Mike Thomas, president of Appleton Concerned Taxpayers, is running for Outagamie County Board Supervisor in District 18. The election is Tuesday, April 2.
The League of Women Voters of Appleton-Fox Cities submitted questions to Thomas and his opponent, Cathy Spears. Thomas’s unedited responses appear below. Spears and other candidates are welcome to submit their responses to appletonwi.org as well.
Why are you running for Outagamie County Supervisor? What do you hope to accomplish?
I am running again to continue to represent you, the taxpayer on the County Board. Combining my business experience and knowledge that I have gained in 26 years on the board, I will continue to address the difficult budget issues and will strive to make county government more efficient. As President of Appleton Concerned Taxpayers(ACT), a citizens group for government fiscal responsibility, we need to be the taxpayers watchdog on city and county government. Would like to see the board concentrate on fiscal issues rather than social issues.
What are the issues facing the community and the county?
A major issue for the community and the county is finding and keeping good employees. Not too long ago the county had over 100 openings. Businesses are seeing the same problem and the turnover and loss of experience have significantly hurt the county. Safety is another issue the county as well as the city needs to address. Recent shootings are an indication of a growing problem. Years ago the County had a gang problem but it was addressed quickly. We should repeat that effort.
What is your experience in working with government?
I have served 26 years on the County Board on various committees including Public Safety, Health and Human Services, Property and Airport and Finance including Chairperson of the Finance Committee. As President of Wisconsin Veterans Village worked with the county to support the village with a financial contribution. Also worked with the Fox Valley Veterans Council that assists Veterans with rent, heat and emergency bills. The Appleton Concerned Taxpayers worked with Mayor Woodford and the League of Women Voters to lobby state legislators to increase state shared revenue which resulted in a lower tax rate for county citizens.
Have you identified services that should be added or reduced for County residents?
Even though the County does support Veterans in a limited fashion, they could do more. The County Veterans Service Office needs additional staffing to address Veterans needs. Mental Health services especially for children needs to be increased. Wages at our County Health Center(Brewster Village) needs to be continually addressed so we don’t lose good employees to the private sector and continue to provide the services our citizens deserve.
Mthomas1shar@yahoo.com
1 Hillock Ct
Appleton, WI, 54914
