2018 County Board Candidate Q&A

We asked candidates for the April 3 Door County Board of Supervisors election to answer a few questions.

District 3

Lora Jorgensen

Roy Englebert

Lora (Marin) Jorgensen, 40, a business/sustainability consultant who also provides freelance marketing services and works as an artist/jeweler.

Incumbent Roy Englebert, retired as sales manager for a heavy duty farm and industrial equipment manufacturer. He also serves as town chair in Forestville.

Why do you want to serve on the Door County Board of Supervisors?

Jorgensen:  After serving 3 years as trustee on the Forestville Village Board, I realized that my age demographic, which is a vital component in community and economic growth in Door County, was largely underrepresented in our local government. Like many others, I was too busy working and raising children to take notice of this deficiency, until an issue directly affected me. With the dire shortage of year-round jobs and affordable housing, and with water quality issues so critical that the health of our entire county is compromised, I felt a responsibility to represent the concerns, challenges and creative solutions affecting me and my neighbors. I have been inspired by women who have served before me, and hope that my efforts will encourage future generations of women to participate in government.

Englebert:  I want to continue to be involved in the decision-making processes for our County.

What skills will you bring to the job?

Jorgensen:  I have lived in Door County my entire life and worked in some form of tourism/service industry for upwards of 25 years. My experience helps me understand the needs of seasonal workers and employers. I have owned and operated three of my own small businesses, bringing forward 15 years of successful business management, project management and marketing skills. My formal education is largely based on business management and marketing, but also focuses on sustainable practices that promote long term economic success and minimize effects on the environment. I am highly approachable and enjoy working in team setting.

Englebert:  I retired after being a sales manager for a major heavy duty farm and industrial equipment manufacturer. The skills learned are important in relating to County Government needs.

With a new county board comes new committee assignments. On which committees would you like to serve, and why?

Jorgensen:  Agriculture & Extension and Land Conservation – both equally important, especially in district 3, I would like to have the opportunity to offer my background in agriculture, environmental sustainability and resource management to assist the committees on current issues.

Law Enforcement & Emergency Services – Important for the safety and security of our communities, I would like to work with these committees to further extend the presence and reach of these services to our rural communities.

Community Programs & Human Services – Imperative to the health and wellbeing of our community, I would like to work with these committees to provide adequate access of these services to all of those who reside in the county, Extending the availability to smaller rural communities.

Economic Development and Resource Planning – While economic development is important to the more populated cities in the county, it is equally important to the smaller, outlying communities in the southern part of the county.  Strengthening these communities will make them more attractive to families who want to live in “commuter towns”, which will provide a better economic base for small businesses in these areas to flourish.

Englebert: Supervisors should have experience in serving on all committees.  Committees I have not served on are Facilities and Parks, Emergency Services, Information Systems, Resource Planning, and Land Conservation.  

Affordable housing in Door County has been and continues to be an issue that everyone talks about but that is never resolved. Any thoughts on how the county board could take an active role in helping to make affordable housing or even seasonal worker housing happen?

Jorgensen: In my lifetime, I have watched the landscape of the tourism industry and seasonal employment change dramatically.  Years ago, large resorts provided dorm style or shared housing for their seasonal employees, attracting a younger demographic to Door County.  With the growing popularity of property rental websites, available affordable lodging for seasonal workers has become scarce.  It’s time for municipalities to work with businesses in those industries that require seasonal and temporary workers, do feasibility studies to determine the impact employee provided housing would have on their industry, and how these efforts can be supported by the county. The DCEDC is currently partnering with businesses and other municipalities to address this issue via a comprehensive survey. I think we would use those findings as a first step.

Englebert: Municipalities should be involved in identifying needs and solutions.

Beyond housing, what other challenges does Door County face that the county board could play a role in?

Jorgensen: While affordable housing and living wage, year-round jobs are important for continued economic growth in Door County, I believe that the water quality issues in Door and Kewaunee Counties are at such a critical state, that they require immediate attention. Safe water is vital to all age demographics, all industries and elemental in the continued growth of healthy, prosperous communities.  Residing in District 3, which is at the Southernmost end of the county, I feel that it is extremely important to work in conjunction with surrounding counties towards sustainable solutions to improve the quality of life in all Northeast Wisconsin.

Englebert: Clean water and air is always a necessary consideration.  

If your campaign had a theme song, what would it be?

Jorgensen:  Pink’s “What about Us?” resonates with me. It is a politically inspired anthem for a wounded America. The song tells the story of a lost generation and speaks about the pain of the younger demographic Americans who feel abandoned, unrepresented and unheard today. The lyrics read like a message to those in power from the people they left behind and serves as an inspiration to me to break this cycle.

Englebert:  No response.

District 14

Linda Wait

Kate Shepard-Utzinger

Kathryn (Kate) Shepard-Utzinger, 39, a mother of two toddlers with a wealth of small business experience.

Incumbent Linda Wait, 66, recently retired as clerk/treasurer for the Town of Sevastopol, and previously worked as a legal assistant in Sturgeon Bay and Milwaukee.

Why do you want to serve on the Door County Board of Supervisors?

Shepard-Utzinger:  I am running for Sevastopol’s District 14 Supervisor because I believe I can bring a new, and needed perspective to County Government, that of a college educated parent returning to rural life. I have had many discussions with folks both inside and outside of my district asking me how Door County can attract a younger workforce. I feel being one of the folks Door County is looking to attract makes me uniquely qualified to speak on the subject. Door County will need to show those interested in returning to rural life that it values them as a demographic that will lead the community into the future. A great way to do this is to make room for us at the decision making table.  

Wait: In 1999, I accompanied my Dad to a Sevastopol town board meeting and got hooked on local government.  A few years later, I was elected clerk/treasurer for Sevastopol. Upon retirement from that office, I was elected as a town board supervisor.  That passion moved to the County level when my District 14 County Board supervisor retired in 2016. I was encouraged to run for that position and was elected.  As long as I am blessed with good health, time and energy, I will remain committed to this Supervisor position.

What skills will you bring to the job?

Shepard-Utzinger: I’ve spent the majority of my life working for small businesses and through these opportunities, I have developed an understanding of the burdens small businesses face. I have also developed managerial skills, communication skills, critical thinking skills, consensus building skills and patience. Well, maybe that last one has more to do with my pair of toddlers than work but either way, it’s there! As the senior project manager of a Los Angeles based corporate framing company, I worked to stretch every dollar in a budget. I ensured our clients were thrilled with the results and the company still made a profit. While understanding business needs and tight budgets is one aspect of County Board duties, others include being a responsible steward of the land and helping to maintain the character of Door County. I am passionate about protecting the beauty and charm of Door County so all of our children may enjoy it, for generations to come.

Wait: Having the experience of one term, learning the logistics of county government, familiarizing myself with committee structures, capital improvement plans and being fiscally responsible for a $77 million budget, the past two years have given me the tools to continue as a County Board Supervisor and bring value to our community. Every meeting, workshop and educational session brings a learning component and opportunity to expand my knowledge of County government.

With a new county board comes new committee assignments. On which committees would you like to serve, and why?

Shepard-Utzinger:  This is a question I would like to put to the voters of Sevastopol’s District 14 and if elected that’s exactly what I’ll do; reach out to voters via email and direct mailings encouraging them to ‘put-me-on-assignment”. In fact, voters are welcome to reach out to me anytime they like at [email protected] or by calling my house 920-743-6365. That being said,  the committees that interest me personally are Agriculture & Extension, Information Systems, and Resource Planning.

I am a wanna-be farmer! My heart never left my great grandfather’s dairy farm.  I am actively engaged in the local farming community frequently talking to anyone who will listen about how best to grow a local food network here in Door County. I also volunteer on a friend’s farm in the summer doing anything from weeding to slaughtering goats. I‘m deeply appreciative of the hard work done on the farms of Door County and feel their contribution to this community is immeasurable. I would love to support the interests of the family farms that give so much to this community by representing them on the Agriculture & Extension Committee.

The work done on the Information Systems Committee is vital to the long-term growth of the community, specifically getting the entire county reliable access to high-speed broadband. Reliable access to high-speed broadband will enable folks in my generation to telecommute, giving them access to well paid jobs while enjoying the peace, safety, and beauty of a rural life. It will also provide the existing businesses in Door County the opportunity to reach target markets in a more effective way. Every student attending school in Door County deserves access to reliable high-speed broadband. Full stop. As a member of a very connected generation I feel I could be a useful voice on the committee.

I am interested in working on the Resource Planning Committee because I see this committee as having a crucial role in what Door County will look like 10, 20, 30 years from now. Door County is a beautiful place to live but unless we work to create a diverse and sustainable economy, we will see it fade. Planning and zoning need to be carefully thought out and reflect a forward thinking vision for the county in order to insure a prosperous future.

Wait: The County Board Chairman makes most of the committee assignments.  I currently serve on Law Enforcement, Ag & Extension, Technology Services and Museum & Archives.  Committees receive regular reports from County Department heads and our County Administrator. We are very fortunate to have first-rate employees and rely on their input—true assets to a smooth operating local government.  I look forward to continuing on those four committees and would certainly welcome additional assignments.

Beyond housing, what other challenges does Door County face that the county board could play a role in?

Shepard-Utzinger: While there are many issues facing the county there are two I’d like to touch on here 1) Clean Water and 2) Developing a diverse and sustainable economy.

• Clean water: this issue is of the utmost importance especially to a community whose very unique and historically rich nature is characterized by its relationship to the water. There isn’t an aspect of life here on the peninsula that isn’t shaped by the water; industry, landscape, the people who call this place home all depend on clean water. To squander this resource would be a fatal error. The county board must continue to support the implementation of the Natural Resource code that addresses the unique geology of Door County that makes it unusually susceptible to groundwater contamination. We need to ensure that current ordinances are being properly enforced and create an information campaign to gain awareness of the issue.

• Developing a diverse and sustainable economy. Door County is a beautiful place, we all know that, thousands of people come to visit us each year and with them come millions of tourist dollars. While it is easy to see this revenue flowing into the county as an endless opportunity to generate wealth, it has its limits. I would love to see an appropriate shift in focus away from capturing tourist dollars, toward building an economy that can sustain a healthy, thoughtful year-round life. I am in no way suggesting we abandon our tourists or the folks who have built a life around this summer influx of people. Tourism is a very important driver of the Door County economy but it can’t be the only one. The County Board can influence this process of re-focusing by thoughtfully implementing current ordinances, questioning those that no longer make sense, working closely with individual towns and villages to address long-term needs and make sure citizens always have a voice. If elected, I’ll do all I can to push a diverse and sustainable economy forward.

Wait: We constantly hear the words “aging population.”  Rather than a challenge, I see this as important resources.  People are retiring earlier, many making Door County their permanent home and becoming the new locals!  For the most part, they are health conscious, energetic, bring valuable knowledge to our community, and nonprofits benefit with volunteers and financial contributors.

The County’s capital improvement program extends out to the year 2022 and that financial planning helps avoid financial challenges.  Those plans include maintaining our infrastructure, upgrades to 911 and technological systems and maintenance of our parks and airport.  Long term planning also helps to keep taxes fairly agreeable and avoid unexpected jumps.

Affordable housing in Door County has been and continues to be an issue that everyone talks about but that is never resolved. Any thoughts on how the county board could take an active role in helping to make affordable housing or even seasonal worker housing happen?

Shepard-Utzinger:  There are two separate issues here: 1) housing year-round residents can afford whether it be renting or purchasing a home and 2) housing for a seasonal workforce.

Issue number 1) affordable housing for year round residents is directly linked to another pressing issue in the county and that is the lack of well paid-year round jobs. If folks could find a good job there would be less of a scramble for inexpensive apartments and homes. In the meantime, folks are still going to need a place to live; the county board will need to work closely with the Door County Economic Development Corporation, who is in the process of conducting a comprehensive inventory/needs analysis of available existing housing, and identifying areas of potential future development. The results of this study are yet to be seen but zoning and/or building codes may need to be tweaked in order to meet housing needs and though much of this will be at the town or village level this may require county support.

2) Affordable housing for seasonal workers. Again the county board will need to work closely with the DCEDC and support the findings of the above mentioned study. The county board needs to increase coordination with town and village boards and make relevant board meetings accessible to the business owners affected by the seasonal housing shortage by adjusting the time of day this meeting is held, thusly allowing for more public comment.

In both of these situations we may need to engage in some very creative thinking and be open to exploring “out-of-the-box” ideas.

Wait:  By definition, affordable housing is linked to median household income. Door County is unique with valuable shoreline real estate on both sides, a nearly 50/50 split on ownership by residents and nonresidents, and the average priced home at $170,000. We rate in the middle of Wisconsin’s 72 counties with median income at $48,000.

There are at least 200 starter homes listed for sale at less than $180,000 plus many affordable vacant lots. Perhaps the picture is not as bleak as we think. Can we be creative with financing and offer a “hand up” to new businesses so that competitive wages continue and thereby furthering a strong local workforce and permanent residents. I hear more concern on housing for seasonal employees. Again, some resourceful thinking on multi-units is in the works, but it also needs to support developers on a year-round basis.

If your campaign had a theme song, what would it be?

Shepard-Utzinger:  “Up Around The Bend” Creedence Clearwater Revival.

Wait:  As a country/western music fan, that would be Tanya Tucker’s “Strong Enough to Bend”

District 18

Steve Sohns

Vinni Chomeau

Vinni Chomeau, 41, serves as project coordinator for the Friends of Gibraltar Schools.

Incumbent Steve Sohns, 51, is an electronic technician/retail manager at Hammersmith TV & Electronics and has been a member of the Gibraltar Town Board for nine years.

Why do you want to serve on the Door County Board of Supervisors?

Chomeau: I enjoy seeking solutions and connecting people with resources. I would like to support the county departments as they maintain and enhance their capacity to provide services to the public that continue to make Door County a great place to visit, live and work.  I feel this is an important way to get involved and give back to a county that has given me such a nice life.

Sohns: When I first joined the Gibraltar Town Board, our Chairman at the time was also on the Door County Board.  After his passing, I saw that the town was less informed about town related, county issues. We lost that valuable connection.

With two years of experience on the Door County Board, I have restored some of that connection and I’ve found I have may have gained enough experience to have a good chance to be chairman of one of the committees.  Also, I would like to get involved with the Highway Committee as I think that a few of the County roads in Northern Door County need more attention. Being a Door County Board Supervisor is a big commitment and addressing the concerns and needs of the people in Gibraltar and Ephraim has been my mission.  I ask for your vote so I can gain more experience and continue that mission.

What skills will you bring to the job?

Chomeau: As Friends of Gibraltar Project Coordinator at Gibraltar Area School District, I have coordinated many community-based programs and projects with businesses and nonprofit organizations. Each program requires listening to ideas, gathering and organizing resources, taking leadership, and following through with thanks.  

As a Conservationist with the Door County Soil and Water Conservation Department, I worked on water quality issues and land management practices throughout the county. Working in a county department gave me experience with the Door County Board of Supervisors. I understand firsthand how the various departments of the county government work together with State and Federal programs, all of which have limited resources to provide vital services.

I have also worked 20+ years in Door County’s service and hospitality industry. This has given me the perspective on the inner workings of seasonal businesses and the workforce needed to make Door County a unique tourist destination and place to live.  

Finally, I have served as a volunteer on several non-profit boards and committees with Write On, Door County, Crossroads at Big Creek, Door Community Auditorium and the Door County Land Trust. These experiences have helped me understand the positive and vital role non-profit organizations play in growing our local economy and meeting needs of both visitors and residents.

Sohns: As a town board supervisor, I have similar experience to county board but on a smaller scale.  Being in business in Northern Door for over 35 years, being involved in many building projects and working with local, part-time and transient residents has given me well-rounded experience as well.  I also have a love for nature and all it has to offer. Door County is precious to all of us and I care deeply for it.

With a new county board comes new committee assignments. On which committees would you like to serve, and why?

Chomeau: I am interested in serving on any of the county committees but especially committees that work with health, human services (Human Services, Public Health) and environmental issues (Land Conservation and Resource Planning).  I feel these are the most direct fit for the experience I would bring to the County Board of Supervisors.

Sohns: 1st on the list is the Property and Parks Committee.  This is a strong interest and my experience has a lot to offer.

2nd is the Legislative Committee – I have always had an interest in politics and law making.  I have made some connections in Madison which I hope will be of use as issues in the County arise.

3rd is the Highway Committee – This is formed by the supervisors themselves and by majority vote.  If I am re-elected, I hope my peers will consider me for this committee to voice concerns regarding all the county roads in Northern Door.

4th is Resource Planning Committee – I would like to be involved in county zoning issues and on improvements.

Affordable housing in Door County has been and continues to be an issue that everyone talks about but that is never resolved. Any thoughts on how the county board could take an active role in helping to make affordable housing or even seasonal worker housing happen?

Chomeau: The county board must continue to collaborate with towns and villages, the Door County Economic Development Corporation, local employers and citizens to develop an affordable housing plan that addresses each unique community in Door County. The DCEDC is currently in the process of doing an analysis to identify these unique needs in each community.

At the county level, affordable housing may require developing county zoning and building regulations that are specialized to meet needs for affordable housing that fits into each community. Each municipality needs an individualized plan based on their specific workforce and environment. The seasonal workforce, age 18-24 has very different housing needs than our year-round workforce. Affordable housing must be developed in ways that maintain the environmental and cultural character of our beautiful peninsula. The same unique features that attract tourists to Door County also attract residents and seasonal workers.

Some communities across the nation have addressed this problem by creating a community trust organization. Much like a land trust that conserves land, a community trust conserves and develops affordable housing by bringing all the stakeholders together to contribute ideas and funds to assist with affordable housing. It is essential for communities to have a local and/or an existing national organization to partner with which would collect and grant funds, as well as organize efforts to help communities solve housing issues. For example, this type of organization might work to raise funds for upgrades and repairs for existing seasonal workforce housing, or become an organizing entity for businesses to collaboratively develop new affordable housing for seasonal workforce.  

Sohns: That is a complicated issue which requires more on local levels and perhaps more than what county board members can do.  As a County Board Supervisor, I can watch and support legislation and zoning rules that allow for affordable housing. We need to help create the environment that young people want to live in.  This needs to go hand in hand with towns and villages doing their part to attract and keep young people in our community. People in this county are going to have to find and allow places for affordable housing developments to be built to support our aging communities.  Being involved in and running a business, I know first-hand the issues Door County faces in a huge tourist economy that requires heavy employment.

Beyond housing, what other challenges does Door County face that the county board could play a role in?

Chomeau:  Water Quality:  Working with residents and visitors to support actions that maintain and enhance water quality. The county board can take a role in this by continuing to support incentives for the implementation of Natural Resource code NR151, which addresses the unique shallow soils and limestone bedrock that make groundwater so susceptible to contamination in Door County. The county board can also work to maintain education and outreach on best practices for water quality as a priority for residents and visitors.

Economic and Environmental/Cultural Sustainability:  Sustaining a balance between economic development and preserving and enhancing the natural and cultural legacy that makes Door County a unique place to live and visit….

Human Services:  The county has to provide robust services to make up for lack of employment that provides health insurance and benefits. The county board can do this by encouraging and assisting county departments secure grant funds and by advocating for these services at the state level. The county board can also encourage county departments to maintain and increase their ability to let people know about the services that are available and make them as user friendly as possible. The county board can advocate for additional funding to assist the Public Health and Human Services departments efforts to prevent and treat alcohol and drug (opioid) use and addiction….

Seasonal Workforce:  Some of the affordable housing needed is for seasonal workers. …The county board can work in each committee to address the needs of young adults/seasonal workers in the county. As a community, we need to work on providing support services for this age group such as: affordable housing with wifi and laundry, internship opportunities, public transportation, bike routes, and places to socialize….

Sohns:  I see the Back Forty Mine issue as a big concern – should it happen. Health and Wellness of Door County residents is a big focus and ways to improve the use of John Miles park is on my list. Making sure we keep our roads and infrastructure in good repair and too, the ongoing task of saving money in all departments, managing our budget to avoid tax spikes while maintaining much needed services for our residents and visitors.

If your campaign had a theme song, what would it be?

Chomeau:  “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong.

Sohns:  “Small Town” by John Mellencamp. I invite everyone to look up the lyrics. It all holds true except my “doll” is from Minnesota.

District 19

Hugh Mulliken

Bob Bultman

Candidates Bob Bultman and Hugh Mulliken previously answered the questions of fellow candidates above going into the three-way primary race in February, so we gave them a different round of questions for the general election.

The chair of an important county committee recently referred to citizens who show up to comment during the public comment period of the meeting as “squawkers,” which has a negative connotation. What is your view of citizens who make the effort to attend a meeting and offer comments on a subject before supervisors?

Bultman:  Citizen involvement is the foundation of a functioning democracy. Citizen participation is the very mortar that holds the bricks of our government together. It is our job as humble representatives of the People to invite, listen, be patient and consider the words of our constituents, our neighbors. Can we be open to new ideas and approaches or do we want to stay stuck in old patterns? Openness and inclusivity ultimately make things better, not worse. Thomas Paine and our Country’s founders were “squawkers.” Susan B. Anthony and the Suffragettes were “squawkers.” Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King were “squawkers.” enough said?

Mulliken:  I would encourage any person to speak during the public comment period. Complaints, suggestions, and praise are important elements of a good relationship between the general public and the board.

Complaints are often leveled by citizens who are unable to attend daytime county board and committee meetings. The board counters by saying it is necessary to hold daytime meetings so county staff can attend the meetings. Daytime meetings actually forced one younger member of the county board to resign his position a couple years ago. What is your view on this?

Bultman: Daytime only meetings do constrain many younger people’s involvement. Not all Committee meetings require the presence of County Staff. Late afternoon/ early evening sessions may be a compromise. Government needs to be responsive and flexible. Some Counties and Cities do hold evening or night meetings. A number of years ago when the County Board did switch to night meetings, the attendance didn’t really change much statistically. In the interest of maximizing participation, this topic might be revisited every couple years by the Board. If we want citizens to participate, we need to stay open to new approaches. We are well into the 21st century and will eventually be considering allowing citizens of our communities who are not able to be physically present at a meeting to be present via technology. We have all the necessary tools now.

Mulliken: I have experienced county board meetings both at night and during the daytime.  First, there seems to be little difference in attendance numbers. Daytime meetings provide easy departmental input if needed.  The Resource Planning Committee usually schedules meetings to start at 2:00pm allowing people to drive from Milwaukee or Chicago, testify, and then return home in the same day.   A serious concern with night meetings is if a decision made at 10:30 pm is well thought out, or simply a decision to shorten the meeting.  I feel that daytime meetings are the better choice.

The county seems to have struggled with making things happen at John Miles Park when it is not home to the Door County Fair. Any thoughts on what could be done with this underused piece of county property?

Bultman:  This has been identified by the County as an area of opportunity. John Miles County Park is local, central and accessible to residents and visitors alike with plenty of opportunity for more regular community use. Living in Baileys Harbor for almost 19 years, I admit I am not fully aware of what is available for use at the Fairground property. Educating County residents about what facilities can be used when and for what might increase use. And promoting the facilities that can be rented to visitors as well. Beside the usual Fair activities, John Miles has nice soccer fields and gets used by equestrians. Small improvements could pay big dividends by increasing use by existing groups. Engaging these user groups and soliciting new ideas can go along way.

Mulliken:  The county fair is not self-supporting. Last year the county supported the fair with an input of $170,000. I find this to be excessive and am on record as suggesting that Door and Kewaunee counties combine their fairs in a new location. John Miles Park could then be redeveloped into uses more compatible with the surrounding development.

Recently, citizens have attempted to have the county weigh in on social/political issues by requesting the county issue resolutions for or against something. For example, the county has been considering a resolution in support of overturning the Citizens United ruling on political contributions. What do you think about this sort of citizen-initiated effort to get the county board to take a stand?

Bultman: Again, it is citizen participation in government that makes America great. Many of these kind of actions cannot be initiated by government and must come from the People.

In terms of potentially detrimental activities that get proposed from time to time, the social permit is just as powerful and relevant as State or Federal permits. For example, banks and multi-national corporations are not too interested suffering a black eye over opening a mine where the local people reject the notion.

And our Constitution remains strong and relevant when out-dated laws and amendments are overturned. When the County Board exercises the occasional privilege to address Constitutional issues, we do our part to make sure America is great. We sift and winnow. We consider, vote and send the good ideas up the chain.

Mulliken:  If the majority of the towns support an issue, the county should support the issue as well.

If your campaign had a theme song, what would it be?

Bultman:  The Anthem of Europe – Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, Ode To Joy. My son has been studying classical composers in Music class at Gibraltar (the things they learn in 3rd grade these days) and he “reintroduced” me to Beethoven’s 9th Symphony. I learned that it is based on a “celebratory poem addressing the unity of all mankind” by Johann Christoph Friedrich von Schiller. It is the first major composition of it’s kind to include the human voice and a major turning point for classical music; it was a catapult into the Romantic Period. As I listen to the music and words, my soul soars with them.

Mulliken:  “On Wisconsin.”