Initiatives
Public Education
Accessible Healthcare
Land Conservation
Local Economy & Small Business
Public Education
Providing a quality public education is a fundamental state responsibility. Our current funding system leaves rural districts with an unfair financial burden. Our schools are frequently forced to ask local property owners for referendums just to maintain basic classroom operations.
Mike believes the state must prioritize funding education to ensure that our schools can thrive without shifting that financial weight onto local taxpayers.
Relevant Experience: With a PhD in Special Education from UW-Madison and decades of experience as a former public school teacher and university professor, I know firsthand how state policies impact local classrooms, students with disabilities, and teacher retention. By listening directly to our local school boards, parents, and neighbors, I will use my background to advocate for state funding for our rural districts.
Mike leading a special education conference seminar in Monterrey, Mexico (circa. 2010)
Accessible Healthcare
Accessible and affordable healthcare is vital to the well-being of our community. Shrinking access in rural areas routinely forces families and seniors to travel further for basic medical needs and mental health resources. Our state must prioritize supporting the local public health networks keeping our neighborhoods healthy.
Mike believes we must work to strengthen these essential services so that no resident is left behind by corporate healthcare gaps.
Relevant Experience: As the Chair of the Green Lake County Health and Human Services Committee, I work alongside the critical public health safety nets that our families rely on every day. By listening directly to rural patients, EMS workers, and care facility staff, I will use this hands-on experience to advocate for healthcare resources that flow directly and efficiently into our local communities.
Mike donating blood at Green Lake Town Square (2022).
Our local economy, farming traditions, and tourism rely entirely on clean water and healthy soil. Taking care of our natural resources isn't a partisan issue; it’s a vital community necessity. Wisconsin must prioritize supporting the local conservation efforts that protect our lakes and fields.
Mike believes environmental solutions are most effective when they are driven by common-sense cooperation with the people who know and work the land every day.
Land Conservation
Relevant Experience: As a County Board Supervisor, I bring direct experience from serving on the Land Conservation Committee (as a member and former Vice Chair) and the Little Green Lake Protection and Rehabilitation District Committee. Working directly alongside local conservationists and community members to protect our outdoor traditions, I will use this hands-on experience to advocate for state-level conservation grants that empower local communities to protect their own land and water.
Mike meeting with friends at the Green Lake Conservancy to stay on top of environmental resources and initiatives. (2025)
Local Economy & Small Business
Rising costs and a lack of affordable housing inventory make it difficult for young families to stay in our district and for small businesses to recruit workers. We need state-level tools that support small business owners and encourage smart, accessible community development.
Mike believes the state should offer resources that align perfectly with what our local town and village boards actually need to revitalize their main streets.
Relevant Experience: As a local real estate agent and County Board Supervisor, I see exactly how housing, business growth, and public resources connect. Serving on the Caestecker Library Committee and working alongside town zoning boards gives me the hands-on experience needed to advocate for small business incentives and housing grants tailored to District 39.
