Michael Schroeder, candidate for Village of Scandinavia trustee, has submitted answers to a series of questions asked by HeadspringIS.com.
To date, incumbent candidates Michael Hayes and Daniel Koehler have not.
The Spring election will be held in a week on Tuesday, April. 7.
“I believe it is important to provide honest and transparent answers to those who ask. While I do not have all the answers yet, I have begun reaching out to others to gain a better understanding of these issues,” Schroeder noted.
What specific actions have you taken in the past two years that produced measurable results for the village, and what were those results? If you are a challenger, what are the important issues and challenges you see and what you believe the village ought to do to meet those challenges?
For the last three years, I have been part of the Silver Lake Association. We have successfully raised funds and treated the lake, reopening it for year-round fishing and activities. I love seeing families enjoy our local natural resources.
What is your plan to attract people and businesses to the area?
To support our community and local businesses, I believe the village can improve efficiency. For instance, implementing village-wide garbage pickup added to taxes would increase our collective buying power, resulting in cheaper rates and cleaner yards. Additionally, moving toward quarterly billing could help small businesses manage their budgets more effectively.
Beyond general commitment to the community, what concrete experience, decision-making track record, and leadership qualities do you possess that better prepare you for this position than your opponents?
For the past six years, I have managed a fabrication shop in Waupaca, overseeing everything from product design to employee management. Prior to that, I spent 14 years progressing from general labor to General Manager of two companies. My experience includes steel and aluminum fabrication, purchasing, cost reduction, and labor management.
In light of aging infrastructure in rural Central Wisconsin, what strategies would you implement to maintain and upgrade roads, bridges, and utilities while managing limited municipal budgets?
To address road quality, we must distinguish between village, county, and state responsibilities while aggressively pursuing available grants. We need to find a balance between road maintenance and tax levels. Given the impact of Wisconsin winters and heavy usage, maintenance costs are unavoidable; I would defer to the community to determine what level of investment is acceptable.
How would you address economic development to create jobs and retain young residents, focusing on sectors like tourism and renewable energy?
I understand that our residents value the small-town feel of our community. The goal should be to stay relevant without losing that identity. We can support growth and keep future generations local by helping our farming community stay competitive through new agricultural technologies.
Groundwater and drinking water quality is a major issue in rural Central Wisconsin, with widespread nitrate contamination from agricultural runoff and manure, as well as emerging concerns like PFAS in private wells. What specific steps would you take at the local level to protect residents’ drinking water, such as supporting well testing programs, promoting best management practices for farms, or advocating for stronger local oversight of high-capacity wells?
I am currently researching these topics further and have reached out to DNR representatives and experts in the field to ensure I can provide an informed perspective.
Nutrient pollution from excess fertilizer and manure application has led to impaired streams, rivers, and lakes across many Central Wisconsin counties, contributing to algae blooms and reduced water quality. How would you work with local farmers, conservation districts, and state agencies to reduce agricultural runoff while supporting the region’s vital farming economy?
I am currently researching these topics further and have reached out to DNR representatives and experts in the field to ensure I can provide an informed perspective.
What local conservation initiatives would you prioritize to build resilience, such as supporting soil health practices, wetland restoration, or community efforts to address flooding and habitat loss?
I am currently researching these topics further and have reached out to DNR representatives and experts in the field to ensure I can provide an informed perspective.
What other issues and challenges are looming on the horizon, and what are your plans to deal with them?
I am focused on modernizing village operations. By implementing online bill pay and digital permits, we can significantly reduce the excessive man-hours currently spent on manual billing and record-keeping. My background is in cost reduction, and I am confident I can help establish a more efficient village budget.
