Dane County Executive Forum took place at the Urban League near the new Black Business Hub.
With a full house of eager faces, Rev. David Hart presented a brief and organized overview of how the forum would be guided. The 4 candidates began their timed opening statements to a room filled with community members, sponsors, and peers. Each brought their own unique story and vision to the table.
Candidate Melissa Agard, State Senator-District 16, touched on raising 4 boys and her idea of safety, dreams, and wanting to help the vulnerable members of society as she grew up receiving benefits due to lack of income growing up.
Candidate Dana Pellebon, County Supervisor-District 33, highlighted her history of having Madison roots, 20 years’ experience in the housing industry and being an executive at the Rape Crisis Center.
Candidate Wesley Sparkman, Director of Dane County Office for Equity and Inclusion stated he worked directly with Joe Parisi (the previous elected County Executive) and envisions everyone growing and thriving. He values community input and would like a transparent responsible money management system.
Candidate Regina, Alder District 5, shared that her father died of pancreatic cancer which led her to, at one point, be a cancer researcher. She has worked with a 45-million-dollar budget and values a diverse voice.
A powerhouse panel asked a variety of thought-provoking questions with topics from housing issues to health disparities. From income gaps to a plan for our jail systems future. Answers from the candidates tugged at heart strings and the facts of our city were acknowledged.
With time dwindling, community members were able to ask a few questions and candidates promptly gave their answers following their closing statements on why they should be voted for to tackle our city’s challenges. It was a night where voices were heard, stories were shared and many responses resonated with the room. A shared sense of purpose made everyone look forward to the night of voting.
