Meet the Candidates Running for the Door County Board

This week: Districts 2, 4, 5 & 7

Absentee voting has begun for the Spring Election where locally, all the school boards and 12 of Door County’s municipalities have seats up for reelection on April 5. All 21 seats on the Door County Board of Supervisors are also up for reelection, with seven of them in a contested race.

We’re covering those supervisory seats through questionnaires sent to all the candidates. This week, we’ll present half of them, and next week, the other half. 

DISTRICT 2

Lora Jorgensen vs. Todd Thayse (incumbent)

Lora L. Jorgensen, 45, is a resident of the Village of Forestville. She has a B.A. in business administration with an emphasis on economics, marketing and sustainability from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. She is self employed in property management, maintenance and environmental consulting. She is engaged to be married and has one adult child. She has served as a trustee on the Forestville Village Board for the past eight years and is running for reelection in April. She has twice unsuccessfully run for a county board seat, in 2018 and 2020.

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

Lora Jorgensen (LJ): I am a lifelong resident of Southern Door County, growing up on our fourth-generation family farm. My passion for Door County, protecting the environment, giving back to my community and strengthening the rural economy have inspired me to become involved in local government.

PP: Please describe your leadership style.

LJ: I am open minded, resourceful, determined and employ a “systems thinking” approach to problem-solving. Citizen engagement is extremely valuable in a successful and productive government. I pride myself on being transparent and providing an open line of communication with constituents.

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

LJ: For 25 years, I have owned, operated and managed businesses and worked for nonprofit organizations. As a trustee for the Village of Forestville for eight years, I have successfully managed budgets, helped develop and instate important ordinances and policy, and successfully written several grants to fund projects.

I have experience working with both the Door and Kewaunee county boards, their committees, as well as state and federal-level entities such as the Department of Natural Resources, Fish and Wildlife and the EPA on several “special projects,” such as the millpond drawdown, water-quality issues/testing and shoreland zoning. I have represented constituents at the state level and provided important testimony that has resulted in important changes being made in legislation. 

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?

LJ: My goal is to inspire new ways of thinking, to use different approaches to problem solving and to significantly increase the level of citizen engagement in local government. Our county is so blessed to have such a diverse group of residents who have so much to offer – education, experience, creativity, drive, determination. Giving them the opportunity to employ these strengths to help make Door County the best place it can be is imperative.

PP: What is something that few people know about you (and now more will)?LJ: I am an urban homesteader. I have a large organic garden, sustainably growing approximately 50% of the food that I consume. I was taught how to process, preserve and can by my grandmother and proudly continue to use these old-school methods today to feed my family, extended family and several others in my rural community. I traveled to Europe to study waste diversion and composting techniques and now employ that knowledge to make my own “black gold” for my garden using organic materials diverted from the landfill.

Todd J. Thayse, 60, is a resident of the Town of Brussels. He has a high school diploma and has taken numerous business courses over the course of his career spent in the shipbuilding industry. He retired in January as the vice president and general manager of Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding in Sturgeon Bay. He has been married to Deb for 40 years, and they have three adult children and eight grandchildren.

He currently holds the District 2 seat, having made his first run for the office in 2020. 

Peninsula Pulse (PP): How many terms have you served, and why do you want to continue to serve on the county board? 

Todd Thayse (TT): I have served one term on the county board, and my interest to continue is based on a lifelong interest in local government. I grew up within a family that served county and township government and committed, when my schedule allowed, to give it a try. Being recently retired, I feel I have the time and knowledge to further dedicate myself to this position.

PP: Please describe your leadership style and how that style has effectively served your constituents.

TT: I try to lead by consensus, learn about all aspects of the topic at hand and make decisions based on what I have gathered and learned. I feel I am open minded and tend to be very direct, yet respectful with my opinions and viewpoints. I enjoy communicating and feel that is one of my strong points in leadership.

PP: What are the most important things you’ve accomplished while in office? 

TT: I feel my first term was meaningful. I served on numerous committees: Land Conservation, Agriculture and Extension, Sustainability and chair of the Negotiating Committee.

All of these committees were very interesting and passed several resolutions, applied for and were granted numerous grants. As an entire board, we aided in directing the operations of the county as the pandemic took hold in our area. With the county’s administrative staff, we worked our way through some difficult discussions related to shutdowns, mask mandates, vaccinations, etc. At times, albeit unpopular, policy was approved, and direction was given to our department heads for continuation of county services.

PP: What within the county needs to be changed, fixed, solved or made better? 

TT: Over the past two years, I have gained an appreciation for how Door County is run and how to get things done. 

The need to continue operating within our tax levy is very important. I am an advocate of “pay as you go” and opposed to deficit spending or borrowing to support our county services. Door County has operated with a bit of a surplus and has been able to put away rainy-day funds in the recent past, and I would support that continued practice. 

Beyond being fiscally responsible, numerous topics exist that need the county’s attention, including affordable housing; workforce development; recruitment and retention and training for our EMS services; maintaining or improving our county’s transportation infrastructure; and maintaining or improving water quality. The need for improved rural broadband was also highlighted during the pandemic. 

Many of these topics have begun to be addressed. Not losing focus and pulling resources together will aid in bringing resolution to these topics.

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

TT: My wife, Deb, and I were both brought up in dairy-farm families and remained active in those farm operations well into our adult lives. This farming background has been the drive for several of our family hobbies. We grow Christmas trees, began producing maple syrup about seven years ago and produce pumpkins for pick-your-own sales on our property.

DISTRICT 4

Kara Cournard (incumbent) vs. Nancy Robillard (incumbent)

District 4 is one of two districts – the other is District 6 – that two sitting supervisors lived within once the political district boundaries were redrawn in 2021 following receipt of the U.S. Census numbers. In the case of District 6, long-term incumbents Ken Fisher and Susan Kohout ended up in the same district and would have run against each other to keep the seat, had Kohout not decided to retire after serving for a decade in office. That’s not the case in District 4. Both incumbents, Kara Counard and Nancy Robillard, want to keep a seat on the county board, which means running against each other. 

Kara Counard, 40, is a resident of Gardner. She has a B.A. in English from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and works as a photographer, substitute teacher and coach. She has a 15-year-old son.

Peninsula Pulse (PP): How many terms have you served, and why do you want to continue to serve on the county board? 

Kara Counard (KC): I am finishing up my first term, and it’s been a really heartening two years. I am hoping to be a representative to this newly formed district because I love local government. I think local government is where the heart is in our country. If we can make the space directly around us healthier, stronger and more beautiful, that spreads outward. We can’t wait to be saved by people high up in power. By getting involved at a local level, we can effect real hope and help in our neighborhoods. Regular people get engaged in local government because they believe in their community. That’s what I see when I look at the position of supervisor. That’s why I would like to continue to serve District 4. 

PP: Please describe your leadership style and how that style has effectively served your constituents.

KC: My leadership style is based on flexibility and communication. I pride myself on responding when people all over the county reach out. I am constantly learning. I can change my mind when presented with new information. I think that my ability to step outside myself and not center myself in a situation is one of my greatest strengths. And all of these things work together to effectively serve my constituents. I am available; I’m honest; and I’m willing to listen. 

PP: What are the most important things you’ve accomplished while in office? 

KC: There is a lot of pressure to conform to the status quo once you are in an elected position. One of my biggest accomplishments is keeping my constituents, and the people who do not have a voice, at the forefront of every conversation. When we are discussing anything new or old, I have consistently been the voice for those not in the room.

PP: What within the county needs to be changed, fixed, solved or made better? 

KC: We need accessible internet, affordable housing and clean water. Also, one important issue that can be changed and addressed easily is greater public involvement in local government. It’s not just voting that makes a democracy. A lot of things are still closed off in our county – done behind doors that aren’t accessible to everyone. I think that every voice deserves to be heard. And participatory budgeting, or trying to engage everyone in local government at every step, is a foundation to address all of the issues that we face.

PP: What is something that few people know about you (and now more will)?KC: When I was a little girl, I remember sitting at my grandma’s kitchen table, underneath her big front window. And I told her that I was going to buy her house when I got older. I told her that I wanted to make it old again. I was obsessed with our history. I loved her old log home and would beg to go down into the cellar to see how it was built. I loved picking mayflowers in spring, and I loved my grandma, Julia. Years later, my sister and I drove by my grandma’s house. We noticed there was a “for sale” sign. It felt meant to be. And it makes me so happy to have a piece of her heart.

Nancy Robillard, 72, lives in the Town of Gardner. She is a high school graduate and has taken professional-management classes over the years. She is a retired Door County Clerk of Circuit Court and the treasurer for the Town of Gardner. She and her husband, Reginald, have two grown children. 

Peninsula Pulse (PP): How many terms have you served, and why do you want to continue to serve on the county board? 

Nancy Robillard (NR): I have served three terms on the county board. I would like to continue to use my leadership and experience to help maintain and improve our county.

PP: Please describe your leadership style and how that style has effectively served your constituents.

NR: Listening to my constituents and using common-sense approaches to each situation.

PP: What are the most important things you’ve accomplished while in office? 

NR: Using my fiscal responsibility to keep budgets reasonable and taxes stable.

PP: What within the county needs to be changed, fixed, solved or made better? 

NR: We need to keep focused on local county issues and not outside or personal agendas.  

PP: What is something that few people know about you (and now more will)?NR: I hate having my picture taken.

DISTRICT 5

Jeffrey Miller vs. Tim Smith

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 5 is one of these; the other is District 20.

Jeff Miller, 67, is a resident of the Town of Nasewaupee. He and his wife, Mary Ann, have been married for 43 years and have two adult children. He is retired from a career spent in banking. This is his first attempt at running for an elected office.

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

Jeff Miller (JM): I am a lifelong resident of Door County and have lived in Nasewaupee for over 16 years. Although I am retired, I believe it is important to stay involved and have a positive influence on my community and county.

PP: Please describe your leadership style.

JM: I am a forward thinker and good listener, which are very important to function within any board setting.

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

JM: With over 46 years mainly as a commercial lender with the then Baylake Bank, and now Nicolet National Bank, I have gained the experience needed to work with people, committees and boards. This experience will allow me to help resolve issues and develop future strategies, which will allow our county to grow effectively into the future. 

Although I have no prior experience in public office, I have served on the board of directors for the Door County Economic Development Corporation and Destination Sturgeon Bay, both as their treasurer. I currently serve on the board of directors for Sunshine House Resources of Door County, also as their treasurer.

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?

JM: I believe my willingness to listen and my ability to think through issues will allow the county board to continue to function in a forward-thinking manner.

PP: What is something that few people know about you (and now more will)?JM: People know of my commitment to my religion, family and friends. Few people are aware of my commitment to understanding all the facts related to an issue or problem, and my need to resolve those issues.

Timothy (Tim) Smith, 62, has been a resident of the Town of Nasewaupee for 21 years. He has a B.S. in nuclear science and engineering from the University of Maryland. He is retired following a 35-year career at the Kewaunee Power Station working in the operations and engineering organizations. He and his wife, Judy, have two grown daughters. Previously, he served in elected office for four years as the District 19 supervisor on the Kewaunee County Board and was appointed to serve on the City of Kewaunee Zoning Board of Appeals and the City of Kewaunee Comprehensive Plan Citizens Advisory Committee. He currently serves on the Nasewaupee Board of Review.

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

Tim Smith (TS): My primary motivation for running for the county board is to become more involved in the community. By serving the constituents of District 5, I hope to give back to both the Town of Nasewaupee and Door County, which proved to be a wonderful place to live and raise our daughters. When I heard of the redistricting of the supervisory districts, I felt it was the appropriate time to get involved and provide the voters a choice of candidates.

PP: Please describe your leadership style.

TS: My leadership style is best described as being a team builder. I listen to stakeholders and team members and facilitate working together to make decisions in a timely fashion.

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

TS: My previous experience in successfully implementing state and federal laws and mandates on the Kewaunee County Board and various committees will help me perform well as a member of the Door County Board of Supervisors. 

Supervisory experiences while serving in the U.S. Navy and at the Kewaunee Power Station taught me how to work with people from a broad range of backgrounds. These experiences improved my listening and problem-solving skills and will support and enhance my abilities as a Door County supervisor. 

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?

TS: I sincerely feel that elected members of all local offices are doing their best to fulfill their duties and serve their constituents. However, I also believe that there is always room for improvement in everything that we do. As a member of the Door County Board, I would strive to improve communication and build consensus among board members and the public when disagreements arise. Oftentimes, members representing different areas of the county may have different objectives or goals, and I would strive to point out commonalities of these various objectives and goals.

PP: What is something that few people know about you (and now more will)?TS: In 1983, while being deployed on the USS Carl Vinson CVN-70, I crossed the equator at the Prime Meridian. I can proudly say that I am a Royal Diamond Shellback.

DISTRICT 7

CLAIRE MORKIN

Claire Morkin is running unopposed for the seat currently held by Megan Lundahl, who is not running for reelection. Because Morkin will be new to the position, we asked her to fill out a questionnaire so that her constituents could learn more about her before she takes office following the April election. 

Claire Morkin is a resident of the City of Sturgeon Bay. She has a B.A. in fine arts from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She works in rehabilitation at Door County Medical Center and is an actress at Third Avenue PlayWorks in Sturgeon Bay. She served in elected office as a village board trustee in the Village of Camp Douglas, Wisconsin, 2006-12.  

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

Claire Morkin (CM): I love the beauty and unique qualities of Door County, and I am looking to be part of the team that works together to not only improve the county, but also strives to preserve its special charm.

PP: Please describe your leadership style.

CM: A strong leader is a good listener. As a leader, I listen to others with an open mind and work collaboratively to achieve goals. I think it is important to be empathetic and respectful to the people I am working with while also being the voice of my constituents. 

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

CM: I have previously served as a village trustee in Camp Douglas, Wisconsin, a similar small and charming town, where I helped to preserve the history of the community, which I would hope to do here as well. In addition, I currently serve on the Local Arts Board for the City of Sturgeon Bay, and I am also a board member for Third Avenue PlayWorks. These experiences, along with my current involvement in the community, will facilitate my success as a county board supervisor.

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?

CM: Door County is such a beautiful place to begin with that there is not too much “fixing” to be done. I believe the challenge is to find a balance between development and preservation, and to see that both are held to high standards. Door County has always been known for its charm, and my goal is to maintain and enhance that reputation through fiscally responsible and aesthetically pleasing endeavors. 

PP: What is something that few people know about you (and now more will)?CM: I sing with a band called the Swingin’ Door Big Band, which is an offshoot of the Peninsula Symphonic Band. They are wonderful folks and talented musicians!