JANESVILLE — Milton Alderperson Ken Smith is seeking reelection to the city’s common council, and also the Rock County Board’s District 5 seat. He’s being challenged by Milton resident Bart Droessler for the county board seat.
The District 5 seat is currently held by Bill Wilson who has opted not to run for reelection.
The 69 reached out to both candidates and asked the same questions: What are the top issues in the county? How do you plan on addressing those issues? What does the county board need to do in the next two years?
Smith said he believes the “most pressing issues facing our community” are managing the budget and property tax levy against increasing employee compensation needs.
“With the property tax levy tied to net new construction, it is not uncommon that the cost increases associated with employee benefits are greater than the county’s revenue growth,” Smith said. “The County Board’s desire to maintain property taxes at or near the current level without the need to cut services is a balancing act most local governments are performing daily.”
“Too often when this occurs employee compensation is negatively impacted, leading to retention and recruitment issues. As an alderperson for the City of Milton Common Council, I have firsthand experience with trying to balance these oppositional issues.”
Droessler said property taxes weigh heavily on middle-class families and affordability is a daily concern in Rock County communities.
“My priorities center on protecting taxpayers: advocating for rigorous fiscal accountability to help keep taxes reasonable, supporting our 911 Call Center to ensure strong public safety, and exploring ways to make county services more efficient and responsive to residents’ needs,” Droessler said.
Smith said addressing the issues cannot be with just one person, as it will require an effort from everyone on the board.
“For my part I will strive to find innovative ways to address managing and maintaining a healthy budget and the needs of our employees,” Smith said.
Smith touted the flat $1 per hour increase across the county’s pay grid proposed by Wilson, Barb Schwarts and Mike Schwarz as a “level of problem solving I find impressive and inspiring.”
“With input from fellow board members and members of my community I work to develop plans to effectively address the underlying issues that have a negative impact on the budget, such as the shortage of new, affordable housing construction,” Smith said.
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Over the next two years, the board will need to review future assets and liabilities that significantly affect the county’s budget and personnel needs, Smith said. He also said a review of facilities and their costs will be needed. Smith called the vacant county health center as a “continuous financial drain” on county taxpayers and said there should be a plan to demolish or permanently remove the facility from the county books.
Smith said the board does an “admirable job” in addressing the issues” and that he looks forward to contributing to future solutions.
Droessler said he is eager to work collaboratively with county board members, county administration and community leaders on “responsible, practical solutions that promote economic opportunity and growth for everyone.”
“Open communication is essential,” Droessler said. “I pledge to stay transparent with constituents, listen to your concerns, and serve with accountability and integrity, always putting our district first.”
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Droessler added, “I’m focused on efficiency and holding every resource accountable. My 30 years in the U.S. Army National Guard, retiring as a lieutenant colonel after multiple deployments, built my ability to lead strategically and collaborate under pressure. Today, as a federal government analyst ensuring vendor compliance and fiscal responsibility, I apply those same principles–ready to bring them to county decisions.”
