On October 2, 2024, the two candidates for Dane County Executive came to Madison College, where they participated in a community and student forum. The candidates Melissa Agard and Dana Pellebon shared the stage for around an hour answering questions ranging from why they are running to their accessibility to the Dane county community.
What is a county executive? According to information from the League of Women Voters, a county executive is primarily responsible for implementing county ordinances, proposing the county’s annual budget to the county’s board of supervisors, additionally they can approve or veto actions of the county board. The county executive may also be responsible for appointing individuals to boards, committees and departments.
Among the major topics was the unique experience of the candidates for the position. Agard spoke about her deep connections to the Dane County community. Specifically mentioning that she was born and raised in Madison and she raised her children in Madison. Since 2012, Agard has served in the Wisconsin State Assembly and the State Senate, representing Senate District 16 and Assembly District 48. Pellebon cited a wealth of experience in executive positions working for organizations and coalitions affecting change in Dane County. Pellebon elaborated on her qualifications by saying, “People call my phone… because I understand what happens next.”
The overall positions of both Agard and Pellebon are remarkably similar. Both Agard and Pellebon focused on addressing disparity issues in Dane county. Among these is housing, Pellebon spoke on her experience working with some of the first affordable housing initiatives in the county. Pellebon highlighted programs like Building Futures, which was formerly called Second Chance Apartment Project and a homeownership program called Own it.
The candidates differed on the topic of public transit. Agard wished to advocate for a regional transit authority, from which she claims communities on both sides of the aisle would benefit. Agard proposed investment in the long-term transportation infrastructure and options of Dane county. Pellebon took a different approach opting to lend support to the existing systems like the bike paths and increasing rural road access. She cited that regional transportation authorities are not in county governments domain.
Both candidates were asked what they would do to help the students at Madison College. Both candidates stressed the importance of making sure all students have their basic needs met. Agard stressed that there is a three-billion-dollar surplus that could be used to improve basic conditions such as childcare and behavioral health facilities.
Thank you to both Melissa Agard and Dana Pellebon for agreeing to this forum.