Wausau Pilot & Review
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Marathon County Board of Supervisors Dist. 10 incumbent Donna Krause is being challenged in the spring election by Randy Radtke. Here, learn more about each candidate as we head into the April 2 election.
Incumbent: Donna Krause, 75.
Occupation: Marathon County Board supervisor. Previous political experience: Board supervisor with three, two-year terms.
Challenger: Randy Radtke, 53
Occupation: Lead operator at Graphic Packaging. Previous political experience: Never ran for a government office. Was president of the North Central Wis. Labor Council fo 13 years, currently VP. Also on the Committee of Political Education for the Labor Council, where we interviewed many candidates and helped with campaigns to help labor candidates get elected.
What motivated you to run for office?
Krause: I like being a part of knowing about Marathon County government and it’s many departments, it’s responsibilities and challenges.
Radtke: Our youngest daughter will be graduating and I feel I’ll have more time to run. Something I’ve wanted to do for awhile and now will be able to use my experience in politics to help
make Marathon County a better place to live work and play
What is the biggest concern you have about the way Marathon County government operates today, and how do you propose to manage that, if elected?
Krause: The great increase in construction costs of NCHC caused by the Covid epidemic is a big issue which is being handled by downsizing certain county responsibilities and also moving and consolidating certain outlying county departments into the NCHC building. We are now planning to sell those vacated county departments buildings.
Radtke: I think we need to better address mental health and drug abuse in our county. I believe if we address those problems it will also help with homelessness. Studies have shown it’s cheaper to take care of the problem then ignore it. Listen to community members and to experts in social work and propose changes to help make things better.
If elected, what steps would you take to put our county on firmer financial footing?
Krause: The county will be accepting the grants and funding from several pharmaceutical companies whose medications caused the opioid addictions which created a huge financial problem for not only our county but for many counties throughout WI. That money will be coming in annually over the next 15 years or more and will be used for mitigating the human and financial tolls caused by the opioid epidemic.
Radtke: Take a look at all areas to see where we could do things more efficiently and be more responsible with our money . But we need to do it in a way to make sure we’re not cutting back to much essential services .
How do you plan to involve residents in the decision-making process in our community and be transparent in your decision-making?
Krause: Residents are encouraged to give public comment before the Board meetings. This is an opportunity to make your ideas, suggestions, concerns and complaints heard by Administration, all 38 Marathon County Board Members and the listening public. There are also hearings at which citizens can speak to their concerns. Additionally, the public can call, text, email and make an appointment to speak with their district board Supervisor about their issues.
Radtke: I like the neighborhood meetings. I would work to attend more neighborhood meetings. Respond to email phone and phone calls.
How can Marathon County effectively tackle the ongoing housing shortage, particularly for people with low to moderate incomes?
Krause: The county has a few programs that assist with housing. The county provides funding for CAP which helps those who are low income who need help with housing. A new program run by County Social Services is the Family Keys Program. It serves 46 families by helping with housing so that families can stay together. Housing is an issue throughout the entire state. Here in Marathon County we have housing that’s been built for moderate to high income which is unaffordable for most local people. Half of some of the newer rental apartment buildings are going vacant because of their high cost.
Radtke: Work with other leaders in town, cities and see if we can secure more grant money from the state and federal.
What can Marathon County do to attract more businesses and more people to the area?
Krause: Through various media efforts the county is doing a great job of advertising their sports, educational, parks, medical, business and recreational assets and recently won an award for it! Reaching out through various employment services for county job openings is one way the county brings in highly qualified people from outside the area.
Radtke: Make sure we’re keeping up on maintenance on our roads, bridges parks and schools. Also do more marketing.
What role, if any, should supervisors play in determining which books are chosen for the Marathon County Public Library and how they are placed on the shelves?
Krause: The library has sections based on topics and life stages or ages. The libraries have many activities that draw in children, adolescents and adults. I think the county librarians are following the law in regards to books, magazines, videos, etc. being free speech and accessable to those who wish to check out any library materials.
Radtke: I don’t thing any supervisor should take away freedoms from adults by telling them what they or their children can read. Placing books on shelves should be left to librarians who are trained to do that job.
How do you feel about the transportation options available in our county, and what role, if any, should Marathon County play in tackling the challenges involved?
Krause: The county has a Transportation Committee. It hears and approves the financial reports from the Directors of Metro Ride Bus and Paratransit System and the NCHC Disabled and Elderly Transportation System. The committee doesn’t take in passenger complaints about buses, routes, bus stop placements, bus shelters or drivers. Funding for the two public transportation systems comes from several government sources. Funding comes from the Federal, State, County and the City of Wausau.This past year five older outdated bus shelters were replaced with new updated, larger, handicap accessible, solar lit bus shelters. Also government grant money was accepted to purchase 5 buses.
Radtke: I think we should look at expanding transit services.I also think Marathon County should help in tackling our transportation troubles.
The County Board is large and diverse. How will you work with people whose views you do not agree with to find common ground?
Krause: I listen to what is being said and keep it in mind when the time approaches to discuss the issue at the board meetings and when deciding how to vote. Often hearing others viewpoints broadens and expands my knowledge on the topic and makes for an interesting and thought provoking meeting. Listening and being aware of others ideas and thoughts educates and informs. Often problems aren’t just black and white but are shades of gray.
Radtke: I feel I can work with others well. The main thing is no matter how much you disagree you need to have a open mind, listen and respect other people’s opinions.
What else would you like voters to know about you?
Krause: I studied music education at Viterbo Fine Arts College in LaCrosse, WI and at Kent State University in Kent, Ohio. I started my career as an elementary vocal and general music teacher in a highly diversified and integrated major US city school system. From there I entered corporate sales and then went on to produce and host many radio and tv programs on topics of interest to women on women’s issues.
Radtke: I’m a lifelong resident of Marathon County and I’ve lived in the district for 21 years, have been married to my wife Kerri for 32 yrs and we have 3 children Nicole, Brittney and Brooklynn. I’ve been With my current employer Graphic Packaging for 21 years.
