Dane County Board of Supervisors Chair Scott McDonell announced his candidacy to replace Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk one week after she decided she would step down this April.
""I don't think public service is a dirty word,"" McDonell said at a press conference Monday. ""I am here to defend what we hold dear—compassionate human services, effective public safety, a clean environment and a modern transportation system.""
McDonell was first elected to the County Board 15 years ago when he was still a student at UW-Madison and has served as County Board Chair for the last five years.
With a long list of backers ranging from fellow supervisors to city alders to State Senate Majority Leader Fred Risser, D-Madison, McDonell is entering the race with some significant community support.
""One thing I like about Scott is that when I call him on the phone to talk about something, if he's not there he calls me back,"" Risser said. ""That's the kind of representation we want.""
Risser said McDonell will continue in the county's tradition of ""good, clean"" government.
Ald. Shiva Bidar-Sielaff, District 5, said McDonell is a dynamic leader.
""I look forward to a collaborative approach to city and county government issues,"" Bidar-Sielaff said.
McDonell advocates for the government's ability to assist constituents, which makes him stand out in an election season where candidates are calling for smaller, leaner government.
""The key is to keep investing in the community as we have been,"" McDonell said. ""One of the things that concerns me is the movement to cut government across the board.""
