commit to fostering transparency and open communication in local government, keeping constituents informed about decisions and policies that affect them.

My candidacy is driven by a sincere desire to make a positive impact, promote community well-being, and ensure that the residents of District 17 have strong and effective representation.

What are the top three issues facing Portage County and how would you approach addressing them?

First Issue – Divisiveness that hinders progress and unity in our county.  

To overcome this challenge, I propose the following strategy:

1. Initiate open and constructive dialogs.  Ensure that residents have a safe forum to express their concerns, share their perspectives, and engage in respectful conversations.  This will help bridge the gap between diverse groups and promote unified decisions.
2. Advocate for policies that consider the needs and perspectives of all community members.  Inclusivity in decision making is a no-brainer.  With all voices heard and considered, more balanced and equitable outcomes are reached.
3. Support programs that bring people together.  These can be cultural events, community service projects, or recreational activities.  Anything that creates an opportunity for residents to connect on a personal level can break down barriers and build a stronger sense of community and belonging. 

We must work together and give everyone a voice in our future.  By prioritizing unity and inclusivity, we can overcome divisiveness and work towards a county where everyone feels heard, valued, and included in shaping our neighborhood.

Second Issue – The proposed Justice Center: Given my 26-year experience working in the federal prison system and knowing what is essential to run a successful jail, I would take the following approach:

1. Open Communication: Establish transparent and open communication channels.  Regular updates from meetings, and informational sessions that provide residents with accurate and up-to-date information about the project.
2. Cost Transparency: Clearly outline the costs associated with a new justice center and its potential impact on taxes.  Provide detailed budget breakdowns and financial plans to demonstrate fiscal responsibility.  Review designs and ensure all aspects are needed.
3. Community Impact Mitigation: Work closely with local authorities to develop plans that minimize disruptions during construction.  Address concerns about traffic, noise, and changes to the community by implementing effective mitigation strategies.
4. Public Safety Rationale: Clearly articulate the reasons behind the new justice center, emphasizing its role in enhancing public safety, improving law enforcement efficiency, and addressing specific community needs.  Present data and case studies that support the necessity of the project.
5. Explore Alternatives: Consider and evaluate alternative solutions.  Renovation of existing facilities should be explored even if only to eliminate that solution.  Consider various construction sites and evaluate the cost and impact of each.

By combining these strategies, I aim to foster an environment of trust among the decision makers and ensure that the development of a new justice center aligns with the needs and preferences of Portage County residents.

Third Issue – Addressing the needs of the community while dealing with rising costs.

The cost of goods and services are steadily rising.  Whether we look at infrastructure maintenance, public safety challenges, healthcare costs, housing, or education funding, we need to review current spending to ensure Portage County is getting the most bang for the buck.

I would suggest looking into some of these solutions:

1. Efficiency improvements – implementing technology and best practices to streamline processes will lead to cost savings over time.
2. Collaboration with neighboring jurisdictions, non-profits, or private entities to share resources and reduce costs.
3. Data driven decision making.  Using analytics to identify areas where resources can be used more effectively.
4. Grants and other funding opportunities that can supplement the annual budget without creating future financial burdens.
5. Privatization of services that are currently a burden of the County. 

Adopting a combination of these solutions has the potential for real savings.  Any funds freed up could be used to enhance services, community and economic development, reserve funding, education, or environmental conservation projects.

Ultimately, the decision should align with the county’s strategic priorities and the needs of the residents.  

Jackie Szehner

Please share a brief biography of your education, background and life experiences that help you to take a leadership role serving on the Portage County Board of Supervisors?

I have utilized my Nursing Degree (ADN) as a professional registered nurse providing nursing skills in case management (Inclusa in Stevens Point), acute care (St. Clare’s Hospital in Weston), and institutional settings (Portage County Health Care Center in Stevens Point and the Wisconsin Veteran’s Home at King). Additionally, I was honored to be a Wisconsin Governor’s Registered Nurse Appointee to the Rural Health Development Council. My Accounting Degree (AAS) assisted in providing me the knowledge and skills to create two Wisconsin businesses, JLS Marketing and The Toy Connection, for which I served as president, treasurer, and secretary, and I maintained all corporate accounting and government reports. The combination of business, accounting, and nursing experience I possess provides me the ability to support the County Board’s efforts aimed at enhancing services for our community. My background enables me to recognize the financial concerns and challenges the County Board has regarding the financial sustainability of Portage County in their effort to provide high quality and cost-effective services. Having been self-employed and in a position to create jobs required risk taking, self-determination, leadership, and perseverance. I hired and trained numerous employees for my businesses, was involved with various types of contracts, and I had to assess and evaluate business plans and relevant data regularly.

Why are you running for this office and what do you hope to accomplish?

I have lived in Plover for 36 years and I understand what is important to our residents. I believe it is important for a County Supervisor to work collaboratively with the local residents, stakeholders, and county officials toward positive solutions for Portage County, which will provide support for our families, small business, and family farms. I plan to work to ensure that Portage County remains a wonderful community in which to live for decades to come.

What are the top three issues facing Portage County and how would you approach addressing them?

I believe that currently our hope for maintaining a good quality of life in Portage County is being threatened, as we all are finding it increasingly challenging to continue to provide the basic necessities of food, housing, healthcare, transportation, and other daily necessities. As County Board Supervisors, we need to be mindful of the impact that our enactment of policies and procedures has on the people in our communities. I want to ensure fiscal responsibility, to stop inflation, reduce the tax burden, limit government overreach, and strengthen our local economy by creating an environment that attracts business organizations with high-paying jobs. We need to support families to empower parents and put kids first.

The issue of what to do pertaining to the courthouse and justice center/jail continues, and while there appears to be some movement toward proposed positive solutions in regard to building locations, some roadblocks persist. It is important to keep an open mind to the various opportunities as they are presented, because a top priority must remain to keep Portage County safe. Once locations are determined, the topic will turn even more to the proposal’s cost. I personally believe in a cost effective/cost efficient strategy toward saving tax dollars in any budgetary matter.  Having said that, I also believe that solutions should never be just about the cost, as there is much more involved in making decisions, especially when you are addressing safety concerns for county employees and citizens. Additionally, one should always gather information on the effectiveness and efficiency of alternative services, as results are important, not just low cost.  I would consider all recommendations from my community residents, local officials, employees, and other stakeholders in my pursuit of an optimal solution for Portage County. It is time for our county leaders to join forces to provide a thoughtful innovative plan for our communities to move forward.

Additionally, the Portage County Health Care Center (PCHCC) remains an ongoing issue. Recently, the Portage County Board voted against an April Primary referendum to further exceed the state-imposed property tax levy limits by $3.5 million for the PCHCC, which is an addition to the existing $4.5 million that had been approved previously, for a total of $8 million. County Executive Pavelski reported that he is diligently working toward a resolution on this matter, which includes a possible sale. As with any business venture, there are pros and cons which need to be considered. I look forward to working with the County Executive, the County Board Supervisors, the PCHCC administration, and local residents to find a resolution for the future of the PCHCC.