Manitowoc County Board District 8 candidate talks infrastructure, COVID-19 recovery as April 2 election nears
MANITOWOC — Incumbent Paul Hacker is running against challenger Mark Linsmeier for the District 8 seat on the Manitowoc County Board in the April 2 spring election.
The seat holds a two-year term and represents a northern portion of the city of Manitowoc. Visit manitowoccountywi.gov for a full map of the county's supervisory districts.
The Herald Times Reporter asked both candidates to fill out a questionnaire before the election explaining why they are running and their positions on issues.
Here are the responses from Linsmeier; no responses were received from Hacker. Some answers are edited for clarity and brevity.
For more about registering to vote and polling locations, visit myvote.wi.gov.
Preview the full ballot: Here's who's moving on to the general election after Tuesday's primary in Manitowoc County
Paul Hacker
No responses received.
Mark Linsmeier
Age: 52
Occupation: Marketing manager
Highest education level: Technical college
Relevant experience: Former county board member
Why are you running for office?
Linsmeier: I am running for office because Manitowoc County has been my home for my entire life. I raised my family in this community and am proud to have done so. The community has seen much progress in my lifetime, but there is much to be done. My knowledge of the community and former experience on the county board would allow me to help make cost-effective and informed decisions. It would be an honor to serve and advocate for you to make Manitowoc County the best it can be.
Why are you the better candidate in this race?
Linsmeier: I served on the county board previously. During that time, my knowledge of how the county board operates grew. I was also able to learn about the current issues that residents are facing. This prior knowledge will allow me to better serve the residents in my district. I am dedicated to making our community a great place to live, and will continue to have that mindset if elected.
What are the two biggest challenges for the county board right now, and how would you overcome them?
Linsmeier: One of the issues I’ve been hearing about is our infrastructure. We need to make sure that infrastructure is being addressed, including improving road conditions and ensuring equipment is in line with safety standards. Residents have also voiced their concerns about protecting our parks and water access. We need to make sure that our parks are clean and safe for residents to use.
What is your vision for Manitowoc County?
Linsmeier: Manitowoc County should be a place where young folks want to start their families and build their lives. By utilizing the resources we currently have and investing in our community, Manitowoc County will be a place that residents will be proud to call home. If elected, I will work towards this vision.
What are your thoughts on the current budget for the county?
Linsmeier: The last few years have been difficult because of the COVID-19 pandemic and recovery from that. During these unprecedented times, the Manitowoc County Board did the best they could with the resources they had available to them at the time of budget development the last few cycles. I am proud that the county board has been able to come together and develop a budget that helped sustain Manitowoc County.
Alisa M. Schafer is a reporter for the Herald Times Reporter in Manitowoc. She can be reached by email at aschafer@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter: Manitowoc County Board candidate Mark Linsmeier shares views on issues
