Dane County Executive Candidates Forum
A video report by Heidi M. Pascual
A video report by Heidi M. Pascual
The Dane County Public Affairs Council hosted the Dane County Executive Candidates Forum on
Jan. 28 at Fitchburg City Hall, featuring Kathleen Falk (current Dane County Executive) and Nancy
Mistele (challenger). After the candidates' opening remarks, they answered prepared questions by
DCPA and later responded to questions from the audience. While Falk essentially highlighted her
accomplishments in Dane County, Mistele focused on the 911 center and why Dane County needs a
new leadership. The forum was definitely not a "debate" on issues but a venue where both candidates
introduced themselves in a way, and highlighted their backgrounds that make them different from each
other. Mistele started with her commitment to stay as Dane County Executive and not to use the
position as a stepping stone to a higher office. Falk focused on how Dane County has become one of
the best places to live and work in the U.S. during her tenure as Dane County Executive for 12 years.
Questions from the audience revolved around issues of public safety, wetlands, roads, commuter
rail,and of course, the 9-11 Center. We suggest that Mistele smile once in awhile and learn more about
issues other than the 9-11 Center. Dane County Exec. Falk needs to be more specific in her responses
to thoughful questions thrown her way, aside from talking about funding programs, because many
problems cannot be solved merely by funding.
Jan. 28 at Fitchburg City Hall, featuring Kathleen Falk (current Dane County Executive) and Nancy
Mistele (challenger). After the candidates' opening remarks, they answered prepared questions by
DCPA and later responded to questions from the audience. While Falk essentially highlighted her
accomplishments in Dane County, Mistele focused on the 911 center and why Dane County needs a
new leadership. The forum was definitely not a "debate" on issues but a venue where both candidates
introduced themselves in a way, and highlighted their backgrounds that make them different from each
other. Mistele started with her commitment to stay as Dane County Executive and not to use the
position as a stepping stone to a higher office. Falk focused on how Dane County has become one of
the best places to live and work in the U.S. during her tenure as Dane County Executive for 12 years.
Questions from the audience revolved around issues of public safety, wetlands, roads, commuter
rail,and of course, the 9-11 Center. We suggest that Mistele smile once in awhile and learn more about
issues other than the 9-11 Center. Dane County Exec. Falk needs to be more specific in her responses
to thoughful questions thrown her way, aside from talking about funding programs, because many
problems cannot be solved merely by funding.