Name: Mary Von Ruden
Background: Born on a farm in Monroe County, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, graduate of SHS in 1969, married to Fred Von Ruden a retired Monroe County Police officer, Retired Certified Dietary Manager of Rolling hills after 27 years, Wisconsin Retirement Board for over 20 years. Winding Rivers Library board, Coulee Cap board, ADRC advisory board and ITBEC. Proud member of the Sparta Kiwanis club for 6 years that is a source of helping children of the world and especially in Sparta, scholarships, recognizing students on academic and sports achievements. I love volunteering to make contributions to our community Joining service clubs helps our communities grow stronger.
Why are you running for county board supervisor? My passion for helping make choices for the betterment of our county. After being a county employee for 27 years I was able to learn that we elect our bosses. I have always been supportive of our employees and the services they provide. I am also aware that the county has an opioid problem and encouraged the county to join in the nationwide crisis fighting the pharmaceutical companies for no cost. Monroe County will be over a million dollars and at no cost.
Why do you believe you are qualified? I have been on the Monroe County Board for 6 years and worked making our county a better place to live. I have been on the Rolling Hills committee for 6 years and spent 5 years on the committee with 80% of the committee wanting to move the Nursing Home to Tomah, nothing against Tomah, but I was the 20% wanted it in Sparta and my district were very vocal on keeping it in Sparta. I am selfish thinking that all I went through in those 5 years wanting to be there when it opens and again shows my commitment to Monroe County.
What are the most pressing issues (no more than three), you think the county needs to address and why? Climate change, broadband and mental health. I was excited when addressing all the issues.
The climate is doing havoc with environment farmlands, flooding and water quality is needed to be addressed.
Broadband will give so many opportunities to all ages and bringing us into the future. When I worked at RH, I took an online course to become a certified dietitian and worked at the same time took me a long time, but I wouldn’t have had the opportunity if broadband wasn’t available, and I wish to make everyone to be able to have the same opportunity.
Mental health and addictions go hand in hand, I was a part of Monroe County Coalition on prescription drugs. We went around to county educating all to be aware of what to look for in their homes. Not in my backyard was a well-attended event and what and where to look for in bedrooms and behaviors. Very eye opening to see all ways to hide vapes and other drugs that most parents don’t understand.
How would you address the issues you described?
Climate change: The climate change committee was created and working on the path, to make our communities committed to change to make a difference for the better.
Broadband: I think giving our communities in our county a way to move into the future is part of our duty as county supervisors. It’s not going away.
Mental Health: I was part of the Monroe County Coalition on prescription drugs for 4 years and it ran out of funding, but the problem is still there.
I have been aware of all problems that need to be addressed and I ran for the MC board as I could not sit on my hands and do nothing. I have committed to make a difference for the good which I have done for the last six years and looking forward to continuing as your voice and committed to the betterment of Monroe County.
Name: Toni Wissestad
Background: I reside in Sparta with my husband William. We have 8 children and 19 grandchildren. During my professional career I served as the Monroe County Medical Examiner for 35 years, and a Registered Nurse at Mayo Health System and Viterbo University for 36 years. I earned a Doctorate Degree in Nursing/Healthcare Leadership. Currently I am serving as Chairman of the Rolling Hills Committee/Building Project, member of the Finance Committee, Public Safety, and Mississippi River Regional Planning Commission. As an active member of the Sparta Rotary Club, I am currently leading fundraising efforts for the Blyton Park War Memorial project.
Why are you running for county board supervisor?
Raised in a military family; public service, volunteerism, and a “pay it forward” attitude are qualities inspired by my parents. Running a second term for County Board Supervisor provides an opportunity to continue serving county residents. The County Board needs Supervisors that are visionary, mission driven, and above all passionate about the work ahead. Listening to the constituency to advocate, problem solve, and deliver results has been my mission since elected. Monroe County deserves competent, hardworking, and engaged supervisors who can lead through challenging times and answer to the electorate.
Why do you believe you are qualified?
Strong leadership and collaboration are key to the role of a competent County Board Supervisor. With a two-year track record of successful outcomes, I am prepared to continue the challenging and vital work to move Monroe County forward. The Rolling Hills building project is the result of my working collaboratively with board members to produce results. With a county budget of 78 million dollars, expertise in fiscal management is essential to budget oversight. With 35 years’ experience in a variety of leadership roles that required successful fiscal accountability, I believe that my credentials and qualifications meet the expectations of the constituency.
What are the most pressing issues you think the county needs to address and why?
Why is this important? Currently the county has 20 open positions. Monroe County has lost excellent employees who have sought employment elsewhere due to lagging wages.
Why is this important? The county currently does not have a long-range strategic plan that is all encompassing. Establishing a strategic roadmap is a key component of planning for growth, establishing and meeting goals, and providing a realistic and manageable vision for the future.
Why is this important? Fiscal accountability is important to the taxpayers of Monroe County. Rising costs for fuel, housing, and essential needs require every dollar be spent wisely.
How would you address the issues described?
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