Election 2022: County Board District 20

The county supervisory districts were rearranged last year following the receipt of the U.S. Census data. When those district lines were redrawn, county supervisors who had previously lived in different districts now lived within the same district. This happened in two cases: Districts 4 and 6. Consequently, this left two other districts with no supervisors living within the new boundaries. District 20 is one of those; the other is District 5.

Abby Duebler

Abby Duebler, 33, is a resident of the Village of Sister Bay. She took early-childhood education at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College and works as a preschool teacher. She and her spouse, Ryan, have three young children. This is her first time running for elective office.

Peninsula Pulse (PP): What is your primary motivation for running for a seat on the county board?

Abby Duebler (AD): I am driven to public office because I am invested in the future of this county. Door County is fortunate to have a board with many experienced members who set a knowledgeable and professional framework, and I’d like to join the conversation. As an avid learner and earnest team player, I plan to integrate this adeptness with the unbiased and fresh perspective that I bring to the table.

PP: Please describe your leadership style.

AD: Logical, thoughtful and open minded. 

PP: What experience do you have that would make you good in an elected office in general, and for the county board specifically?   

AD: I am a problem solver by nature. My experience managing restaurants, teaching preschoolers and serving on a school board have given me the chance to exercise the skills that make me an ideal candidate for the county board. I assisted in the complex and intricate reopening of a school safely during the pandemic. I look at all sides of an issue before making an informed and intelligent decision. 

PP: What would be changed, fixed, solved or made better if you were elected to the board? How would your new presence make a meaningful difference?

AD: My priorities are to center the needs of year-round residents, families and the workforce. It is important to maintain the balance between the use of natural spaces as well as development. I want to support existing child care and housing initiatives as well as seek additional solutions. I would like to promote information about board meetings, agendas and committees and to collaborate with community partners to make broadband a reality.

PP: What is something that few people know about you (and now more will)?

AD: In 2021, I was extremely fortunate to be a gestational surrogate. The family welcomed a healthy baby last August. It was an incredible experience that I am honored to be a part of.

Walter Kalms

Walter “Bud” Kalms, 74, is a resident of, and administrator for, the Town of Liberty Grove. He was elected to the town’s clerk position in 1983, was appointed when the town board made the clerk an appointed position, then became clerk/administrator once the positions were split. His significant other is Patsy Michelsen. This is his first time running for elective office.

Peninsula Pulse (PP): What is your primary motivation for running for a seat on the county board?

Walter “Bud” Kalms (BK): To provide experienced representation for the citizens of District 20 in both Liberty Grove and Sister Bay.

PP: Please describe your leadership style.

BK: Become fully informed on an issue and provide that information to board members and employees, also delegating authority to staff members so they realize they are important and can take responsibility and make their own decisions.

PP: What experience do you have that would make you good in an elected office in general, and for the county board specifically?   

BK: Nearly 40 years as a town clerk and administrator in one of the largest towns in the county. Experienced in parliamentary procedure, budgeting and equipment purchases, soliciting bids for highway and other projects, facilitating borrowing for large projects, and attending educational seminars and working with other government agencies when needed. I know how county government works in administering elections, fiscal operations and attending county board meetings. 

PP: What would be changed, fixed, solved or made better if you were elected to the board? How would your new presence make a meaningful difference?

BK: Increased contacts with citizens would be a priority so their desires and needs can be taken to the county board to address. Will address the high-speed internet/broadband situation, will work for affordable housing for workers and those who want a reasonable retirement, will monitor the direction of federal American Rescue Plan Act funds so the town and village get fair representation and consideration, will see that zoning and planning are used effectively for the betterment of the citizens, and will attend committee meetings to monitor the workings of highway, finance, administration and other committees. A current request to improve the county’s road system will need close scrutiny. 

A good working relationship between the county and the local municipalities is important – I will work toward building that relationship and trust. The ultimate goal I will work for is to have a county government that is fiscally responsible and runs efficiently so the citizens can feel confident that they are getting the best that their money can buy.

PP: What is something that few people know about you (and now more will)?

BK: I enjoy meetings when positive outcomes result.