Winnebago County supervisor candidates emphasize infrastructure, public safety and mental‑health services ahead of April 7 election

With the April 7 election approaching, a cross‑section of Winnebago County supervisor candidates told a League of Women Voters interviewer they would prioritize infrastructure, public safety and expanded mental‑health services while disagreeing about how to pay for them.

Candidates repeatedly placed infrastructure—roads and deferred maintenance on county buildings—near the top of their lists. "Infrastructure is the number one thing that the county should be responsible for," said Richard Bodenhagen, a District 5 candidate, adding that non‑infrastructure spending should be reduced to pay for core needs. Several other candidates made similar points, warning that many county facilities are aging and that options such as phased repairs or consolidation are preferable to a single, costly project.

Why it matters: Winnebago County candidates framed long‑term building and highway upkeep as a near‑term budget pressure. Shiloh Ramos, who served as county board chair, cited an estimated $67,000,000 in deferred maintenance in the 2026 budget; other candidates flagged a roughly $350,000,000 estimate for municipal building repairs as an example of potential multiyear costs the county must plan for.

On public safety and substance use, positions ranged from tougher enforcement to investments in treatment. Bodenhagen described Highway 41 as a "drug depot" corridor and urged stronger coordination among local, county and state law enforcement to reduce supply; he also said treatment funding is necessary for people already struggling with addiction. Incumbent George Burrow and several challengers said they would support measures intended to save lives — including Narcan access — though Bodenhagen said vending machines delivering Narcan address the “backside” of the problem rather than supply reduction.

Money talk: Candidates expressed mixed views on a county sales tax. Some, including Jim Jacobson and Crystal Oakes, opposed a sales tax largely on equity grounds, calling it regressive; others, such as Bob Peschel and Ben Frank, said a half‑percent sales tax could be defensible depending on how revenue is spent (for example, on street repairs or human services). Several candidates urged more careful budgeting and exploring revenue options before committing to new taxes.

Mental health and housing emerged as linked priorities. Multiple candidates argued that housing availability and affordable housing policies are central to reducing strain on human services. Jacob Claymeier, who works with a local shelter, and Bob Peschel urged expanded housing access to improve health outcomes. Several candidates supported better outreach and coordination among county public health, nonprofit partners and service providers.

Other recurring themes included collaboration and transparency. Candidates said they would work to build consensus across the 36‑member board by focusing on shared goals, improving public engagement and keeping agendas and budgeting decisions accessible to the public. Several noted the strategic plan can serve as a filter for agenda items: if proposed work does not align with the plan, it should be reconsidered.

Representative quotes: "If you're ever going to fix anything, you've gotta get into the mud," Bodenhagen said of deciding to run. Ben Frank described himself as "a scientist at heart" who favors evidence‑based programs. Crystal Oakes, an incumbent, said the county is "doing quite well" financially now but warned of major federal Medicaid cuts that could force larger revenue choices.

What’s next: Candidates varied on next steps. Some emphasized immediate budget triage and targeted investments; others urged public engagement and phased planning for major facilities projects. The interviews do not record any formal board actions or votes; the election on April 7 will determine which candidates hold these policy priorities moving forward.