Brown County Board primary preview: District 7 candidates share their qualifications, views
GREEN BAY - An incumbent and two challengers will face off in the Feb. 15 primary for District 7 of the Brown County Board.
Incumbent Tom Friberg says he wants the board to do more to tackle climate change issues in northeastern Wisconsin.
Challenger Leanne Kramer says drug crime is a significant problem in the county. She wants to keep the county drug task force well-funded.
Challenger Roger Patrick Moore says he will listen to constituents with an open mind and work with others to make the county better than it is.
The top two vote-getters will advance to the April election to vie for a seat on the the 26-member Brown County Board. The term in office is two years.
Tom Friberg
Address: 1015 Gray St., Green Bay
Age: 30
Occupation and highest education level: Sales representative for Maslow Marketing, current County Board Member for District 7, graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay with a bachelor’s degree in human biology.
Relevant experience: I collaborated with fellow County Board members and Wisconsin Conservation Voters to introduce and pass a resolution that formed the Brown County Energy Subcommittee. This subcommittee will help guide Brown County toward renewable energy use and efficiency improvements.
I worked with the Land Conservation Department to increase funding and expand their cover crop/water quality improvement programs.
I worked with UW Extension to put on a program that taught kids in 4H how to make wildflower “seed bombs”.
Leanne Cramer
Address: 702 Neville Ave., Green Bay
Age: 60
Occupation and highest education level: Provider representative at local insurance company. Graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.
Relevant experience: Ran for Green Bay City Council twice in the early 2000s
Roger Patrick Moore
Address: 713 Roy Ave.
Age: 49
Occupation: Commercial driver for a local family owned company.
Each candidate was asked four questions and to limit their responses to 100 words. All answers have been lightly edited for clarity, style, accuracy and length.
Why are you running for office?
Friberg: I am seeking reelection because it is extremely important to have the views of younger generations reflected in government. While I will continue to support traditional issues like reducing property taxes and attracting family supporting jobs to the area, I also want to champion and support the advancement of more progressive issues like local action to address climate change, increasing access and affordability of mental-health services, and supporting policies that lead to more affordable housing.
Kramer: Trying to make a difference by doing my part. So many people complain, and I want to try to change things. In all areas of government there has been too much overreach.
Moore: I am running for the County Board because I believe in nonpartisan government where everyone, no matter what background they come from, can make meaningful and open-minded decisions to contribute to the betterment of the community.
What makes you the better candidate in this race?
Friberg: I have unique perspectives that set me apart from most candidates and current supervisors. I understand the existential threat that climate change poses to our society and millions of species, and I want to create local action. I believe we should be listening to medical professionals who are telling us to mask up; they’re being overwhelmed and running out of hospital beds. I also understand that some of my ideas may be a hard sell, but I am willing to work with others and compromise to do the job.
Kramer: I have been following the issues. I am very passionate about this area and want it to be the best.
Moore: First of all, I don’t think I’m a better than any of the other candidates; I respect everyone who is willing to speak out and share their ideas in our great democracy. I’m only asking people to give me a chance to represent them, and pledge that my door, my phone and my heart will always be open to listen to their concerns, and to act promptly to give people the government they deserve.
What are residents telling you are their most important issues? How would you address them?
Friberg: The pandemic and Covid-19 is front and center on everyone’s mind. They’re worried about the health of their loved ones and the impact a positive case could have on their income. Our local hospital systems are being overwhelmed, non-critical procedures are being deferred, and ICU beds are in extremely short supply. To support our hospitals, protect our young and vulnerable, and to ensure stability of our local economy, I'd be in favor of mandating masking as recommended by our Health and Human Services department.
Kramer: Government overreach and crime.
Moore: A lot of issues have come up during conversations with voters. Neighbors' concerns that come up the most involve the safety of the community. People are alarmed about the escalation of crime involving narcotics, human trafficking, and shootings. Many things have changed since I moved here more than 25 years ago and purchased a home. Neighbors used to speak to each other, have summertime barbecues and watch Packers games together. Nowadays, it’s all changed. I strongly believe we can bring the community back together; a community that knows each other and stands by each other in the good times and the bad.
What are top two issues the board should address. How would you address them?
Friberg: As climate change continues to rear its head, the importance of transitioning away from fossil fuel use will only continue to become more important at a national and local level. I hope to continue my work on the PD&T/BC Energy subcommittee to propose and pass projects to enable Brown County to become greener and more energy efficient. The 0.5% sales tax is the other issue. While the board can’t act until the state Supreme Court weighs in (on a lawsuit against the county), I would be in favor of extending it past 2023 to further reduce county debt, and reduce property taxes.
Kramer: Increasing crime/drug issues — make sure we allocate enough money for the drug task force. Increase our tax base.
Moore: The County Board's duty to citizens is to provide services that are needed and at an affordable price to homeowners, taxpayers, workers and tourists. While our population grows, our mental health programs have decreased over the past 20 years. Our jail houses mentally ill inmates at a high cost to taxpayers; mentally ill inmates and citizens need treatment, not incarceration. I want to strengthen our drug task force to deal with the drug problem. We need find solutions to discourage outside influences from causing havoc with hard drugs. But we need to help people with addictions, not just incarcerate them.
Contact Doug Schneider at (920) 431-8333, or DSchneid@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @PGDougSchneider
This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Brown County 2022 election primary preview for district 7 candidates
