Northwoods Decides 2024: Election & Candidate profiles

All 21 seats on the Oneida County Board of Supervisors are up for election on April 2 but there are only three contested races. Below are profiles of the candidates squaring off in the contested races.

District 6

In Oneida County’s district 6, which includes wards one, three and four in the town of Pelican, incumbent Debbie Condado is being challenged by Kathleen Cooper.

Kathleen Cooper

I am a retired registered nurse, having worked as a nurse for 43 years.

My specialty was the operating room, where I learned the value of listening to the people from all walks of life that I cared for.

I also worked in a supervisory position, where I had to coordinate surgeries, staff, physicians, ancillary services and anesthesia to make the day run smoothly and to make sure that every patient received the best care we could give.

I was in charge of our quality assurance program and my studies through the years in this capacity have shown me what works and what doesn’t for patients’ and staff’s optimal well being.

I plan on using these skills, as well as my skills from my life experiences, in my role as county board supervisor.

I am a mother of five grown children and a grandmother of five beautiful grandchildren, which is my greatest achievement.  I want Oneida County to remain a safe and beautiful place for my children and grandchildren.

Why are you running for election to the Oneida County board?

I am passionate about the health and well being of the people of Oneida County, whether they are my family, friends, neighbors, or friends that I have not yet met.  There are many factors that affect the health and well being of any given population, among which are the ability to work, to have a safe and comfortable home, to have adequate help to care for our physical, emotional, and psychological needs, emergency services, police and fire departments, and road maintenance, to name a few.

To me, being on the county board is the next chapter of my nursing career, where, instead of focusing on how I can help individual patients, I can now be a part of caring for the people of Oneida County by listening to them and supporting their best interests.

What specific problems or issues do you see facing Oneida County in the short and long-term and how would you address them? What is your position on whether or not Oneida County should have a county administrator?

I think that maintaining a safe environment for the people of Oneida County is of prime importance.

People should live in a safe place with clean air, water, and natural beauty.

The environment is a top concern of mine for this reason. We also need to be fiscally responsible, and spend taxpayer money in ways that will benefit our constituents, in other words, to get the biggest bang for our bucks.

I realize that sometimes tough choices have to be made but my decisions will always be based on the well being of the largest numbers of people. 

As far as county administrator is concerned, I think we need more discussion on the pros and cons of this issue. Is it necessary? Should it be a full time position? What benefits will it bring? How much will it cost and do we have the money?  Will it be beneficial to the majority of the people of Oneida County or just a few? How do the constituents feel about it?

Some of these questions (and probably more) need to be discussed before I can take a position on this matter.

In your view, what is the role of a county board member?

This question is simple. 

The role of a county board supervisor is to listen to their constituents, to their problems and concerns and to do whatever it takes to ensure their well being in an open, honest and transparent manner, with the amount of resources we have. 

Debbie Condado

Hi, I’m Debbie Condado.

I am a wife, mother, and grandmother. Most importantly I am a God fearing Christian woman learning and growing each day. My husband, Carlos, and I have been married 36 years.

Our three children, Jennifer, Josh and Jessica, are grown and off the payroll.

I love to spend time with my favorite people in the world, our six grandchildren, soon to be seven grandchildren in May.

I graduated from Southwestern Adventist University with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting in 1991 but put my business aspirations on hold while we raised our children and homeschooled them.

Our children are college graduates and contributing in their communities as healthcare professionals and a high school math teacher. 

I currently work part time as a realtor at Pine Point Realty in Rhinelander. I’m a member of the local Seventh day Adventist Church where I volunteer as a church pianist.

I also volunteer at our church thrift store here in town every Monday where all proceeds go back into our community.

Why are you running for re-election to the Oneida County board?

My husband and I are both from big Texas cities (Houston and Dallas) and have lived all over the country — west coast, east coast and Rocky Mountain states.  When we came here in 2006, we were so impressed with the friendliness of the people and the beauty of this area.  We refer to it as a hidden gem. We fell in love with the Northwoods.

I have always had an interest in government work. After getting elected to the Oneida County board in 2022, I realized soon how much there was to learn about this special community.

I have thoroughly enjoyed serving the last two years. It has been eye opening and transforming to learn how each department works.

I love researching, asking questions and getting to know different people. I realize I still have much to learn and would love to continue serving the citizens of Oneida County. 

What specific problems or issues do you see facing Oneida County in the short and long term and how would you address them? What is your position on whether or not Oneida County should have a county administrator?

We’ve all felt the strain of rising inflation in the last few years. The cost of running our various departments is increasing. We need to be creative to keep costs down and still run efficient and effective departments. I’m confident in each department. I know they are working hard for the citizens in Oneida county.

With any challenges we face I want to do my part in helping to find solutions. 

I have not had a strong opinion on whether we should have a county administrator. At this point, I am not in favor of changing.  

In your view, what is the role of a county board member?

The role of a county board member is to know and understand the policies they are voting on whether they are law making, budgetary  or cooperative decision making.  

We should not forget the county board member represents the residents of their particular district and votes with that in mind. 

District 10

Incumbent Jim Winkler is facing Dan Hess for the 10th district seat, which includes wards three and four in the town of Newbold.  

Dan Hess

My name is Dan Hess and have been a Newbold resident for 50 years.

My wife Jodie and I have been married for 34 years and have three adult children who are all married and three grandchildren.

I recently retired from the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office as chief deputy. I held this position for the past 10 years and was in law enforcement for 33 years. 

I have been on numerous committees with Oneida County, to include the capital improvement and technology/broadband committees, the NORDEG Advisory and local emergency planning committee, Oneida County Efficiency Team, lakes classification committee as well as others.

Currently, I am the town chairman for the town of Newbold and its plan commission.

My education includes an associate degree in police science from Nicolet Technical College, bachelor’s degree in public administration from Upper Iowa University and Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Academy on leadership in Quantico, Va. 

Why are you running for election to the Oneida County board?

I am running for county board as I believe that I have a lot to offer the county.

I am very familiar with the current budget, departments, and goals of the county departments.

I understand that the county should be providing the best possible service to its citizens and feel that I have a strong association with the needs of the public.

What specific problems or issues do you see facing Oneida County in the short and long term and how would you address them? What is your position on whether or not Oneida County should have a county administrator?

One problem facing Oneida County is the Human Service Center.  Currently it is its own entity, which services three counties to include Oneida, Vilas, and Forest Counties. This past year all three counties chose not to continue their contract through this unit of government as there were numerous problems associated with the services provided. Currently the counties are determining how to provide a higher quality of services to the citizens.

This was a very good effort by all counties involved which includes oversight of county government of each county board to ensure that the best possible services are given to the people that require these services. Services in this area are behavioral health (mental health, substance use) services, developmental disability services for children, child protection and child/family welfare services, juvenile justice services, adult protective services and income maintenance. 

One of my priorities would be the transition of the Human Services Center to a Human/Social Services Department. This will enhance the quality of services to Oneida County residences and will be overseen by a committee of jurisdiction with the elected county officials.

As far as addressing these issues, it is currently underway to have a transition with information provided by a county consultant.  I would ensure that proper legislation is brought forth for consideration by the committee with final approval of the Oneida County board.

As this transition moves forward, the committee of jurisdiction must analyze data in the short and long term to ensure that the transition is moving forward, with the best interest of the public for careful consideration.

An issue facing Oneida County is getting lists of qualified candidates to fill positions.

To address this short term would be continuing to place ads throughout the state through various internet and ad agencies. Long term would be working with the technical colleges and high schools explaining these positions to ensure that good candidates are given the proper information to assist them in applying for these positions.  

Another issue facing the county would be infrastructure, mostly related to roads.

The county must continue to look for avenues to increase road repair and replacement related to federal and state grant funding.  The county is doing a great job in the area of building infrastructure with the current job that is being done on maintenance and upkeep with the current buildings. 

County administrator: there should be a lot of research completed related to this topic.

Oneida County is a smaller county which has very good department heads that consistently do an exceptional job in relation to providing services that are needed by our citizens at a cost relevant to the services provided.

The county board-county administrator form of government is typically created to remove the political process from the people that elect elected officials. This is oftentimes related to frivolous spending habits of elected officials or extreme bias related to services provided. I do not see this as an issue in Oneida County.

To hire a county administrator, some type of service would have to be cut in order to pay the $250,000 price tag of this administrator position.

The committee and county board form of government is working excellently with the current structure at Oneida County and therefore I would be opposed to this request.   

In your view, what is the role of a county board member?

The role of a county board member is to create legislation related to needed services for the community.  The role must include evaluating programs and services provided to the public and ensuring that they are provided in a way that is efficient and effective with fiscal responsibility in mind.

Jim Winkler

Hi! I am Jim Winkler, Oneida County district 10 supervisor.

I have had the privilege to serve in this position for the past four terms or eight years. My education is:

Master’s Degree- Outdoor Recreation with emphasis in Tourism; University of Missouri, Columbia MO 1975.

Bachelor of Science in Recreation & Park Administration with a minor in Forest Management, UMC, Columbia, MO, 1974.

Transferred to Rhinelander in 2004 as the 4-H Youth Development Educator. 35 years of Youth Development work in Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota and Missouri. Retired in 2012. 

Served on Rhinelander school board 2009-15. Member at Pine Grove Community Church serving as Deacon and Bible study leader. 

Why are you running for re-election to the Oneida County board?

As chairman of two committees, I would like to help finalize several issues/resolutions.

• Land & Water Conservation and UW Extension committee. Chair for two years and member eight years total. Enhanced wake resolution and pfas in lakes and wells.  

• Social Services and Veteran Services committee. Chair for 1.5 years, total of eight years on the committee. Help finalize the Human Service Center restructure

What specific problems or issues do you see facing Oneida County in the short and long term and how would you address them? What is your position on whether or not Oneida County should have a county administrator?

Enhanced wake issue.

There is a concern that some water craft disturb lake bottoms which can disturb fish beds and stir up sediment on the bottom of shallow lakes.

Wave action may have a detrimental effect on shorelines. Oneida County with its many lakes can be a leader in advising the state legislature when they develop laws that affect us.

Our committee will be taking this resolution to County Board in March.

The Human Service Center is a three county partnership (Forest, Oneida, Vilas) to provide drug treatment, mental health and youth disability services.

The three counties dissolved that partnership to create a better way to increase services. A consultant was hired and the final recommendations will be shared with the three county boards in March, 2024 with a new structure and implementation by Jan. 1, 2025.

I believe the best interest of the county is not to add another layer of government structure but instead to identify the roles of a county coordinator and enhance certain department head position descriptions to take on certain roles with shared leadership.

An example might be to have a three-person executive team, dividing up the roles and adding measurable goals to those position descriptions and making them accountable. 

In your view, what is the role of a county board member?

As a county board member, I am elected by residents of Ward 3 and 4 of Newbold to protect their interests and make decisions and policy that reflect it.

My role is also to address questions/concerns raised by constituents. Although I represent a portion of county constituents, I see my role to protect all people within Oneida County and address the needs of the greater good.

District 15

Wards one and two in the town of Newbold and ward one in Lake Tomahawk comprise the 15th district in Oneida County. 

Mike Roach is the incumbent county supervisor. He is being challenged by Lenore Lopez. 

Lenore Lopez

I was born and raised on the south side of Chicago, one of six from a blue collar background.

I worked in sales for 15 years while earning a degree and raising a family, a daughter and two bonus sons.

I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in secondary education and a Master of Arts degree in painting and drawing.

I taught art at the high school level for 21 years in Chicago public schools.

As many have, my family began vacationing in the Northwoods in 1954 and continue that family tradition every August at the same YMCA family camp.

After retirement in 2017, I moved here permanently and was substitute teaching at LUHS and Star Academy.  

I am currently serving on the Lake Tomahawk town board as town supervisor since 2023.

Why are you running for election to the Oneida County board?

I’m running for county supervisor because I believe that I can bring new ideas, solutions and perspectives that are necessary to grow our community.

What specific problems or issues do you see facing Oneida County in the short and long term and how would you address them? What is your position on whether or not Oneida County should have a county administrator?

  The PFAS issue is very concerning for the overall health of our community as a short term and long term issue.

Working with state and federal agencies to ensure funding to assist those most affected should be a priority, as well as educating our community about ways to reduce their exposure to these chemicals. 

In response to your question about a county administrator, I would have to have an understanding for the necessity of this position.

I understand that some have suggested a part time position that may eventually evolve into full time overseeing the day to day activities of the county board.  

In your view, what is the role of a county board member?

I view the role of a county supervisor as the liaison between the town(s) they represent and the county, attending to the business of disseminating information at town meetings, serving on committees, and ensuring fiscal responsibility for the betterment of the county. 

Mike Roach

I am a Christian; my world view is a biblical one for I believe IF a man doesn’t start from God’s word & the history of Genesis, then we will get it wrong on: environmental issues, climate change and everything else. I see this happening today. I believe God’s word is infallible. I am simply a sinner saved by Christ.  

I am also a husband and a father of four adult children. 

For over 30 years I have been employed as a professional licensed civil engineer and I am a conservative minded person who believes in less government.

I believe prosperity comes from less regulation and believe we should only have regulation that ensures constitutional protections to society.

I believe in strong families and I am pro-business. I believe taxes should always be kept to a minimum and only should be raised with the support of the people (ie: referendum). I believe budgets should always be balanced for all recurring expenses and any excess general fund balances can be used for one-time capital improvements, such as cell towers. 

Why are you running for re-election to the Oneida County board?

As a Constitutionalist Conservative Christian, I believe there is a lot of work to be done representing the people in a manner that reflects the founding values of our country. I will continue to represent the county in a traditional American way.

I will continue to go up against the folks that want to bully or belittle others instead of communicating with those they might disagree with. 

Too many times I see the minority who spout off and belittle others are the weak ones themselves.

I love all people and recognize that we don’t always agree on all topics but it’s wise to have good discussions to grow and we all learn from the important issues at hand. It’s never been more important to do that.  Whether it’s the Pelican River Forest easement or the issue of outside storage containers or whether or not hog farms or gravel pits can be put in your area or maybe it’s about what you have been hearing about a brewery in town and want to know what’s happening or maybe it’s about a new drug rehab facility coming to your town that you oppose.

Maybe you are concerned about PFAS in your water and want to have discussions about the dangers that the data shows.

I sit on the board of health, public work and planning & development committees.

I sat on special committees looking at the facts of the Pelican River Forest easement. I have served on the Conservation and UW-Extension Education Committee and the Social Services committee.

I have seen where we are efficient and have programs that help with our freedoms and allow the people to prosper and I have also seen the places where we need to cut the waste and maybe save for another day.

Whatever your concerns are, if any, please call and have that conversation.

Or, you can go pull out election signs and stomp on them and say things in the paper that will only sell newspapers but they won’t help the people of Oneida County.

I will always vote as a Christian Conservative and will support the freedoms of the people and uphold the laws and if I don’t — then I’m wrong.

I will listen and support good conversations and vote like I promised I would.

What specific problems or issues do you see facing Oneida County in the short and long term and how would you address them? What is your position on whether or not Oneida County should have a county administrator?

I see that the short-term and long-term considerations of the county are the same. Efficient planning and controlling taxes and spending are still needing attention. 

In the future, to maintain an efficient highway system in the county, wasteful spending and programs will need to be eliminated to fund the core services of the county.

We still see the county board trying to make non-necessary programs better instead of cutting these programs. 

I believe county spending should be benchmarked to see if the county is getting the desired outcome or return on investment from various programs. 

There are still too many ordinances and regulations along with high taxes that are preventing the people from prospering.

I believe that the county over prioritizes the rules and regulations within the planning and zoning department.

There are simply too many regulations in society which means we need more police, receive more letters and have more unhappy folks.

The county should always ask themselves, “What happens if we remove this regulation?” I believe too often we are prioritizing how to get more regulations and fines rather than prioritizing removing regulations that are not necessary.  I am a person who analyzes regulations from the viewpoint of necessity, cost and outcome. I also believe the county board should keep our priority towards law enforcement and maintain basic services.

Election integrity and voting machines. Many good people don’t believe election fraud can occur in the small towns in northern Wisconsin but it can.

I believe you can’t be too cautious with something as sacred as our vote. Equally important is protecting our property rights and again, preventing over regulation. 

The coming of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to be very beneficial. We should be cognizant of how this technology will impact our rights and freedoms in the future.  

I do not believe that there is a great need for an unelected county administrator.

I believe that the elected supervisors should be responsible for steering the department heads to do their work in a professional and cost conscious manner that represents their constituents.

The supervisors should be responsible to the people through elections. Government closest and directly accountable to the people is the best.  

In your view, what is the role of a county board member?

A county supervisor’s duty is to protect and preserve the rights, privileges and property rights of the county residents.

This role includes providing local legislation, budgeting and determining policy by voting on issues in public meetings. 

A county supervisor’s duty is to serve the public through good judgment with a responsibility to adhere and uphold the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Wisconsin.

You should be a good listener and speak to issues but also recognize when discussions must conclude and a decision must be made. You are responsible for determining the future direction the county will take to meet the needs of the constituents.

In a republic, you listen to your constituents and vote for their priorities as long as those priorities fit within the traditions of a republic form of government.

As a supervisor I will campaign and tell the people what I stand for. If re-elected, I will listen to the people and their concerns, combine them with the values of what I campaigned on and vote accordingly.

Brian Jopek may be reached via email at [email protected].