Elections & Voting

Tribal Elections

State, Local, and Federal Elections

Basic Voting Information

In order to vote in Wisconsin you must:

● Be a citizen of the United States
● Be a resident of Wisconsin for at least 28 days
● Be 18 years old
● Proof of identification when voting at a polling place.  A Tribal ID is accepted.
● Not have been convicted of treason, felony or bribery, or have had your civil rights restored
● Not have been found by a court to be incapable of understanding the objective of the electoral process
● Not make or benefit from a bet or wage depending on the result of an election

Registration Deadline: 20 days before the election (or completed in the local voter registration office up to 5:00 PM the day before the election, or completed at the polling place on election day)

Click here for more information about voting.

2024 Spring General Election

In advance of the 2024 Spring General Election on April 2, 2024, the Oneida Nation and its conduit fund, Voices For Oneida, invited candidates on the ballot in certain local races to share information about themselves and their campaigns with the enrolled members of the Oneida Nation. Below are the responses that we received.

Brown County Supervisor District 24:

Ross Toellner

Why are you running for office?

As a life-long native of Brown County, I have found the area to be an amazing place to grow up and start my family. My three main goals to improve Brown County are to make taxpayers’ money work for them, increase awareness on mental health, and continue to keep our county clean and sustainable. 

What unique expertise or experience would you bring to this office? 

From the time I was in high school I have had a passion for local politics. As a student, I attended all De Pere City Council meetings. During college I was a leader in multiple organizations and a chair on the campus housing committee. I have taught in Brown County for 13 years, been a treasurer for a non-profit for eight years and worked for a local homeless shelter for the last year.

What is the most important issue in the county and how would you address it?

I believe that the mental health of my constituents is extremely important. Fixing the stigma around mental health is something that we as a county can continue to work on.  This can be solved by working with our health and human service team and finding the innovative and well-rounded solutions.

When we start to focus on mental health, we will see issues like homelessness, crime, and drug and alcohol abuse decrease. This in turn can reduce the amount of money we need to spend on reactive measures by focusing on preventative services. 

What challenges do you see coming down the road for local governments in the next decade?

Almost all counties are headed for difficult decisions in the next few years. The tax percentage that we as a county has maxed out. Over the last few years, we have had funds given to us by the national government in the form of COVID relief. That money will run out. The way Brown County has been able to increase revenue is by new building, however that is not keeping pace as it has in the past. This in turn, makes issues for county services and the increasing costs they are incurring. As costs rise, we need to either make cuts or increase revenue. 

If elected, how can you as an elected official of Brown County and the Oneida Nation work together to better all residents of the region?

I will look to be an ally and a partner to the Oneida Nation and will look to continue the services agreements that have been put in place by Brown County and the Oneida Nation. I will look to collaborate with the Oneida Nation on issues that affect them in Brown County.  I also look forward to working with the Oneida Nation on the opening of the Duck Creek Trail that would connect from Pamperin Park through Outagamie County.  I would also like to work with the Oneida on conservation of our natural resources. 

Vanya Koepke

Why are you running for office?

• I am running to fix the opioid crisis. 

• Improve roads and transportation. 

• Responsibly manage taxpayer funds.  

• Improve housing availability 

What unique expertise or experience would you bring to this office?  

My experiences include those of volunteering for multiple local organizations, currently working at Schneider National as an operations manager and my elected office experience as an incumbent Hobart Village Board Trustee. These experiences will be leveraged to communicate, collaborate, listen, and deliver results for residents of Brown County. 

What is the most important issue in the county and how would you address it? 

We must address and ultimately fix the opioid crisis. 

Addressing this program will include using the available county funds for education, preventive programs, patient support, and outpatient recovery resources. We must also engage state and federal partnerships to manage the flow of illegal drugs, drugs trafficking and additional education to proactively engage this topic. I plan to coordinate local and county resources to provide the necessary support to eradicate this problem. Further, I plan to create more public, private and non-profit partnerships to support this effort. 

What challenges do you see coming down the road for local governments in the next decade? 

• Funding, especially during inflation, is something that will always face local governments that attempt to manage responsible fiscal policies with the rising costs. 

• Managing debt on development and road projects will also be something to plan for. 

• Management of migrants and illegal aliens who may come from our southern border. 

If elected, how can you as an elected official of Brown County and the Oneida Nation work together to better all residents of the region? 

• I believe we have started a process of working well together through the Duck Creek trail project. We should keep the momentum going and finish this project. 

• Collaborate between health departments on ways to address the opioid crisis.  

• Civically engage all residents on tribal and non-tribal matters.  

• Continue to hold listening sessions to gather input from constituents. 

Green Bay Common Council District 11 (primary election February 20, 2024)

Michael Poradek (Green Bay Common Council District 11):

Why are you running for office? 

I am proud to call Green Bay home and want to serve this community that I know and love. As a homeowner in the district for over 10 years serving our neighborhoods, I am honored to have the support of neighbors here in District 11 who have encouraged me to run for Alder. I am committed to serving as a nonpartisan official focused on the local issues that impact us every day while being responsive to constituent concerns. I hope to bring new ideas, authentic leadership, and community-focused solutions to make Green Bay an even better place to live, work, and call home.

What unique expertise or experience would you bring to this office?  

I will bring to this position a decade of professional experience in nonprofit administration and leadership, along with diverse experience in volunteer community engagement. I currently serve on the city’s Planning Commission, which focuses on economic development and housing. For the past seven years, I have served in neighborhood leadership, first for the Fireman’s Park Neighborhood and currently as Chair of the city-wide Green Bay Neighborhoods for all recognized neighborhoods. I am also privileged to serve as a Board Member for St. Vincent de Paul Green Bay, Vice President and a Brown County Trustee for the Nicolet Federated Library System Board, and as a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. 

What is the most important issue in the city and how would you address it? 

As alder I will work to promote: 1) Road Repair: Allocating resources for a long-term plan to repair the city’s roadways in an ongoing cycle. 2) Public Safety: In order to address current and future issues impacting our community, ensuring public safety officials have the support and training necessary to be proactive. 3) Economic Growth: Especially on our city’s west side, we need to invest in common sense economic development that benefits both residents and visitors. All of these issues are relevant to both tribal and non-tribal residents, and I look forward to continuing to build from the existing intergovernmental agreement to find ways to improve services and resources for all residents.

What challenges do you see coming down the road for local governments in the next decade? 

In the next decade, local governments and officials need to commit to increasingly practice nonpartisanship in order to work together to respond to growing local issues in our communities. Whether dealing with repairs to infrastructure, responding to health issues such as the opioid epidemic locally, budgeting to ensure quality services, or providing affordable housing options, the response to these and new challenges local governments will face in the next decade are dependent upon the ability to dialogue and find creative solutions, without gridlock from partisan politics on the local level. 

If elected, how can you as an elected official of the City of Green Bay and the Oneida Nation work together to better all residents of the region? 

I look forward to bringing a clear commitment to collaboration and open communications to my service as alder. This especially includes ongoing, intergovernmental collaboration with the Oneida Nation which is achieved through mutual respect, intentional listening, and productive dialogue based on the local issues that affect all of us. I am looking forward to meeting with Chairman Hill in late January to continue to recognize ways we can all work together effectively toward serving the needs of all residents. 

Christina Thor (Green Bay Common Council District 11):

Why are you running for office? 

As a daughter of refugees, I grew up in poverty and understood economic challenges at a young age. I was born here, and now a first-generation homeowner and mother in a community that has given us so much. District 11 is where I learned the values of hard work and caring for my neighborhood. I am running because I believe that those most affected by issues should be involved in finding solutions, and I am committed to representing all voices in my district. I hope to co-create an inclusive Green Bay with healthy homes, neighborhood jobs, and community safety with my neighbors.

What unique expertise or experience would you bring to this office?

– Experience in community organizing and advocacy: I have trained community members to become advocates because I believe it’s important that policies truly reflect the needs of communities. I have fought for equitable policies and against harmful policies that impact our families.

– Expertise in public policy: I have supported drafting local and state bills that advance equity for working families. My strong background in public policy allows me to identify and address complex issues through a racial, economic, and gender justice lens.

– Servant leadership in nonprofit management: With a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector leading with a servant leadership approach, I have a deep understanding of supporting vulnerable communities through evidence-based practices. My skills in collaboration and problem-solving, coupled with empathy and healing, makes me a compassionate and effective leader.

What is the most important issue in the city and how would you address it? 

The most important issue in the city is equity. Disparities in quality of life are often compounded by systemic inequities, leading to persistent disparities in health, education, employment, and other important areas. I would address equity by engaging with marginalized communities to understand their needs to identify where systemic barriers exist; advocating for policies and programs that promote equity, such as access to affordable housing and job placements; working with stakeholders to identify and address disparities in access to education, healthcare, and other essential services; and fostering a culture of inclusion and respect; and building bridges between communities and promote dialogue and understanding.

What challenges do you see coming down the road for local governments in the next decade?

Racial, gender, and economic inequity; land and natural resources protection and responding to climate change; economic and fiscal challenges with the need to create sustainable and fair revenue streams; increased demand for services to meet the growing demands, such as healthcare, education, and social services; and democracy protection to safeguard democratic institutions and processes, including threats such as disinformation, voter suppression, and foreign interference.

If elected, how can you as an elected official of City of Green Bay and the Oneida Nation work together to better all residents of the region? 

If elected, I would work to foster a strong, co-governing relationship between the City of Green Bay and the Oneida Nation to improve the lives of all residents in the region. I am committed to: establishing regular communication and dialogue between the city and the Oneida Nation, such as regular meetings to discuss joint initiatives and shared priorities on economic development, cultural and educational programs, and environmental initiatives; fostering mutual understanding and respect between the communities, which includes promoting cultural sensitivity training, organizing community events; and working together to address shared challenges and issues, such as racial justice, affordable housing, healthcare, and economic development

Green Bay Common Council District 12

Bobby Lindsey (Green Bay Common Council District 12):

Why are you running for office?

I’m running for City Council because my wife, Patty, and I love Green Bay and the quality of life within our neighborhood and community. We want to help preserve the historic, traditional values and characteristics of all facets of our community. Green Bay is our retirement home, and my unique background in public service, my educational background, moral character, and genuine sense of duty to serve all Green Bay residents motivates me to want to help it remain as “the best place to live.”

What unique expertise or experience would you bring to this office?

I am a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and a retired law enforcement officer (Milwaukee, WI), where I was responsible for successfully developing and applying innovative, nontraditional (and traditional), problem-oriented and intelligence-led policing strategies and community development initiatives within diverse communities. I worked collaboratively with all community stakeholders (e.g., citizens, schools, businesses, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, ethnic communities, etc.) to improve the quality of life throughout the city. After retirement, I was appointed as a Law Enforcement Specialist with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and served as a certified instructor with the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Artesia, New Mexico, working regularly with (and training) personnel from the U.S. Indian Police Academy, U.S. Border Patrol, United States Secret Service, Federal Air Marshals, U.S.

Capitol Police, TSA personnel, U.S. Department of Defense, and myriad law enforcement personnel from federal, state, local and tribal jurisdictions across the U.S. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services (criminal justice concentration), a Master of Science degree in Human Services Management and Organizational Leadership, and I’ve completed all core curricula content toward a PhD (ABD) in Leadership for the Advancement of Learning and Service. I currently serve as a full-time criminal justice instructor in the Wisconsin Technical College System. Through my experiences working with the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs (U.S. Indian Police Academy), I was introduced to issues pertaining to tribal courts and tribal law, as well as how crime impacts Native American communities. Moreover, I gained keen insight and experiences surrounding issues relevant to tribal law enforcement officers and their unique roles and challenges in serving their respective communities.

What is the most important issue in the city, and how would you address it?

I believe that the most important issue facing the city is the dangerous influence of partisanship in local government. Partisanship is the foundation of weakened government service toward meeting the needs of all residents within our community. Partisanship leads to prioritizing agendas established by entities from outside of our city; agendas that override the compelling needs of local residents. Several cities around the country now serve as clear examples and evidence of how partisan influences can destroy once thriving communities, as local concerns become secondary (or ignored) in order to achieve economic, social, or political objectives of outside or nonlocal interests.

My professional life of public service has always been rooted in ground level engagement, communication, and collaborative action in partnership with all community stakeholders; that will not change if given the privilege to serve our community as a member of the Green Bay Common Council. From the perspective of ground-level engagement with stakeholders, I have experienced how partisanship has often impeded serving individuals, families, neighborhoods, schools, businesses, and unique concerns of varying parts of communities. If the City of Green Bay succumbs to the influences of political partnership, it will certainly and rapidly experience many of the problems that are evident within American cities in decline.

As a public servant, my moral leadership and decision-making will always be a reflection of the expressed concerns and needs of all local stakeholders, with a particular focus on prioritizing community safety; being accessible and accountable to all stakeholders; prioritizing fiscal responsibility that supports family budgets, economic growth and strong fundamental education; and genuine respect for all stakeholders

What challenges do you see coming down the road for local governments in the next decade?

I believe that local governments will be greatly affected by threats and circumstances stemming from global and national issues over the next decade (e.g., political, economic, social, domestic, immigration, military, and terrorism-related concerns). I support serious, proactive emergency management and human services agendas and activities that can help identify and mitigate how those issues will negatively impact local governments.

If elected, how can you, as an elected official of the City of Green Bay and the Oneida Nation, work together to better all residents of the region?

As an elected official of the City of Green Bay, I can and will exercise and help facilitate the application and enhancement of ongoing leadership, learning, service and research competencies that can meet compelling needs of all residents and communities throughout our region.

Kathy Hinkfuss (Green Bay Common Council District 12):

Why are you running for office?

I have a passion for the well-being and development of our community. I have been your neighbor in District 12 for over 20 years. My husband and I raised our children in this district. My background in leadership, community building, and problem-solving are transferable skills. I will apply those skills to address the community’s challenges and encourage innovative solutions.

What unique expertise or experience would you bring to this office?

I have led a non-profit and operations for a Fortune 200 company. I recently started my own business. The skill sets required across these three sectors are quite different. One skill set remains the same: how people are treated and included in decisions that affect their lives. I will never forget my constituents and will seek out participation and feedback.

What is the most important issue in the City, and how would you address it?

One of the most significant issues is the lack of affordable housing for the younger generation and retirees. We must be innovative with planned housing developments and reduce administrative barriers to creating new homes.

What challenges do you see coming down the road for local governments in the next decade?

We have a continued challenge to increase the tax base within the city and maintain services. The City of Green Bay and the Oneida Nation have a signed intergovernmental agreement recognizing the value of shared services between the City of Green Bay and the Oneida Nation. Local governments have been sharing services in communities across Brown County. Shared services can be a way to explore new innovative ideas.

If elected, how can you, as an elected official of the City of Green Bay and the Oneida Nation, work together to better all residents of the region?

As a City Alder, I will continue to enhance the work started in District 12 and across the region. The intergovernmental agreement needs to continue. Also, I want to highlight and recognize the $800 million-plus in the current economic impact made by the Oneida Nation. Thank you!

Ways to work together:

• Continue open communication channels: Regular meetings between the City of Green Bay and the Oneida Nation leadership.

• Joint economic development initiatives: Collaborative projects that benefit the City of Green Bay and the Oneida Nation.

• Continue tourism promotion: Work together on initiatives highlighting the cultural richness and attractions that the Oneida Nation brings to Green Bay.

• Infrastructure development: Shared investment in infrastructure, road improvements, public transportation, and/or utility upgrades.

• Educational initiatives: Work together on educational programs that promote understanding and appreciation of the history, culture, and contributions of the Oneida Nation.

• Environmental stewardship: Collaborate on initiatives that promote sustainability.

These are just a few of the ideas.

The Oneida Nation is economically and culturally important to Brown County and the City of Green Bay. The Oneida Nation has advanced tourism to the city and is also the sponsor of many events hosted in the City of Green Bay.  

Outagamie County Supervisor District 33 (uncontested)

Debbie Vander Heiden (Outagamie County Supervisor District 33):

Why are you running for office?

I am a resident of the Town of Kaukauna and have been involved in town government since 1997 and presently am the Clerk/Treasurer. I have gained profound knowledge through the years with the town. I have been a County Board Supervisor since 2016. When the Supervisor from my district resigned, he contacted me to ask if I would be interested in the position because he felt I would be a suitable candidate. The County appointed me for the position, and I then decided to run for the next term. So that brings us to your first question, why am I running for office? I enjoy collaborating with people and have gained so much knowledge through the years. I look forward to meeting more people and am ready to face the new challenges.

What unique expertise or experience would you bring to this office? 

I bring with me a great deal of experience as a member of the UW Extension, Land Conservation and Zoning Committees, which I still serve on. My children were all in 4-H and I have a passion for all the different programs UW Extension has to offer. I also have experience in the land conservation area with farming and farmland preservation. They offer a lot of education for our farmers. As for zoning, I served on our local Planning Commission for six years and am still involved with them as their secretary. Zoning issues can be tough at times, however I always try to find a compromise whenever possible.

What is the most important issue in the county and how would you address it?

There are issues we are dealing with in the county such as not enough staff to deal with mental health and court cases. However, the biggest challenge we are facing now is trying to retain our qualified employees and be able to pay them the wage they deserve. With the state imposing levy limits on us, this makes it tough to find extra funding. We are working to try to find ways to get this in our 2025 budget. Another is to keep the job force strong in the county.

What challenges do you see coming down the road for local governments in the next decade?

I deal with local governments daily and we all face the same problems. Trying to produce enough funding to maintain our roads. Roads are getting increasingly costly to maintain. Local governments have levy limits also, and there is not enough money to fund them. The other is trying to fund our fire and EMR departments. Most local governments have volunteer personnel, and it is getting harder to find volunteers. Another concern is that solar farms will take away our prime farmland acres to make solar fields. I am a big supporter of farmland preservation and hope that our legislators will help us to protect our land.

If elected, how can you as an elected official of Outagamie County and the Oneida Nation work together to better all residents of the region?

I will continue to collaborate with my committees with issues that may arise between Oneida Nation and Outagamie County to do what is best for both communities. I believe in joint ventures and working together. As a member of the Land Conservation Committee, we cannot be prouder of the SHED project that was made possible by working with the Oneida Nation as a partner with this project. I went to the grand opening, and it was so great to see all the people come together and to meet all those that made it possible.

I am open to any comments or concerns my constituents may have.

Outagamie County Supervisor District 35 (uncontested)

Dustin Koury (Outagamie County Supervisor District 35):

Why are you running for office?

I had the honor of being appointed to serve the remainder of the term of former Supervisor Dan Melchert last year. Mr. Melchert had a great reputation on the Board, and I think it is important that District 35 continues to have a representative who is able to maintain and build relationships with other leaders and communities in Outagamie County. Living in an area on the northern edge of the county, our communities are impacted differently than individuals who may live in Appleton or other regions of the county. I hope to bring attention to the unique needs of my neighbors.  

What unique expertise or experience would you bring to this office?

I worked as a child welfare professional in neighboring counties for almost 10 years. Those experiences taught me a lot about what families and communities sometimes need, but also about how important county government can be for its citizens when it is working well. Now, I work for the state of WI’s Department of Children and Families, and I have been able to learn about how policies, budgets, and other government decisions impacts day to day life. I promise to use those experiences to make sure that the Outagamie County Board makes responsible decisions that will make life easier for the citizens it serves. 

What is the most important issue in the county and how would you address it?

In my opinion, local governments have to be sure that they are being fiscally responsible. As everyone knows, costs are going up and county government is responsible to provide many mandated and necessary services that help our citizens. We can’t afford to reduce the quality of those services, but we must be sure that we budget responsibly so that we can continue to improve as a county. I think the most important issue facing the county will be finding ways to continue to improve the services we provide without increasing the burden on taxpayers. 

What challenges do you see coming down the road for local governments in the next decade?

In addition to the tight budgets I already referenced, I think local governments will need to continue to respectfully work together to find innovative solutions to complex issues. There are lots of things to disagree about, but I think it’s important to find areas where we can agree and to find the most effective solutions for all of our neighbors. County Board Supervisors are non-partisan positions, and I enjoy the opportunity to work alongside representatives from other areas of the county, many of which I don’t always (or even often) agree. If elected, I look forward to listening to my constituents and finding solutions to whatever tough problems arise. 

If elected, how can you as an elected official of Outagamie County and the Oneida Nation work together to better all residents of the region? 

Effective and respectful government-to-government relationships are so important. In my work at the county and state levels, I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside many members of the Oneida Nation, whether it be law enforcement, judges, or other tribe members. I learned in that work how important it is to listen to feedback from others, and I look forward to continuing partnerships however possible if elected to a full term as a County Board Supervisor. 

2024 Election Candidate Responses

In advance of the 2024 Fall Primary Election on August 13, 2024, the Oneida Nation and its conduit fund, Voices For Oneida, invited candidates on the ballot in certain State Senate and State Assembly Districts to share information about themselves and their campaigns with the enrolled members of the Oneida Nation. Below are the responses that we received for the following races.

State Senate District 2:

Kelly Peterson of DePere – Democrat

Why do you want to be elected to the State Senate?

I’m running for State Senate because we need representatives that will address the issues impacting Wisconsinites and not play political games with people’s livelihoods. There are so many important issues on the ballot this year that continue to go unaddressed. Part of the reason for this is that the voting maps had been so heavily gerrymandered that one party was all but ensured victory. A good example of this is that the former maps prevented Oneida, Menominee and Stockbridge reservations from being in the same State Senate Districts even though they’re in close proximity. Fortunately, the Wisconsin State Supreme Court has ruled these maps unconstitutional, which gives us a chance to pick up the seats necessary to address these issues.

What are your top priorities?

My priorities for office are addressing the issues that impact us all, both Democrat and Republican. These include ensuring women’s reproductive rights are protected, not taken away; our soil and water are tested for PFAS and cleanup is paid for by the polluters, not the taxpayers; that public education is funded, not cut and politicized; and that working families have access to affordable childcare and are not forced to choose between working and caring for their children. These are basic necessities, and they continue to go unaddressed in the state legislature.

The Wisconsin Legislative Fiscal Bureau is projecting that the state will end the 2023-25 biennium with a $3 billion surplus in its general fund. What should be the top priorities for spending these funds?

Cutting funding to critical programs to get a budget surplus exacerbates problems and costs more money in the future. Because of previous cuts, we now have a teacher shortage, a childcare crisis, a housing crisis and a mental health crisis, to name a few. I support eliminating wasteful spending, but I categorically oppose creating a surplus at the expense of our children, our families and our state economy. The surplus will certainly help us address these issues, but we also have to make sure they continue to be addressed and not let them snowball into crises by cutting critical funding in the future.

What proposals would you support for addressing the state’s workforce and housing shortages?

Wisconsin’s workforce shortage and lack of affordable housing are interconnected. Not only is affordable housing a basic necessity, but the lack of affordable housing is creating a huge drag on the state’s economy because working families can’t find housing where the jobs are located. This disconnect has been growing for years and will continue to get worse if it’s not addressed.

We have a lot of aging housing that needs updating before it will be suitable for families to live in and commercial property that could be converted to residential. Fully funding Gov. Evers’ Workforce Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program in tandem with expanding WHEDA loans would be a good place to start. It would help working families and employers and reduce the drag on the state’s economy.

Do you as a candidate for public office in and of the United States acknowledge the Oneida Nation as a sovereign American government?

Absolutely!

What is your position on federally recognized American Indian Tribes purchasing land and placing it into trust status?

Not only do I support this, I believe it is one of many steps necessary to help reverse some of the damage caused by the combination of the Dawes General Allotment Act of 1887 and the Burke Act of 1906.

State Assembly District 4

Jane Benson of Suamico – Democrat

Why do you want to be elected to the State Assembly?

After working with the nonpartisan League of Women Voters and the Fair Maps Coalition for years, we finally have fair voting maps. I want to be part of the state transformation that can take place once the voices of the people are more fairly represented by their elected officials.

What are your top priorities?

Water Quality: As a board member of the Northeast Wisconsin Clean Water Action Council, I will connect with my network of experts to write legislation to protect our invaluable waters and budget well to support the DNR.

Reproductive Healthcare: As an activist and voice for most Wisconsinites who support reproductive rights, I will not rest until we have a constitutional amendment codifying robust reproductive rights. We need to protect choices for pregnant people and their medical experts and caretakers.

Medicaid Expansion: I started my public activism when the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) was threatened and never stopped. Because Wisconsin is one of just 10 states that has not expanded Medicaid, billions of Wisconsin tax dollars go to expansion states, instead of helping our own people.

Public School Funding: We need fairer education funding, so districts are not driven to referendums; to increase special education reimbursement to keep general funds to cover basic services; and to stop vouchers to non-public schools.

The Wisconsin Legislative Fiscal Bureau is projecting that the state will end the 2023-25 biennium with a $3 billion surplus in its general fund. What should be the top priorities for spending these funds?

Water Quality: Money is needed to address major threats to our waters, including PFAS “forever chemicals,” waste contamination from CAFOs, nonpoint source runoff of nitrogen and phosphorous from mega farms, and micro-plastics. Many challenges require money from the state to help protect our people and our future.

Public School Funding: We need fairer education funding, so districts are not driven to referendums; to increase special education reimbursement to keep general funds to cover basic services; and to stop vouchers to non-public schools.

Medicaid Reimbursement: Increase Medicaid reimbursement, so we don’t increase further the number of healthcare professionals who refuse to take Medicaid patients because they lose money on those patients.

Care Economy Support: Supporting the “Care Economy” includes care for children, those with special needs and the elderly. We must address childcare deserts, wages of care workers and figure out how to reinforce the businesses that do the work and that connect workers to those who need help.

What proposals would you support for addressing the state’s workforce and housing shortages?

Supporting the “Care Economy” could free up workers to work outside their homes, as well as create businesses that employ workers to care for children, those with special needs and the elderly.

Fundamentally, regarding housing, we need to go up, not out, meaning we need more apartment buildings and fewer single-family homes. Re-zoning by municipalities could consider including requirements for developers to build housing at multiple price points to avoid a glut of expensive housing when more moderately priced housing is urgently needed. The re-zoning could also encourage planned neighborhoods with a variety of types of housing.

Do you as a candidate for public office in and of the United States acknowledge the Oneida Nation as a sovereign American government?

Yes.

What is your position on federally recognized American Indian Tribes purchasing land and placing it into trust status?

This is a legal, recognized way for Tribes to add to their land, establishing Tribal jurisdiction and making Tribal sovereignty clear.

Alexia Unertl of Suamico – Democrat

Why do you want to be elected to the State Assembly?As a working parent, I know the joys and challenges of raising a family in Northeast Wisconsin. Being a rural homeowner reliant on a well, contamination of forever chemicals in our drinking water is a growing concern for my family. I am running for State Assembly because I want there to be safe drinking water in every home. Through collaboration between various government agencies, to incentivize residents and farms to attain the necessary infrastructure upgrades to prevent, detect and mitigate pollution.

What are your top priorities?

Patients at all stages of life deserve to visit a doctor in their own community without worrying if they are in-network or can afford it. I support a public healthcare option that provides a cost-effective alternative to for-profit insurance. Initiatives like lowering the Medicare eligibility age and expanding eligibility to more low-income individuals will improve quality of life long term. 

Second, every child deserves a world-class education from pre-k to college. Diverting funds from public schools has exacerbated resource shortages, especially in districts that are already struggling to balance budgets and face potential school closures as a result. We know that improving these outcomes is especially important for students who require accommodations and other support services. I support reforming this funding system to guarantee that resources are consistently available across all schools, regardless of location or socioeconomic status.

The Wisconsin Legislative Fiscal Bureau is projecting that the state will end the 2023-25 biennium with a $3 billion surplus in its general fund. What should be the top priorities for spending these funds? With the current budget surplus, we are in a position to decrease the tax burden on the middle class while also improving the quality of life in our state. I am committed to making smart investments in high-speed internet infrastructure to improve education, business and daily life. A rural address shouldn’t exclude anyone from the benefits of modern utilities.

What proposals would you support for addressing the state’s workforce and housing shortages?

Access to stable housing is key to economic security for individuals and families. However, high demand for rental properties, along with price fixing, has made rent an unreasonable portion of many people’s budgets. Residents deserve reasonable rental and home-buyer assistance and living wages that actually meet, if not exceed, the cost of living. 

Do you as a candidate for public office in and of the United States acknowledge the Oneida Nation as a sovereign American government?

I wholeheartedly acknowledge the Oneida Nation as a sovereign nation and recognize its people to be among the First Peoples to inhabit Turtle Island. I consider the culture, language and identity of the Oneida to be integral to Wisconsin’s history and future. Morally and constitutionally, Elected representatives at all levels of leadership must respect the relationship between the federal government and sovereign nations, as well as actively acknowledge and correct instances where local and state governments have interfered with tribal affairs. Our goal should be to engage in collaboration that supports the success and well-being of every resident for generations to come.

What is your position on federally recognized American Indian Tribes purchasing land and placing it into trust status?

I support the purchasing of land and placing it into trust status to protect tribal sovereignty and cultural integrity for generations to come. This process is an exercise in self-governance, as intended by federal law, and rightfully allows tribes the autonomy to manage resources, preserve cultural heritage and maintain economic stability without overreach.

David Steffen of Oconto – Republican (incumbent)

Why do you want to be re-elected to the State Assembly?

I’ve been able to lead on many impactful initiatives during my nine years in office, including $15 billion in tax cuts, historic increases in K-12 funding, and co-authoring the largest increase in local funding in state history. My ability to successfully work with my constituents and my colleagues to bring real solutions to big problems motivates me to continue my service to the taxpayers of the 4th Assembly District.

What are your top priorities?

Reducing taxes on residents, especially our senior citizens. Addressing rising crime.
Enhancing election integrity and voter confidence.

The Wisconsin Legislative Fiscal Bureau is projecting that the state will end the 2023-25 biennium with a $3 billion surplus in its general fund. What should be the top priorities for spending these funds?

Our $3 billion surplus is almost entirely one-time money. As a result, the state needs to be careful on its use, as it will not be replenished through new revenue. I believe that money is best used for certain very long-term, capital expenses such as roads and building repairs/construction. While there are certainly on-going expenses that require our attention such as K-12 education and criminal justice, these are generally not good places to invest one-time money.

What proposals would you support for addressing the state’s workforce and housing shortages?

I have been a leader on workforce issues, including housing and dramatic investments in our trades and related education options. I will continue to make this a priority next session.

Do you as a candidate for public office in and of the United States acknowledge the Oneida Nation as a sovereign American government?

Yes.

What is your position on federally recognized American Indian Tribes purchasing land and placing it into trust status?

Generally, this is a federal issue with a local government component. As such, the state government should have limited roles in these matters.

State Assembly District 5

Joy Goeben of Hobart – Republican

Why do you want to be re-elected to the State Assembly?

While working with people within the communities I serve, I find there are still needs that need to be addressed.

What are your top priorities?

Rising childcare costs are hitting families hard across the state. I am working with childcare providers, parents and other stakeholders to find solutions to open access and reduce cost.

I have a master’s degree in education, and I strongly support ensuring kids have the opportunity for a great education. It’s important that students, teachers and parents have the tools they need for students to succeed.

We must continue to work to ensure our communities are safe. Law enforcement agencies need to be fully funded, resources for expanded officer training opportunities need to be made available, and continued work to find solutions to increase the recruitment and retainment of officers must be done.

Inflation is impacting every family as they struggle to pay their bills and put food on the table. We need to fight inflation by balancing the budget, stopping reckless government spending and lowering the tax burden on families.

We need to ensure that Wisconsin families have access to affordable healthcare, including those with mental health issues. I will continue to protect those with pre-existing conditions, and I voted for a budget that invests in local hospitals and long-term care facilities. This session, I supported reforms that provide further funding for suicide prevention efforts, expand coverage for certain mental health services, utilize funding for expansion of telehealth services for those suffering from a mental health crisis, as well as bills designed to help those living with mental and behavioral health issues. These efforts need to continue.

The Wisconsin Legislative Fiscal Bureau is projecting that the state will end the 2023-25 biennium with a $3 billion surplus in its general fund. What should be the top priorities for spending these funds?

I have heard proposals to spend the surplus many times over. The concern I have is that most of these proposals are not one-time spending opportunities, but instead create new programs that would add to the state budget ongoing. We need to be very careful to not add new spending to an already bloated budget which adds tax increases to Wisconsinites that are feeling the pinch of inflation on their pocketbooks. Instead, these funds should be used to combat the effects of inflation and recession. Let’s use the surplus to ensure taxes are lowered and not raised.

What proposals would you support for addressing the state’s workforce and housing shortages?

Housing costs continue to rise due in large part because of a shortage of workforce housing. I was happy to support a bipartisan workforce housing package that will help reduce prices and increase housing by offering no-interest loans to developers, removing red tape and creating incentives to bring more housing options into the market. This work will continue as I work with organizations like Habitat for Humanity to explore more options to make housing available for those who need it most.

To address the state’s workforce shortage, we should continue to help people get back to work and attract new workers to the state by streamlining the state’s occupational licensing laws to eliminate barriers that are preventing working professionals from earning a living. Increase investments in the state’s vocational technical training to enhance the hands-on skills of the workforce. Incentivize students to pursue education in high-demand fields.

Do you as a candidate for public office in and of the United States acknowledge the Oneida Nation as a sovereign American government?

Yes. It is my understanding that the Oneida Nation is federally recognized.

What is your position on federally recognized American Indian Tribes purchasing land and placing it into trust status?

American Indian Tribes have the right to do it.

State Assembly District 89:

Ryan Spaude of Green Bay – Democrat

Why do you want to be elected to the State Assembly?

I’m running for State Assembly to represent working families. The stock market keeps going up, but there’s way too many folks in northeast Wisconsin who are just barely getting by. People are hurting. We need leaders who will take action and who will implement policies to ease the pain. I’m a Democrat who wants to keep more money in your pocket.

What are your top priorities?

Hold the line on taxes for the middle class. Our state has a budget surplus, which means there’s absolutely no need to raise taxes on people who are working hard and playing by the rules.

Invest more money in our public schools. They are the backbone of our communities, and it would be foolish not to invest in our future – our kids.

Raise the minimum wage. Wisconsin has one of the lowest minimum wages in the country, and it’s high time we actually pay workers a fair wage.

Fully fund the Child Care Counts Program. It’s extremely hard for many parents to work if their kids don’t have someplace to go, and we must ensure that every family has access to quality, affordable childcare.

Finally expand Medicaid. If we accept the federal money that’s sitting on the table, we can provide healthcare coverage to tens of thousands of Wisconsinites.

The Wisconsin Legislative Fiscal Bureau is projecting that the state will end the 2023-25 biennium with a $3 billion surplus in its general fund. What should be the top priorities for spending these funds?

Many of the things I talked about in question #2 apply here. We should be investing the money into our public schools and expanding access to childcare. In addition, our roads and highways need a lot of work. By prioritizing these important issues, we can improve our quality of life without the need to raise taxes on the middle class.

What proposals would you support for addressing the state’s workforce and housing shortages?

There isn’t a single answer for either of these problems. When it comes to the state’s workforce, we absolutely need to raise the minimum wage and allow for paid family leave. We can also create incentives for recent graduates to stay in Wisconsin, which will prevent “brain drain” from happening in our communities. When it comes to housing, we need to recognize that local governments are in the driver’s seat. The state legislature should make it easier, not harder, for local governments to create affordable housing. We should take a hard look at state preemption laws on zoning, and we can encourage the use of state tax credits for better maintenance (not just construction) of buildings.

Do you as a candidate for public office in and of the United States acknowledge the Oneida Nation as a sovereign American government?

Yes, I do.

What is your position on federally recognized American Indian Tribes purchasing land and placing it into trust status?

I support this. When a tribe reacquires land, I know it’s spending an incredible amount of money to do so. When the land is then placed into trust status, it should no longer be automatically taxed by a municipal government. The U.S. has broken many promises, but this one can & should be kept. I believe the process is constitutional, and it promotes tribal self-governance. It also allows tribes and municipalities to enter into revenue sharing agreements if they still wish to do that.

Patrick Buckley of Green Bay – Republican

Why do you want to be elected to the State Assembly?

I am running for State Assembly because I care about our community and want to help make Wisconsin a better place to live, work and raise a family. As your representative, I will be a strong voice for the people of our district, fighting for the issues that matter most to us. I believe my experience, skill set and values make me well-suited to effectively serve our community in the State Assembly.

What are your top priorities?

My top priorities are strengthening our economy and creating good-paying jobs, supporting quality education for all our children, expanding access to affordable healthcare, investing in our infrastructure and keeping our communities safe. I will work hard to enact common-sense policies that move our state forward and improve people’s lives.

The Wisconsin Legislative Fiscal Bureau is projecting that the state will end the 2023-25 biennium with a $3 billion surplus in its general fund. What should be the top priorities for spending these funds?

I believe we should prioritize using the surplus funds to provide targeted tax relief for working families, increase funding for local schools, expand access to affordable childcare, eldercare, repair our roads and bridges and shore up our rainy-day fund. I would also support services to address the concern of drug abuse utilizing a two-pronged approach of enforcement and programming (family assistance, counseling, etc.). It is not just the addict it is also the family. We have a responsibility to spend taxpayer dollars wisely in ways that benefit our communities.

What proposals would you support for addressing the state’s workforce and housing shortages?

To address workforce shortages, I support increasing funding for job training programs, apprenticeships and technical colleges. We should also reform occupational licensing to reduce barriers to employment. To alleviate housing shortages, I would support providing incentives for affordable housing development, expanding down payment assistance programs for first-time homebuyers and increasing aid to local governments to improve housing infrastructure. A comprehensive approach is needed.

Do you as a candidate for public office in and of the United States acknowledge the Oneida Nation as a sovereign American government?

Yes, I fully acknowledge the Oneida Nation as a sovereign American Indian government, as recognized by federal treaties and laws. I respect the Oneida Nation’s inherent right to self-governance and self-determination. If elected, I will strive to maintain a government-to-government relationship with the Oneida Nation based on mutual respect and consultation.

What is your position on federally recognized American Indian Tribes purchasing land and placing it into trust status?

I support the right of federally recognized tribes, including the Oneida Nation, to purchase land and petition to have it placed into trust status as provided for under federal law. Placing land into trust enables tribes to exercise sovereignty over their lands and is important for tribal self-determination, economic development, and cultural preservation.

As the Brown County Board Chair, I have worked with Brown County and the Oneida Nation on concerns and issues impact our communities. This working relationship with the Oneida Nation has also included the City of Green Bay Neighbor Associations. This once-strained relationship has developed into a positive collaboration and cultivated a united community with events such as “Movie in the Park.”