Door County Board candidates discuss affordable housing, development, preservation, more
DOOR COUNTY - The Door County Board has 21 seats up for election, but just three are contested during the April 2 spring election.
Incumbent Supervisor Roy Englebert faces a challenge from Jacob VandenPlas in District 3, which covers parts of the towns of Forestville and Nasewaupee and all of the Town of Clay Banks.
Another incumbent, Claire Morkin, is running against Wayne Denil in District 7, which covers part of the West Side of Sturgeon Bay north of State 42/57 in city Wards 13 to 15.
And Ryan Shaw and Jonathan Kruse will compete for the District 9 seat to replace Dan Austad, who is not seeking reelection. That district covers almost all of Sturgeon Bay's East Side waterfront between Michigan Street, South 18th Avenue and State 42/57 in city Wards 4 through 6.
The Advocate asked candidates in those contested races to answer a short survey to let readers know who they are, why they're running, where they stand on certain issues, and what other issues are important to them and their constituents. Candidates are listed in alphabetical order; some answers have been edited for length or style but not for content.
District 3
Roy H. Englebert
Address: 7290 Geier Road, Forestville
Current occupation/highest education level: Retired after 35 years as a sales manager for a major construction and farm equipment manufacturer. Bachelor of Science in agricultural education and in chemistry education from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.
Family: Spouse, Joyce; two adult children
How long have you lived in your community? I am a native of Door County.
Public service experience: I have served four years as a supervisor for the Town of Forestville and as Town Chair for nine years. I have also served as a member of the County Board for 12 years.
Contact information: 920-856-6706
Jacob VandenPlas
Address: 6418 Vignes Road, Sturgeon Bay
Age: 40
Current occupation/highest education level: Farmer, veteran advocate and truck driver. Some college and U.S. Army Infantry.
Family: Wife, Emily; sons, Nathan and Kayden
How long have you lived in your community? I first moved to Door County in 2014.
Public service experience: Two years as the Libertarian Party of Wisconsin State Chair and candidate for U.S. Congress. This is where I gained my foundation on campaigning: The basics, door knocking, yard signs, etc. As chair I learned Robert's Rules of Order, the Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure, and excelled at both.
Contact information: doorcountyd3.com; doorcountyd3@gmail.com; 920-604-4074
Why are you running for office?
Englebert: Being an active part of my community is important to me.
VandenPlas: I simply want to be a bigger part of our community.
What makes you the better candidate for this office?
Englebert: I have thoughtful, logical common-sense reasoning skills that enable me to make balanced, impact-sensitive evaluations considering local and all county residents.
VandenPlas: I will actively seek the community's involvement.
How can, or should, the County Board address the shortage of affordable housing in the county?
Englebert: The county should continue to facilitate obtaining grants and financing with municipalities and private investors.
VandenPlas: I'd like to wrap this and the next question into one answer, seen below.
How can, or should, the board address the balance between continued development, especially of properties aimed at tourists and visitors, and preservation of existing properties?
Englebert: As our county continues to grow and expand, it is necessary to protect our environment and our natural resources.
VandenPlas: In 2023, 44% of all single-family home purchases were by private investors. I would like to begin discussion with the board, potential outcomes of banning single-family homes to private investors here in Door County. What those impacts might be on our community, its impact on our tourism and visitors, and its effect on the preservation of existing properties. After discussion, feedback from the community and consultation with our constituents, I do believe the board can effectively address our affordable housing and the needed balance between our local community and tourism.
What is another main issue facing Door County, and how would you address it?
Englebert: We need to continue strengthening our ability to sustain our parks and continue to improve our recreation as well as our emergency services. High-speed internet for all citizens is a top priority.
VandenPlas: Clean drinking water. Our underground drinking water is becoming more and more polluted as time goes. Our neighboring counties have growing issues with PFAS contamination in the Marinette and Peshtigo area, and with high nitrate levels in Kewaunee County, Door County HAS to stay ahead of this.
District 7
Wayne Denil
Address: 519 W. Maple St., Sturgeon Bay
Age: 73
Current occupation/highest education level: Retired from 40 years as a paramedic with critical care endorsement; former owner/president of Para Tran Inc. B.S. in education, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.
Family: Three adult children, one adopted girl attending Sturgeon Bay High School and home school program
How long have you lived in your community? Door County native from birth; attended school at Brussels Elementary through Southern Door High School
Public service experience: My career as a paramedic in prehospital care of medical emergencies and illnesses required excellent patient and family communication skills.
Contact information: 920-493-2735; paratranambulance@gmail.com
Claire Morkin
Address: 110 N. Joliet Ave., Sturgeon Bay
Age: 64
Current occupation/highest education level: I work in the healthcare field and in the arts. I studied music and theatre at UW-Milwaukee and have an associate degree in gerontology from NWTC.
Family: Adult daughter, Josie, who graduated from Columbia University last spring.
How long have you lived in your community? I moved to Sturgeon Bay 12 years ago. Originally from Milwaukee but have been visiting Door County my whole life.
Public service experience: I currently represent District 7 on the Door County Board of Supervisors and serve on the Land Conservation Committee. I am currently on the Arts Board for the City of Sturgeon Bay and helped bring several projects to the city including the "Woolly” Mammoth sculpture in Bay View Park. I also serve on the board of directors for Third Avenue PlayWorks in Sturgeon Bay. I served for six years as a Village Trustee in Camp Douglas and was involved in several projects to better the community, one of which was working directly with the utility company to transition our overhead power lines to buried lines to not only improve safety, but also to enhance the views of the area’s scenic bluffs.
Contact information: claire@mwt.net or 414-745-5588
Why are you running for office?
Denil: I have chosen to run for Door County Board District 7 Supervisor (Sturgeon Bay City westside), because as a retired teacher, critical care paramedic and business owner, I have unrestricted time, energy, interest, knowledge and experience as a foundation to serve the citizens of Door County, in decision matters with a proactive, conservative approach base on common sense.
Morkin: I believe in making a positive difference in our community. I’m passionate about addressing the issues that affect us all and working towards sustainable solutions. I care very much about fostering an inclusive and accessible government that listens to the concerns of its people and works to address them. I firmly believe that people should be able to see themselves within their bodies of elected officials, which helps break down perceived barriers for public engagement. I feel it’s my civic responsibility to steward our community for future generations.
What makes you the better candidate for this office?
Denil: My leadership skill building began as an elementary teacher and middle school coach after college. While teaching I obtained additional education in EMS prehospital care, participating in Door County Ambulance Service First Rural Paramedic Program. Upon completion of Wisconsin Paramedic licensure, I switched careers to be a fulltime paramedic with Door County Ambulance Service until 1988. In 1988, with County Board approval, I retired from the ambulance service to establish Para Tran Ambulance, a private business enterprise providing interfacility critical care patient transports from Door County Medical Center to Green Bay hospitals and beyond. For 30 consecutive years, I functioned as a critical care transport paramedic, providing interfacility care and service management. My experiences on multiple levels provides me with the foundation upon which to address the ever-growing responsibilities of Door County government services in a proactive, conservative, common-sense approach to all issues.
Morkin: I lead with transparency and authenticity. I approach problem-solving with a sincere willingness to listen and learn from differing perspectives.
How can, or should, the County Board address the shortage of affordable housing in the county?
Denil: First, we need to review what housing construction has developed and its relation to questionable affordability. Thereafter, apply additional effort to how more significate affordable housing would be possible.
Morkin: Housing isn’t an isolated issue; it’s intertwined with broadband and child care. And as a county, we can continue to prioritize and invest in those projects and support other community leaders who are making strides. We could pull in partners like United Way to fully understand and address the needs of our ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) population.
How can, or should, the board address the balance between continued development, especially of properties aimed at tourists and visitors, and preservation of existing properties?
Denil: Thus far, previous board members have spent significant amounts of time and energy in creating a balance of community services with adopted control measures and limitations. The challenge of balancing aspects of our community must remain a priority of all future board members. All property owners, businesses and preservation initiatives have an enormous, invested interest in our community. Methods to address development issues must remain at the forefront of all decisions. My approach, regardless of the issue, is first, do not harm the residents, businesses and visitors of Door County.
Morkin: This is complicated, as no overall changes can be made unless they are at the state level. Wisconsin could change the state law so that municipalities could limit the number of STRs allowed in their community, similar to the way liquor licenses are issued. There could also be limits set on how many STRs a person or company is allowed to own in any given community.
What is another main issue facing Door County, and how would you address it?
Denil: When reviewing the past year of painful inflation inflicted upon everyone, significant effort must be applied to maintain county services, cautiously budgeting for 2025. The world is in turmoil and the U.S. is at great risk of conflict with China and/or Russia, and the possible ramifications might influence our economy in unknown restrictions.
Morkin: Water quality is of utmost importance in Door County. There are many strong ordinances in place to ensure the safety of our well water, groundwater and waterways. It’s crucial that these are adhered to and enforced, or even changed if the need arises.
District 9
Jonathan (Jon) Kruse
Address: 730 Rhode Island St., Sturgeon Bay
Age: 54
Current occupation/highest education level: Director of OEM and project sales for Torqeedo Electric Boat Propulsion. Three years of college.
Family: Wife, Angie; three children
How long have you lived in your community? 18 years
Public service experience: Spooner (Wisconsin) City Council, two years; alternate for Sturgeon Bay Board of Review, 2019-present, St. John Bosco Board of Trustees, seven years; Sturgeon Bay Yacht Club and Sail Training Foundation Commodore, two years, and treasurer, one year; Cub Scout Pack and Den Leader, two years.
Contact information: jonathan-kruse@sbcglobal.net
Ryan Shaw
Address: 222 S. Fourth Ave. Sturgeon Bay
Age: 34
Current occupation/highest education level: Comprehensive community services-skills provider. Bachelor of Arts, University of Wisconsin-Parkside.
Family: Wife and son
How long have you lived in your community? 12 years
Public service experience: This is my first official foray into elected office, but serving my community has always been a passion. When I first moved to Sturgeon Bay in 2012 it was to work at Third Avenue PlayWorks and during my time there I served as an arts education teacher, among many other roles. In my current position as a CCS-skills provider I serve this community to the best of my ability each day. I have worked directly with families in their homes, schools and the community. I am proud of the work I do and believe this understanding of a wide cross-section of the community uniquely qualifies me for this job.
Contact information: I am comfortable reaching people however they feel comfortable. The best way to reach me right now is through RyanForDistrict9@gmail.com, but if you would like to chat on the phone, just shoot me an email and I will get you my contact information.
Why are you running for office?
Kruse: Having lived in Door County for the past 18 years, I've witnessed significant changes, both positive and concerning. One pressing issue that demands attention is the need for affordable housing. Currently, too many individuals, including members of the Coast Guard, commute to Door County despite their desire to live closer to their workplaces. It's imperative that we address this housing shortage by providing more options and solutions. With adequate housing, Door County can thrive and sustain itself more effectively. I am committed to working toward a future where affordable housing is accessible to all residents, enhancing both quality of life and community cohesion.
Shaw: I am running for office to help my community be the strongest place possible. I have been aware of local politics in the past and decided to get involved to help the place that I love so much. I want to be a voice for the community. Many members of the community have expressed to me that they do not feel heard by their local elected officials, and local government is a great place to restore trust in government. I love this community and I will listen to the needs of my constituents.
What makes you the better candidate for this office?
Kruse: Overall experience and dedication to altruism. I offer a wealth of experience in sales and operations management, as well as expertise in building professional business relationships. My role as director of sales for a global company has equipped me with strong business acumen, honed through implementing contract negotiations, prioritizing customer service, and leading teams to success while focusing on process improvement and profit maximization. My proficiency extends to both corporate and government management, and I am eager to bring this experience to the County Board. My goal is not only to ensure that taxpayers receive the maximum value for their hard-earned dollars, but also to support the survival and growth of our local businesses for future generations.
Shaw: The fact that I am not getting into this for anything other than my community. I have said all along that I am running for this office to help my community and that is what I intend to do. I have built strong relationships with members of this community regardless of their politics, and with a position like this it is of the utmost importance that you can hear all sides of the issues before making decisions.
How can, or should, the County Board address the shortage of affordable housing in the county?
Kruse: This is an incredibly important topic. Housing costs are rising steadily across the country, placing a heavy burden on both renters and prospective homebuyers. To tackle housing inflation, we must adhere to three fundamental principles that are foundational for Americans: Supply, freedom, and opportunity. We need to eliminate barriers that impede supply and access to assistance. When housing is more readily available, people have greater opportunities. I often observe hundreds of cars commuting north to Door County, including members of the Coast Guard. This situation is not sustainable, and we must address it. Achieving this goal will require a collaborative effort involving state, county and local governments. I eagerly anticipate leading this charge.
Shaw: The County Board has an important role when it comes to things like housing. The biggest role that I see for the board is to work with each municipality to find the correct solution. This county has become overrun with STRs and there has not been a lot of forward thinking on this issue, and that must stop now. This issue is personal to me as I have many friends who have not been able to establish permanent residence here due to the lack of housing options. I look forward to collaborating with other supervisors on this pressing issue.
How can, or should, the board address the balance between continued development, especially of properties aimed at tourists and visitors, and preservation of existing properties?
Kruse: This is a discussion that definitely needs to be had. I've never been a proponent of the government telling people what they can or can't do with their property. However, the trend of taking numerous homes off the market for short-term rentals, such as Airbnb, has reduced local inventory and contributed to increasing home values. It's essential to recognize that short-term rentals are not the sole cause of our housing issue. With record inflation and interest rates, we must do what we can to navigate these difficult times.
Shaw: Door County has changed so very much in my lifetime. While I did not grow up here, I have been lucky enough to have traveled here my whole life. Growth is an important part of any community, but growth without thought must stop. The question hits on a key word, “balance,” and it must be struck. I do not want to stop businesses from growing in this community, but I am not going to support growth that takes away from what makes Door County so special.
What is another main issue facing Door County, and how would you address it?
Kruse: I want to ensure that the residents and visitors of Door County never have to worry about unelected bureaucrats imposing orders that could close our schools and businesses. Repealing Door County Ordinance Chapter 38, “Emergency Declaration by County Board and Authority & Duties of Local Health Officer,” should be one of the first orders of business for the new board.
Shaw: The issue that I have heard most about as I have spoken with voters this cycle is our lack of affordable child care. As a parent of a 6-year-old I know all too well the challenges of finding affordable childcare in this county. We have made strides in Sturgeon Bay, with the opening of the Door County Child Development Center, but other parts of the county are still struggling. I will work with any individual that is passionate about this and am confident that this community will rise to the occasion.
Contact Christopher Clough at 920-562-8900 or cclough@doorcountyadvocate.com.
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This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Door County Board candidates discuss housing, development, more
