Election 2022 — Oconto County Board, District 11

An incumbent Oconto County Board supervisor, Diane Nichols, is being challenged April 5 by a recently retired department head in District 11, Patrick Scanlan, which covers parts of the towns of Oconto and Pensaukee.
NEW Media sent questionnaires to the candidates to provide readers with their background and opinions on key issues facing the county.
 

Why do you want to serve on the Oconto County board?
Nichols: I wish to continue to serve my community and to make our county one of the best in northern Wisconsin for being a great place to live, work, and play – as our logo says, “From the Bay to the Nicolet.”
Scanlan: I want to serve on Oconto County Board of Supervisors because I would like to continue using my ability to communicate with people on matters of public interest. Being a good listener makes a good representative. When you listen and communicate, you can more clearly evaluate issues which allows you to organize, prioritize, and commit to those things considered important.
 

What do you see as the biggest issues facing the board?
Nichols: High-speed internet access, of course, which is coming now, though it’s arriving exceedingly slow, but also more housing and good, affordable child care throughout the county. I’d like to see a county-wide housing coalition formed to encourage the building of units for low and moderate-income folks along with changes in zoning to encourage more diverse housing solutions, like “tiny homes.” Regarding child care, though the county already supports certifying childcare in private homes, I believe it could be more aggressive in seeking out possible providers as well as overseeing the establishment of cooperative childcare centers throughout the county and with large employers.
Scanlan: I believe the lack of high-speed internet to all Oconto County residents is a huge handicap to our population. This creates a hardship for families, students, employers and those who are self-employed. They are forced to find more expensive alternate ways to do their work and run their business. I also feel that more funding is needed for transportation improvements and all available options should be on the table.
 

In what areas do you believe you can contribute to the board and the county?
Nichols: I have the experience of 10 years of service on the county level and also have knowledge of the Health & Human Services Board. I hope to see more women elected to the county board and will work to make them feel welcome. I am not afraid to speak up or to use my knowledge of parliamentary procedure. I will again attempt to change the board meeting time to late afternoon or early evening so the board would be more representative of the county; my last attempt failed. In addition, my experience as an English teacher can be helpful in crafting resolution language and updating handbooks etc.
Scanlan: My 25 years in management with the Highway Department and 37 years on the Town Board have given me invaluable experience as to what to expect as a county board supervisor. I have been involved in creation of policy and procedure, budgeting, and working with other departments and governmental entities throughout my career. I am prepared and ready for any committee assignment if elected.