DANE COUNTY EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE TO HEAR ORAL HISTORY PRESENTATION

July 22, 2021
County Board Chair Analiese Eicher, (608) 571-6823
County Board

The Dane County Board’s Executive Committee will hear a presentation of an oral history project at their meeting tonight at 5:30pm. The history of the County Board over the past 50 years as relayed by past and present members of the Board who either served as Board Chair or went on to higher elected office includes several podcasts and videos available on the County Board’s website.

 

"I’m excited that we have been able to hear directly from those that have been on the Board and have played such important roles of the history of Dane County. This is a great project," said Dane County Board Chair Analiese Eicher. "As a policy wonk, I enjoyed hearing of the Board’s role in the consolidation of the 911 system in the county, efforts to improve access to housing for individuals with Section 8 vouchers, and the groundwork for the redevelopment of the Alliant Energy Center, among other topics. It underscores how the work of the Board touches county residents."

　

The podcast portion of the project features discussions involving family and community support to run for office, collaboration between board supervisors, and policies and projects that shaped Dane County in the 1970’s, 1980’s, 1990’s, 2000’s, and 2010’s, as well as a review of criminal justice policy.

　

The video portion of the project features discussions involving inspiration to run for office, making lasting impact through public policy, and attributes that make an effective public official. The video portion showcases six interviewees, including former Board Chairs Sharon Corrigan, Scott McDonell, and Richard (Dick) Wagner, and County Supervisors who attained higher office including Wisconsin Secretary of Veterans Affairs Mary Kolar, Wisconsin State Senator Melissa Agard, and Wisconsin Representative Shelia Stubbs, who continues to serve as a member of the Dane County Board.

　

"Having this information available to the public gives insight into this work and will hopefully inspire them to become more involved with local government," County Board Supervisor Elizabeth Doyle (District 1) said. "I appreciated the opportunity to work with our interns and staff throughout the challenges of the past year and a half to complete this far-reaching project.　 This project would not have been possible without their hard work and the time of past and current public servants who shared their views and experiences."

 

Members of the public can register to speak/attend the virtual meeting by following the instructions at the top of the agenda.