April has always been a month where the sun finally starts to shine a little brighter and our state finally emerges from under the heavy blanket of winter.  This year, even more than in years past, April is especially welcome after a brutal cold season that seemingly went on forever.

Every two years, April also signifies another event besides budding trees and flowering tulips: county board elections.  From retiring supervisors to hotly contested primary races, the elections held in each of Wisconsin's 72 counties are always about change and a reminder of the value of the democratic process. 

I believe that the elections are also a chance for county boards across the state to step back and look at what they've done in the past two years.  This includes successes and even failures, as we always learn the most from the latter.

The elections give us a fresh perspective as well.  Like a New Year's resolution or the first day of a new job, it is a time of embracing new goals, fostering new relationships and setting forth a long-term plan for our counties.

Of course, none of this can happen without our constituents.  By now, you've more than likely worn out a pair of shoes dropping literature and have eaten more than your fair share of chicken at community events.  They are the people we serve and without them, none of our work would even happen.  I urge you to keep your voters at the top of every "to do" list and at the forefront of your mind when voting on the tough issues over the next two years.

The voters put their trust in us and I believe that Wisconsin's county officials are some of the best.   As I've traveled this year in my position of WCA President to NACo events, I would proudly put our peers up against any in the nation. 

We live in an amazing place and personally, I am honored to be able to serve our state and its people.  I am excited to move forward with the next two years and believe that we all stand poised to continue to impact the direction of Wisconsin.

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