Oconto County Board Supervisor Jolene Barkhaus opted not to seek another term, opening up the District 9 position.
Joseph Porior, of the Town of Morgan, and Carl Blahnik, of Abrams, are competing for the seat in the April 7 spring election.
What made you decide to run for this position?
Blahnik: After consulting with neighbors and friends within the District 9 boundaries, I decided to run for the county supervisor position. I have also spoken with past and present members of the Oconto County Board and discussed the requirements with them. I decided to run because I believe I will be a good fit to represent the constituents of District 9 on the Oconto County Board.
Porior: I live in the Town of Morgan with my wife, Jamie, and our two young boys. I am co-owner and managing partner of Triple C Dairy LLC.
I decided to run for this position with strong encouragement I received from community members. It is not a decision I take lightly, as the demands of raising a young family and managing a modern dairy farm don’t leave me with a lot of surplus time. However, I strongly believe our community needs to be represented on the board by someone with shared values and vision who will work toward continued improvement in transparency. I see it as a duty to and an investment in my community.
What experience do you have to serve in this position?
Blahnik: I bring over 30 years of education, work and military experience to the position. I have worked with budgets, personnel and operational requirements. I believe this provides me with the depth of knowledge and experience necessary to represent the 9th District. I have worked with many different entities and bring a well-rounded approach to problem-solving.
Porior: I’m qualified to serve on the board based on my experience in both leadership and business management roles. Activities, training and officer roles in 4-H, FFA and Alpha Gamma Rho taught me the importance of parliamentary procedure and how a productive meeting should be run, as well as how an effective and efficient executive board should operate.
Participation in high school and collegiate athletics taught me the importance of knowing and executing an individual role for the betterment and success of a team. As a dairy farm owner and manager, I have 20 years of experience managing employees, facing unexpected challenges, managing finances and trying to keep budgets balanced in volatile markets.
What is one of the biggest challenges facing the county, and how do you plan to address it?
Blahnik: I feel one of the biggest challenges facing the county is attracting new industries and the additional workforce needed to fill open positions, while also providing adequate housing and municipal services. I would also like to see improvements in infrastructure and social programs, to address the full spectrum of needs for all citizens of Oconto County. I would work to address these issues through continued economic development efforts and by pursuing grants when available.
Porior: I think one of the biggest challenges facing Oconto County is the projected population decrease. While I know that the county is currently home to many thriving businesses, we need to continue to make improvements to infrastructure, services and recreational opportunities that will make our communities even more attractive to potential employers and new residents. That is, of course, while preserving our productive farmland and keeping our air and water clean.
Revenues and expenses continue to be an ongoing debate to balance any budget. Do you favor searching for new revenue streams or reducing programs, staff or other expenses?
Blahnik: A balanced budget is important, and I view it as a guideline, meaning there may be times when deviations are necessary; however, it should be followed as closely as possible. Understanding all of the county’s requirements is essential.
Identifying new revenue streams and improving existing ones are also important.
A holistic approach should be taken when evaluating budget requirements, especially when it comes to staffing, services and potential program changes.
Porior: The arguments that surround balancing a budget usually center on increasing revenue versus decreasing expenses. While increased taxes and fees are sometimes necessary and certainly a quick, easy way to increase revenue, it is never a popular idea. As a dairy farmer, I don’t get the opportunity to set the price I sell milk and beef at.
The profitability and growth of my business is determined by careful and strategic management of expenses and improvements to be as efficient as possible. I believe government should operate the same way.
kpasson@newmedia-wi.com
