Issues and Ideas

  • As Executive I will focus on the Public Good and the broad interests of the entire county.

The Local Economy

  • Communities are increasingly competing to attract mobile 21st Century workers. Portage
    County can be a more active partner with businesses, schools, and higher education to
    increase the quality of life and promote a robust and diverse workforce. As Executive, I
    would play a visible leadership role in promoting how great our county is.

Paid for by Friends of Eric Olson

Government Transparency and Accountability

  • The internet makes it easier than ever for county governments to be accessible and
    accountable, but only if a leader pushes for it. As Executive I will leverage the technology we
    have at our disposal to ensure Portage County is an innovative leader in open government and
    public participation.

Paid for by Friends of Eric Olson

The Need for a County Executive

  • The voters of Portage County created the Office of Executive in 2005 because they were tired
    of county decisions and investments that did not reflect county-wide priorities. A county
    administrator would report to the county board chair, who in turn will tend to focus on the
    needs and views of voters in his or her own district. The County Executive must be
    independent of the board and put to the test of all Portage County voters every four years.

Paid for by Friends of Eric Olson

Groundwater

  • Water resources are one of the best examples of public goods and yet they’ve been
    historically given over to private interests. Wisconsin’s Constitution establishes a public trust
    in water that state and local governments are charged with upholding. The County Executive
    must play a visible leadership role in moving us all forward on meaningful initiatives to ensure
    clean, safe drinking water is available to everyone.

Paid for by Friends of Eric Olson

Community Sustainability and Resiliency

  • Portage County is well positioned to take advantage of opportunities to conserve energy,
    produce renewable energy, and prepare for the impacts of climate change. As County
    Executive I will work with community members, Mid-State Technical College and UW Stevens
    Point to revive Portage County’s sustainability plans and move quickly towards their
    implementation.