MISSION STATEMENT

Having been born and raised in Winnebago County, I have learned what it means to live within a true community. I have grown to admire the Midwestern charm of caring for each other, friendly rivalry, and hearing an occasional "ope" when we bump into each other. I enjoy frequent head nods or a kind wave from passing strangers and love the concern shown to myself and those around me.

 

In Winnebago County we take pride in hard work and accomplishing great things. We manufacture some of the greatest products in the world. We grow the best corn in the nation and take pride in our dairy, paper, and steel industries. We enjoy our great outdoors and waterways with miles of trails to escape the bustle of everyday life. We are rich with art, culture, and culinary variety for any taste. We get up early, go to bed late and always get the job done.

 

I take pride in our great county and all it has to offer. I have fought hard for growth in our county from the days I served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce to my efforts today through revamping our Industrial Development Board and lowering our tax rate over the last 4 budgets. I strive towards collaboration with our nonprofits and business leaders through the development of Heroes of Oshkosh, and have brought that same spirit of collaboration to the county.. 

 

My wife Anne and I have had the privilege of opening and running a successful business that is focused on community and giving back. ZaRonis has been a great example of putting people first and taking care of our neighbors. We know how to balance cost and make a payroll. Our business has helped us to raise our four beautiful daughters who have learned to appreciate the value of hard work and community.

 

I believe in compromise and finding the best way forward. I have heard it said, “if everyone is a little upset, that means it was a good and fair deal.” I have made many good and fair deals. Helping people isn’t always pleasant, and pleasing people isn’t always helpful. There have been bumps along the way. As expected, I have been challenged by some who were accustomed to the status quo. Change is hard, and it takes courage to enact it.

 

I have been working diligently on transparency and efficiency within county government. Winnebago County government is easier to follow now that it has ever been. Through agenda item reports, draft resolutions, recorded meetings, and the beginnings of priority-based budgeting, people are now able to know exactly what we are doing, and we have a clearer picture of what it costs. We still have work to do. We owe it to you to define not only what we are doing with your hard-earned dollars, but why we do it. 

 

As a County Executive, it is important to keep the county in our lane. Our focus should be on what we can control through our policies and services. We should assist our municipalities in their priorities, while advocating what is best for our people from larger levels of government. 

Policies that may work for New York and Chicago, are likely not the best fit for Winnebago County. The closer a government is to its people, the more it should understand what the needs are, as well as the solutions. 

 

 I have always led by example through my actions. I am a truly independent person running for a non-partisan office and I am looking forward to the opportunity to continue bringing a much-needed balanced approach to our local government. I hope to have earned your trust and ultimately your vote once again. Help me to keep Winnebago County government moving in the right direction.

 

Sincerely,

Jon Doemel