Scott McDonell is one of the Dane County Board's more entrenched incumbents -- which is why it was a pleasant surprise to see J.P. Heyn take a whack at him. But Heyn, a 31-year-old sales representative with no political experience, is not a threat to McDonell.
For one, McDonell represents liberal downtown Madison, which is unlikely to vote for the more conservative Heyn. Second, in his role as County Board chair, McDonell has done an admirable job soothing the board's warring political factions. Many see him as the heir apparent to Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk.
Finally, it's hard to defeat an incumbent if you're not going to take advantage of free publicity. Heyn did not respond to Isthmus' questionnaire.
What is the single most important issue for your particular Dane County Board district?
McDonell: Traffic is the most pressing issue for downtown residents and businesses. As developing nations such as China and India compete for a dwindling oil supply worldwide, successful communities will plan ahead. To prepare, we must invest in a strong transit system that will allow us to keep the UW campus and all of Dane County economically strong while reducing our reliance on foreign oil. A Regional Transit Authority will allow us to plan development and transportation together, to invest in new transit solutions such as commuter rail and express bus, and to give people a choice in how they live and work.
Heyn: Did not respond.
If Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk were to leave office, who would be her ideal successor?
McDonell: The most important Dane County position that will be in question in the next month is County Board chair, which I hope will be retained by progressives on the County Board.
Heyn: Did not respond.
Do you support a Dane County Regional Transit Authority, with its own taxing ability? Why do you think some communities oppose an RTA?
McDonell: I strongly support an RTA. Wisconsin is the only Big Ten state that does not have a statute allowing local municipalities to form Regional Transportation Authorities that can pay for infrastructure improvements. Some communities have strong reservations about how new funds would be spent, who will decide how it is spent, and which communities will be included or excluded from an RTA. Those issues need to be worked on over the next year.
Heyn: Did not respond.
Has the County Board become more or less relevant over time?
McDonell: Over the years, services continue to shift to the county, such as public health, the zoo, airport, water quality, and much more. There has been less conflict and bickering on the County Board over the last few years as supervisors have learned to work more cooperatively with one another. However, that should not be confused with relevance.
Heyn: Did not respond.
Name the one quality you possess that is most essential to the job?
McDonell: One word: patience.
Heyn: Did not respond.
