Yahoo Autos Marathon County Board District 25 incumbent candidate discusses transportation, broadband ahead of spring election
Incumbent Sandi Cihlar will face challenger Timothy Sondelski in a race for the Marathon County Board District 25 seat in the spring election on April 5. For information on voter registration and polling locations, you can visit MyVote Wisconsin's website.
The Wausau Daily Herald asked each candidate to address important issues in the county and why they believe they are the best candidate for the position. Sondelski did not submit responses to the Daily Herald.
Sandi Cihlar
Age: 72
Occupation: Retired dairy farmer and radiologic technologist
Education: Bachelor's degree in human services
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What made you decide to run for county board?
Cihlar: I am a lifelong resident of Marathon County, loved growing up here and value the quality of life in our county. That’s why my husband and I chose to raise our family here, and why our children are raising their families here as well. County government touches people’s lives more than any other level of government, and I always welcome the opportunity to answer the question “ What do counties do?” Law enforcement, vital records retention, circuit courts, elections, libraries, parks, county extension and more. Serving as county supervisor is truly meaningful work.
What makes you the better candidate in this race?
Cihlar: A highlight of serving my district has been the opportunity to work with the five town boards in District 25. Establishing these relationships has been fundamental to becoming an effective and responsive supervisor. Regular participation in county officials workshops conducted by Wisconsin Counties Association and UW-Extension’s Local Government Center, ensures an in-depth understanding of my roles and responsibilities. Established relationships with local officials and residents, serving on multiple county committees and task forces, combined with commitment to continuing education demonstrates my dedication to serve.
What are the most pressing issues facing the county and what steps would you take to address them?
Cihlar: Transportation systems and broadband impact every Marathon County resident. Communities cannot prosper without a safe, reliable transportation system, and limited resources are impacting system maintenance. Marathon County’s 2050 Highway System Sustainability Study will assist our Infrastructure Committee (where I serve as vice-chair) in determining investments necessary to maintain county highway systems long term.
Broadband has become an essential service impacting education, health, public safety, businesses and their workforce. Our Broadband Task Force conducted a feasibility report and is engaging multiple providers. I serve on the Broadband Task Force and will seek to utilize county American Rescue Plan Act funds for broadband expansion.
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What is your opinion on the Community for All Resolution that failed to pass last year, and do you think another such resolution should be brought before the board?
Cihlar: Chapter 3, Objective 8, of Marathon County’s Comprehensive Plan states, “Ensure Marathon County is an open, inclusive and diverse place to live and work.” This document, created in 2016, guides county decision makers, as well as providing guidance to 41 towns, 15 villages and six cities within the county – and demonstrates Marathon County to be an intentionally welcoming county.
Great things can come from opposing perspectives, and I believe a facilitated, purposeful dialogue on this complex issue in the appropriate public forum is the approach needed. Wisconsin Institute of Public Policy and Service would be an ideal forum.
This article originally appeared on Wausau Daily Herald: Marathon County Board District 25 incumbent talks serving the district
