Marathon County Board Election Previews: Metro edition
We look at the metro-area races for county board
Marathon County didn’t get nearly as many contested races as the last election cycle - which saw more than half of the 38 board seats contested.
But seven, plus one with a challenger and a write-in, is still a lot.
We emailed every candidate twice with our short questionnaire, and called the ones who still didn’t respond to remind them of the questionnaire and so they would know to look for it.
So, we’re publishing what we have so far. This one is the metro-area contested county board races. They’re exactly as the candidates sent them to us, save for in our formatting. Districts 13 and 25 will appear in our next posting.
(If you’re a candidate and haven’t responded, answer the questions and send them in to brian@thewausonian.com and we will add them post-publication as soon as we’re able.)
You can use this website to see what district you’re in. (Scroll down for separate metro and rural district maps.)
District 1
Katie Rosenberg
What is your occupation or prior career if retired? (Please include any government experience or other relevant experience):
Occupation and education:
Director of the Office of Environmental Justice – Wisconsin Department of Administration
Master’s degree in strategic communications – The George Washington University
Bachelor’s degree in philosophy / religious studies – University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point
Associate’s degree in liberal arts – University of Wisconsin – Marathon County
High School Diploma – Wausau East High School
Relevant experience:
Wausau Mayor: 2020 – 2024
Marathon County Board Supervisor: 2016 – 2020
Homeowner and Wausau/Marathon County Taxpayer: 2009 – Current
Wausau Resident: 1983 – Current
Why did you choose to run for office, or seek re-election?
I am running for Marathon County Board because I am passionate about public service and want to build on the good work of local government. But what really got me thinking about running for office again were comments I heard during the budget discussions. I was alarmed to hear so-called cost savings suggestions that included selling the county-run nursing home and divesting from the aquatic therapy pool. During my time on the board from 2016 - 2020, we spent 18 months studying the nursing home and determining the best direction for Marathon County residents. We also partnered directly with the community to raise $3million and match $3million for the aquatic therapy pool.
We decided that we would invest in renovations and continue public ownership. I want to make sure any decision we make regarding our public facilities, especially facilities as critical as the nursing home, are afforded principled and thoughtful policy discussions and not flippant one-offs in the throes of a budget discussion.
If elected, what would be your top three priorities? What is the most important issue facing the county?
My first priority is ensuring the county has the funding it needs to continue meeting the needs of our community. The cost to continue has gone up by between $1million and $2million each year. That means that if we want to do exactly the same things we did last year, we have to find a couple million more dollars. Whether that means finding ways to strategically partner with other local units of government, non-profits, and businesses or lobbying state or federal officials to release more dollars for essential county programming, I will be ready to have those discussions.
I am passionate about health and human services and if elected, I hope to serve on the Health and Human Services Committee. The county is responsible for some statutorily required mental health and substance abuse programming including social services for kids and older adults, justice programing, public health, and mental health and addiction services to name a few. It’s important to maintain those programs but it’s also important to consider the determinants that lead folks to needing to use those programs. It’s a lot less expensive in dollars and lives to prevent some of these challenges than to wait until they become crises.
Lastly, I want to bring back District 1 meetings with our city alder. When I served on the county board from 2016 - 2020, Alder Pat Peckham and I held at least three district meetings a year, focused on policy items residents of the district were interested in. The budget discussions were incredibly helpful because it’s hard to get an idea of what a government’s priorities are from the outside with limited time to dedicate to watching meetings or asking questions. I want District 1’s elected officials to bridge that knowledge gap so our neighbors can ask informed questions and be heard.
Why should voters choose you this spring?
I am approaching this position with renewed vision after experiencing both city and state government. We have plenty of opportunities for better collaboration between our local units of government, from potential shared facilities, better program coordination, and increased funding through state and federal streams that put an emphasis on local partnerships. That means that the tax dollars residents pay can go further if we team up with our municipal neighbors. If I’m elected, my neighbors on the Southeast Side will get an experienced and passionate supervisor with existing collaborative relationships in local, state, and federal officials and agencies. I will also keep a close eye on potential new funding sources that are not levy-based to help stretch our local dollars.
Dane Suleski
What is your occupation or prior career if retired? (Please include any government experience or other relevant experience):
I am a Tax Preparer with a strong foundation in the complexities of financial regulation and individual advocacy. My professional background is bolstered by a Doctorate in Public Administration (DPA), which I earned in July 2025. This degree provided me with deep insights into the mechanics of governance, including specialized research into addressing corruption and enhancing transparency within Wausau’s local government. This combination of private-sector financial experience and advanced public-sector academic training allows me to approach policy with both a clinical eye for detail and a strategic understanding of administrative systems.
Why did you choose to run for office, or seek re-election?
My decision to run stems from a commitment to the Wausau community and a belief that effective leadership must be rooted in both expertise and empathy. Having studied the specific governance challenges facing our area, I felt compelled to move beyond academic research and into active public service. I am running to ensure that our local government operates with the highest level of integrity and to provide a voice for residents who feel their concerns have been overlooked by the current system.
If elected, what would be your top three priorities? What is the most important issue facing the county?
If elected, my efforts will be focused on these three pillars:
Economic Growth and Job Creation: My primary goal is to bring stable, high-quality jobs back to Wausau to ensure our community remains a place where families can thrive.
Government Transparency and Accountability: Drawing on my doctoral research, I will implement measures to ensure local governance is ethical, efficient, and free from the pitfalls of corruption.
Inclusive Representation: I am dedicated to hearing feedback from all constituents, ensuring that every neighborhood and demographic in the county has a seat at the table.
The Most Important Issue: I believe the most pressing challenge facing the county is the restoration of public trust through economic stability. When citizens feel the government is working for them—both by attracting industry and by maintaining transparent operations—the entire community becomes more resilient.
Why should voters choose you this spring?
Voters should choose me because I offer a unique blend of technical financial skill and specialized administrative knowledge. I don’t just see numbers on a ledger; I see the livelihoods of my neighbors. My recent doctoral work wasn’t just for a degree—it was a deep dive into how we can make Wausau better. I am prepared to apply that research immediately to create a more prosperous, ethical, and responsive local government.
District 8
Kim Ungerer (I)
What is your occupation or prior career if retired?
Realtor and currently serving my second term as County Board Supervisor District 8
Why did you choose to run for office, or seek re-election?
The residents of District 8 placed their trust in me to represent them in two elections and I take that responsibility seriously. I care deeply about our community and the direction Marathon County is heading. Serving on the County Board requires listening carefully to residents, understanding the issues that affect them and making thoughtful decisions that reflect the interests of the people who live and work here. I remain committed to doing the work, asking the right questions and representing District 8 with integrity and respect for the taxpayers who make this county strong. It is an honor to serve my neighbors and I will continue working to ensure their voices are heard in the decisions that shape our community.
If elected, what would be your top three priorities? What is the most important issue facing the county?
It is difficult to pinpoint the most pressing issues for Marathon County. The County Board deals with many responsibilities that affect communities in different ways. Focusing on just three of the issues would not reflect the full scope of the work or the needs of all residents. The board regularly addresses housing and homelessness, the county budget and property taxes, land use questions such as wind and solar development, redevelopment of county properties and infrastructure needs including roads and broadband. As a County Board Supervisor, I must evaluate each issue carefully, listen to residents and make balanced decisions that protect taxpayers while maintaining essential services.
Why should voters choose you this spring?
The residents of District 8 placed their confidence in me to represent them on the Marathon County Board and I value that trust. The decisions made at the county level affect the daily lives of our residents and the direction of Marathon County. This county is home for my family as well. My husband and I work and do business here and our children and grandchildren live here. The decisions made by the board affect my family just as they affect yours. I focus on listening to residents, studying the issues and making thoughtful decisions. Representing District 8 is a responsibility I approach with care and respect for the taxpayers who support our county.
Sarah Watson
What is your occupation or prior career if retired? (Please include any government experience or other relevant experience):
I am a Social Science Instructor at Northcentral Technical College, where I teach economics, sociology, and government. My work focuses on helping students understand economic systems, civic institutions, and how policy decisions affect everyday life.
I currently serve as an Alderperson on the Wausau City Council, where I have worked on issues related to housing, community development, infrastructure, and regional collaboration. Through this role, I have gained firsthand experience with local policy-making, budgeting, and working with community partners to address shared challenges.
In addition to my professional and government experience, I have been active in several local volunteer and community initiatives. My background as both an educator and local elected official has given me a strong understanding of how economic decisions, public policy, and community needs intersect.
Why did you choose to run for office, or seek re-election?
I chose to run because I believe stronger coordination between Marathon County and the City of Wausau can help move our entire region forward. Many of the issues we face, including housing, workforce development, infrastructure, and economic growth, cross municipal boundaries.
Serving on the Wausau City Council has shown me how closely city and county decisions are connected. The City of Wausau represents a significant portion of the county’s population, and stronger collaboration between the two levels of government can help ensure we are using our resources effectively and planning for the future together.
I care deeply about this community and want to help strengthen partnerships that support long-term economic stability, access to services, and a high quality of life for residents across Marathon County.
If elected, what would be your top three priorities? What is the most important issue facing the county?
One of the most significant challenges facing Marathon County is adapting to demographic and economic changes while maintaining strong services and opportunities for residents.
My top priorities would be strengthening access to mental health services, supporting responsible economic development and workforce growth, and improving regional coordination on housing and infrastructure.
Demand for mental health services continues to grow, and partnerships like North Central Health Care play an essential role in supporting community well-being. At the same time, our region must continue to support workforce development and economic opportunities that allow families to build stable futures.
Housing availability and infrastructure planning also require strong collaboration between the county and municipalities. Addressing these issues together will help ensure Marathon County remains a place where people can live, work, and thrive.
Why should voters choose you this spring?
I bring a combination of local government experience, economic perspective, and a strong commitment to collaboration.
As a Wausau City Council member and social science educator, I approach policy decisions with a focus on long-term planning, responsible stewardship of public resources, and thoughtful problem-solving. I believe good public policy requires listening to residents, working across communities, and carefully evaluating the tradeoffs involved in public decisions.
I also believe Marathon County has tremendous potential. With strong partnerships between the county, municipalities, educators, businesses, and community organizations, we can continue building a region that offers opportunity, strong services, and a high quality of life.
I would be honored to serve and help guide Marathon County toward a strong and resilient future.
District 15
Joel Straub
Straub did not respond to our questionnaire.
Monte Sorensen (registered write-in)
What is your occupation or prior career if retired? (Please include any government experience or other relevant experience):
Monte Sorensen is a retired insurance professional and a Registered Write-In Candidate for Marathon County Supervisor District 15, which covers Kronenwetter wards 6-10. With 35 years of experience in liability claims management—including national and international roles—he also served for a decade on Village Personnel committee, demonstrating a strong background in both insurance and community involvement.
He was a speaker at the annual seminars in Wisconsin for the WASB , WTA and the League of Wisconsin Municipalities. He was also involved in establishing employee handbooks for a municipality and a family business. He attained a professional designation of Senior Claim Law Associate.
Why did you choose to run for office, or seek re-election?
He chose to run for office when he learned there was only one candidate running for the position in order to give the voters a choice as well as to represent all Kronenwetter residents at the county level and to be a voice for the people. He has no ax to grind with the Village, County or the people.
If elected, what would be your top three priorities? What is the most important issue facing the county?
First and foremost it is imperative that there is communication with the Village Board as well as the Kronenwetter residents to what is happening at the County level that will impact the Village.
Second, he will ensure that Kronenwetter becomes part of the discussion to enable them to be a recipient of Grants and Programs that any City, Village or Town are eligible for in Marathon County.
Third, he will be a voice to maintain low county taxes. Perhaps the most important issue the county faces is to work within a budget that ensures taxes are kept low while keeping services at an acceptable level.
Why should voters choose you this spring?
Monte Sorensen is hard working, honest and can communicate effectively which is why I believe voters should consider him for this position and vote him in.
District 16
Bill Conway (I)
What is your occupation or prior career if retired? (Please include any government experience or other relevant experience):
I am the Operations Manager at Northern Valley Industries, where I’ve worked for just over 30 years. We provide jobs for people facing significant barriers to employment, such as disabilities, mental health issues, and homelessness.
Along with being the current County Board Supervisor, I serve on the county’s Health & Human Services Committee, Transportation Coordination Committee, and NCCAP board. Previously, I served on the Environmental Resources Committee and was the president of the D.C. Everest Idea School governance board.
Why did you choose to run for office, or seek re-election?
My journey to service is a tale of two parts. First and foremost, giving back to the community is really all I’ve ever known. I feel fortunate to be in a position where I’m able to make life a little better for my neighbors, who have always been so kind to me and my family. Being curious and not judgemental comes naturally to me, having worked with so many struggling individuals over the years, and I truly enjoy working with people that have different perspectives and experiences.
The second element that drove me to seek re-election is that the alternative is really not attractive at all. There is a stark and dramatic difference between myself and my opponent, who used to hold this position. He was the one who referred to the library staff as “militant pedofiles” and was repeatedly remonstrated by the board chair, county clerk, and county attorney. Because of his disrespectful behavior, the Schofield treasurer now refuses to attend council meetings where he is in attendance (he’s on the city council now), and he was also the one trying to defund the library system in a backroom deal and was then caught lying about it through their Open Meetings Request.
Those are not my values; not even a little bit. And I do not believe people in Schofield and Weston want that kind of representation.
If elected, what would be your top three priorities? What is the most important issue facing the county?
My top three priorities stem from what I hear when I’m out talking to people, and those are potholes, potholes, and potholes. People don’t want to hear the political noise anymore; they just want results, and that is why I do what I do. Focusing on keeping taxes in check and making sure we have decent infrastructure and public services is how I operate, and being responsive to those I serve is what I believe in.
That said, with prices of literally everything rising more and more every day, providing much-needed tax relief is always a high priority of mine, and my extensive non-profit background means I am actually quite good and finding efficiencies and cost savings when it comes to budget time.
Why should voters choose you this spring?
I have worked hard to earn the trust of the voters in my neighborhood, and I believe my voting record stands for itself.
In the last two years, these are some of my accomplishments:
I got the abandoned trailer park on Grand Avenue cleaned out at zero expense to us taxpayers by utilizing county equipment and legal departments, and adding the demolition and remediation costs to the property company’s delinquent tax bill, all of which was reimbursed when the property was sold.
I was unanimously appointed to the joint City/County Homelessness Taskforce I helped create, where I provided strategic direction to begin the process for ensuring homelessness in Marathon County will be rare, brief, and non-recurring.
(And I must say that having all 38 board members unanimously agree on anything is something of a rarity!)
I voted to lower the county’s Tax Rate by over 8%, the largest decrease in 23 years.
I helped pass a resolution to pressure the Governor and state legislature to enact a comprehensive, sustainable transportation funding model so that we can finally retire the wheel tax that was supposed to last only one year.
I helped reduce the number of other delinquent properties held by the county by 65%, putting them back on the tax rolls so we’ll be able to lower the tax rate even more in the future.
I was able to secure funding through the VA for homeless veterans in Marathon County to get them back on their feet and out of the cold.
I provided policy for medical screenings to be done at NCHC’s Crisis Center, saving police and families time and money during intakes.
I helped strengthen the requirements for TIF proposals by Marathon County’s representative on the Joint Review Board.
I also helped keep Marathon County’s taxes the lowest in the region while protecting core services with NO NEW BORROWING.
I care deeply about our district, where my family has called home for over thirty years, and I would continue to do my best to serve in everyone’s best interest.
Tony Sherfinski
Tony Sherfinski did not respond to The Wausonian’s questionnaire.
Next week we will publish our last City Council preview, our Wausau School Board preview and the rural area county board races.
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