Compiled by Kim McDarison
A spring general election will be held April 5.
In Fort Atkinson, all of the city’s wards, 1-9, are included in Jefferson County. Districts and wards are as follows: District 23 includes Ward 8; District 26 includes Wards 1 and 2; District 27 includes Wards 3 and 4; District 28 includes Wards 7 and 9, and District 29 includes Wards 5 and 6.
Among districts including wards in Fort Atkinson there is a race in District 29. Incumbent Mary Roberts will face challenger Wyatt Cooper.
Fort Atkinson Online recently asked each of the District 29 candidates to provide some biographical information and fill out a short questionnaire. Candidates were asked to respond to four questions using a combined total of between 700 and 1,000 words.
Candidates were asked to submit a photo for publication.
Election polls on April 5 will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the City of Fort Atkinson Municipal Building, 101 N. Main St.
An earlier story about Jefferson County Board of Supervisors candidates, including those running unopposed, is here: https://fortatkinsononline.com/jefferson-county-board-fort-to-see-one-race-whitewater-candidates-running-unopposed/.
District 29 candidates’ responses to questionnaires, in alphabetical order, follow.
Name: Wyatt Cooper
Age: 26
Address: 1111 Grove St, Fort Atkinson
Occupation: Sales Associate/Realtor, Fort Real Estate Company; Legislative Assistant, Wisconsin State Assembly
Number of years resided in district: 2 years
Education: B.A. – Carthage College ’17 – Majors: Political Science and Criminal Justice; MBA – Grand Canyon University ‘20
Civic and other organizational memberships: Freemasons – Jefferson County Lodge #9
Political experience: None
What are your reasons for seeking this position?
I’m running for Jefferson County Board because I want our county to be the best place to live, work, and raise a family. When my wife, Megan, and I start our own family a few years from now, we want to ensure Jefferson County is a place that promotes jobs, maintains safe communities, and watches over your hard-earned tax dollars responsibly. I’m running for my family, friends, and neighbors. I love our community, and, if elected, I will bring a strong desire to serve my constituents effectively to the Board and help make Jefferson County a better place.
What are the most pressing issues facing the position you seek?
One of the most pressing issues facing this position is the current underrepresentation of young families on the Board. County board seats should not be limited to retirees or those with adult children. While I would be on the Board to represent the 29th District, I would not only be a voice for our community. I would be a voice for young people across Jefferson County, something definitely needed.
As our children grow up, there should be enough opportunities for them here in our community that they won’t feel like they have to move away when they’re older. We need to invest in our communities and bring good-paying jobs and affordable workforce housing to the county. As we do so, we must stay true to our rich, agricultural heritage. In addition to this, increasing access to high-speed broadband, while maintaining and upgrading existing fiber over time, is important for businesses, schools, hospitals, and public safety services. If the COVID-19 pandemic taught us anything, it’s how important internet access is in order to stay connected with one another. All of this involves making sure your tax dollars are allocated appropriately in the county budget and that there is financial transparency at the county-level.
As I’ve stated, I’m running to ensure a better, brighter future for my family, and that’s exactly what I would provide for other families as well, if elected to County Board Supervisor.
If elected, what unique perspective and experience do you bring to the board?
I’m entering this race from the perspective of someone who is wanting what’s best for his family and the rest of his community. I have a strong background in helping folks through the confusing processes of state government and the oftentimes complex web of bureaucracy within our state agencies. Additionally, I have experience in the private sector as a local Realtor. My careers have always centered around the theme of helping people, and now I’m looking to work towards providing a better future for my family, friends, and neighbors in our community as a member of the Jefferson County Board. My background in constituent relations makes me an ideal candidate for the people of the 29th District because I know how to address their thoughts and concerns when they are brought before me. I never have and never will claim to know all the answers to all our county’s problems, but if elected as your representative on the Board, I would always work to find you an answer to your questions and seek a solution.
Any additional comments?
Since I announced my campaign, I’ve made a point to ensure folks that I am running to represent all constituents within Jefferson County’s 29th Supervisory District, not just a select few. Should I be elected to the position, I promise to the residents of the 29th District that I will be transparent in all county government proceedings, diligent in my work for the people of Jefferson County, and persistent in my efforts to communicate business affairs back to constituents, often asking for their feedback as well. Over the past several months, I have consistently encouraged residents of the 29th to reach out to me with their thoughts and concerns about the future of the county, I organized an event for folks to sign up for and meet with me, and I have knocked doors across much of the district talking one-on-one with constituents. Those of you that I have talked to, I look forward to continuing our conversations. Those that I have not yet had the opportunity to meet, I look forward to speaking with you in the future. I appreciate everyone for taking the time to read my responses here today and I look forward to your vote on April 5th.
Name: Mary Roberts
Age: 72
Address: 1513 Stacy Lane, Fort Atkinson
Occupation: Teacher, retired
Number of years resided in district: 53-plus
Education: Bachelors degree in marketing, distributive education, earned in 1984; Masters of Science degree, earned in 1994.
Civic and other organizational memberships: Member of St. Joseph’s Church and the Council of Catholic Women, and a volunteer at Fort HealthCare and Catholic Charities, Second Harvest Mobile Food Pantry.
Political experience: No answer given.
What are your reasons for seeking this position?
My goal as a supervisor is to protect the welfare, safety, health and economic development at a reasonable cost to the citizens of Jefferson County. With every resolution that comes before the board, I must consider how it will affect all of our residents. That is why I want to continue as a supervisor for District 29.
What are the most pressing issues facing the position you seek?
The most pressing issues are the renovations of the Jefferson County Court Courthouse and other county buildings. The opioid crisis is another pressing issue. The county has a new drug court and therapy services to deal with addictions. There are still ongoing related issues concerning the pandemic and the health of our county.
If elected, what unique perspective and experience do you bring to the board?
My husband and I have lived and worked in Jefferson County for over 53 years. We built our home here and raised our children here, and they attended the Fort schools. We are proud to call Jefferson County our home because it’s a great place to live. The Jefferson County board works to attract new businesses with good jobs, to attract new residents, to provide a safe and healthy place to live with parks and libraries, and many more services. I would like to continue this work for the good of all the residents.
Any additional comments?
No answer given.
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