MARSHFIELD – Two candidates — Donna Rozar and Nat Bremer — are running for the Wood County Board District 2 seat in 2026.
The district includes the city of Marshfield - Wards 1-3, 18.
Voters will decide who will represent the district on the Wood County Board in the upcoming April 7 spring election.
Why are you running for Board of Supervisors?
As a current Wood County Board Supervisor, I am vice-chair of the Operations Committee and chair of the Health and Human Services Committee (HHSC). In those leadership positions, I have worked hard for the Wood County taxpayers to allocate dollars in a fiscally responsible manner and implement common sense policies. I would like to continue serving with these principles in mind. There are projects currently underway at both Edgewater Haven, our County owned nursing home in Port Edwards, and Norwood Health Center in Marshfield, that I am involved in and would like to see to completion. I also involved in state leadership positions because of my Health Department oversight and would like to complete those commitments.
What skills, background or special abilities would you bring to the Board of Supervisors?
My experience as a current County Board Supervisor will provide continuity in leadership as well as provide a historical perspective on issues that come before both the Committees I serve on and the County Board. My life experiences as a clinical nurse, nurse educator and state Legislator provide a unique perspective that no other Board member brings to the table. Over the years, my proven leadership skills have been recognized and proven valuable with assigned projects and carrying out necessary County board responsibilities.
What one part of county government would receive more attention if you were elected?
Our current County Board functions quite well with emphasis on priority programs. There is always a desire to put additional money into highways and public safety when resources are available. There are a limited number of resources, and I work to allocate those resources in a fiscally responsible manner. My support of a much-needed new jail will require continued support to ensure our significant investment is maintained. I also support strategic planning to make certain we are planning for future needs to best serve the people of Wood County.
What do you see as the most pressing needs for infrastructure or capital projects in the county?
We need to continue supporting our new jail as our sheriff’s department adjusts to the increased number and complexity of having all inmates in one place and not transporting them to other counties. Because of the age of some of our County owned buildings, we need to be proactive and visionary when planning capital projects to make certain proper maintenance and updates are done to decrease deterioration and prolong the life of the structure. Emergency situations rear their ugly heads and need to be dealt with in a fiscally responsible manner and with common sense.
Do you plan to promote any changes to existing taxes? If so, why?
Our Operations Committee (responsible for putting the budget together to present to the full County Board) has always looked to keep taxes as low as possible while meeting our state-mandated responsibilities and providing competitive compensation for our most excellent employees. I will continue to work for both budget priorities in a fiscally responsible manner and with common sense.
What are your views on the county’s current level of public debt?
Wood County has been very responsible for incurring debt. Our much-needed new jail caused increased debt, but we did an excellent job balancing that with other expenditures as to not cause a problematic increase in our tax rate. We are nowhere near our debt limit and will continue to use debt wisely as we serve the needs of Wood County.
If new resources were available, what one area of county services would you feel most needs additional resources?
Even though I serve as Chair of the HHSC which comprises the largest percentage of our budget and we do an excellent job providing services to those in need, I believe major responsibilities of government are infrastructure and public safety. If we had additional resources, I would put them on our roads and bridges and public safety. Part of public safety would be to help those in our jail with mental illness and substance abuse to prevent them returning to the jail after discharge.
Should any part of the county budget be shielded from cuts? And if so, which area?
County government serves as an arm of the states. We are not allowed to provide any services the state does not give us permission to do so. With that said, the state mandates that the county provide certain services and those services need to be budgeted for. Those mandated services then require funding and cannot be eliminated from the budget.
What is your experience with preparing or authorizing budgets?
I have been a member of the Wood County Executive/Operations Committee for many years. It is our responsibility to put together a budget to present to the full County Board annually. The Human Services Department has the largest budget within the County Budget and as the chair of that committee, I play a significant role in understanding that budget. I am also chair of the UW Commission and assist with the development of that budget. As a State Legislator, I was involved with the passage of two biennial budgets.
My role with these budgets is not only to understand them, but to be able to defend the expenditure if necessary.
When managing public agencies, is it better to have more employees at a modest wage or fewer employees at a wage high enough to attract quality applicants?
I believe any organization should have compensated employees in sufficient numbers to get the job done. Because county government is a service-oriented organization, enough employees are needed to provide those services. Departments are encouraged to run as efficiently as possible, and it has always been my belief that Wood County should pay a competitive wage to those employees. Because the Operations Committee oversees the Human Resources Department, as a member of that Committee I have the ability to influence not only the number of employees, but their compensation as well.
Should the county be encouraging building and development?
Yes. The county has a responsibility to participate in economic development with the municipalities within the County and does so. The county partners with municipalities and other organizations to support economic development through a grant program overseen by the Planning and Zoning Department and the CEED Committee.
Do you have a priority issue that is not in this questionnaire?
It has been my honor and privilege to serve on the Wood County Board of Supervisors, and I look forward to continuing to serve in that role. The only issue we have not discussed is efficiency. I believe we need to continually assess the efficiency by which we provide services to the residents of Wood County. By evaluating efficiency, we seek ways to provide those services as cost-effectively as possible, with as few employees as possible while not sacrificing quality, timeliness, or knowledge.
Why are you running for Board of Supervisors?
I am running for Board of Supervisors because I live in the district that I will be representing, and I want to be involved in the decision-making process of the county. I have lived in the Marshfield community for 15 years and have grown to love this area, being a part of the Board of Supervisors will help me do my part to make sure this community continues to grow.
What skills, background or special abilities would you bring to the Board of Supervisors?
My current position as a manager at my place of work has given me the opportunity to create growth and build a network of community members. I believe that this experience has allowed me the ability to listen to individuals from a variety of backgrounds without rushing to judgment. I am not afraid to ask for clarity if I do not understand the current situation, which allows me to broaden my education.
What one part of county government would receive more attention if you were elected?
I would like to see more attention given to the Property and Information Technology Committee to ensure that tax money is used appropriately towards the use and refurbishment of properties within the county.
What do you see as the most pressing need for infrastructure or capital projects in the county?
No comment.
Do you plan to promote any changes to existing taxes? If so, why?
No changes.
What are your views on the county’s current level of public debt?
I think as a board when it comes to the county's debt, we need to review expenditures and make sure that we are using our resources responsibly.
If new resources were available, what one area of county services would you feel most needs additional resources?
No comment.
Should any part of the county budget be shielded from cuts? And if so, which area?
No comment.
What is your experience with preparing or authorizing budgets?
In my career, I am constantly looking at finances and am faced with making decisions on how to responsibly utilize our resources. This allows me to see how to best allocate the business finances which will help my bosses and their company to be successful.
When managing public agencies, is it better to have more employees at a modest wage or fewer employees at a wage high enough to attract quality applicants?
I believe by having more people at a modest wage you are able to keep people within the community and can promote themselves as you see that people are excelling in their roles.
Should the county be encouraging building and development?
In order to be a thriving community, we must continue to grow. With that being said we cannot go further into debt in hopes of creating growth.
Do you have a priority issue that is not in this questionnaire?
No comment.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here