Election 2022 — Oconto County Board, District 9

The two candidates who polled highest in a four-way primary for District 9 on the Oconto County Board are squaring off in the April 5 general election. The district generally covers the northern part of towns of Abrams and Morgan.
Jolene Barkhaus earned an uncanny 54.9% of the primary vote, more than the other three candidates combined, but her opponent is incumbent Supervisor Al Stranz, who is seeking his sixth two-year term on the board. Stranz received 21.3% of the February vote. Eliminated were another incumbent, Leonard Wahl, who received 17.7% and Gordon Aprill at 5.9%.
District 9 was one of five districts with at least two incumbent supervisors after the maps were redrawn in accordance to the 2020 U.S. Census.
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?
Barkhaus: I hear the people’s concerns that our county isn’t addressing. I believe it’s my time to step up to help the people in District 9 be heard and recognized. I want to make community involvement a top priority at the county level. I have the leadership skills, drive and patience to make sure Oconto County is the place we are happy to call home.
Stranz: I would like to continue to serve the residents of District 9. I feel my education and past work experiences and the knowledge and experience gained in the past 10 years on the county board will provide the best representation to the district, and to Oconto County as a whole.
 

What do you see the biggest issue(s) facing the board over the next two years?
Barkhaus: Better lines of communication have to be made to get more residents involved in our local government. Oconto county is making broadband upgrades a priority in their comprehensive plan. This issue needs support, with families making transitions to working from home and schools relying on app/virtual based lessons. With these upgrades, public meetings can be available via Skype, Zoom, podcasts, etc. Opening avenues for residents to get involved, pooling community strengths, to progress positively.
Stranz: While Oconto County has long been fiscally well managed, that didn’t happen by accident. We need to continue to develop strategies and priorities to allow for maintaining acceptable levels of service to the citizens moving forward, keeping in mind the need to be able to adapt to changing economic and social challenges.
Hiring, training, and retaining quality employees — Staff retention is an issue in several important programs. The county needs to determine and address the reasons causing the retention problem and to make sure we can develop and retain the capable staff that our county needs.
 

In what area/topics do you believe you can contribute to the board and the county?
Barkhaus: I will provide a new perspective to all committees within the county board. I believe in honesty and transparency. I know the amount of dedication it takes to succeed and I refuse to fail. Service is in my DNA. I’m happy to serve, whether it’s a great meal, a smile, or by attending meetings to listen and make decision that support the majority goal of Oconto County residents, I am grateful to be of service.
Stranz: The county board will be in transition after the April election. We will have a new board chair, many new board members, a new committee structure, and a new county administrator. Maintaining experienced leadership will be essential to ensure a smooth transition into the future. My combination of knowledge, common sense, and experience will aid in that transition.