ELECTION 2021: Washington Island Chair

Two people are running for the chair’s seat: the incumbent, Richard Tobey; and a current town board supervisor, Hans Lux. Lux’s decision to run for the chair’s seat has left his seat open on the board. No one officially filed for that seat, which means a write-in candidate would take it. Martin Anderson is running unchallenged for the other supervisor’s seat.

Hans Lux, 64, is a retired police chief. He and wife, Beth, have nine children. His experience as an elected official includes his current service on the Town of Washington Board and a previous position as a village trustee in the Village of Eagle, Wisconsin.

Peninsula Pulse (PP): What is your primary motivation for running for the chair’s seat?

Hans Lux (HL): I am running for town chairman to bring back public input and openness. I strive for open communication and transparency. I believe in ethics and integrity. I value your input. I have a great understanding as to how government operates and community involvement. My family has a vested interest in Washington Island. Working together, we can make a difference in the lives of everyone on this island.

PP: What pressing issues exist within the town, and what are your ideas for addressing those?

HL: I believe the town’s infrastructure needs are the most important issue the town faces. Whether it be a new or remodeled firehouse, upgrade to our community services or DPW [Department of Public Works] buildings, or our roads, we need to do due diligence in determining what our needs truly are and the costs involved. We need to prioritize these projects and inform the community so they can make a knowledgeable decision based on all the information.

PP: What are your strengths, and how will those benefit the town?

HL: My entire life has been dedicated to serving the public. From my 39 years in law enforcement in Eagle, Wisconsin – 21 of those years as a chief of police – to being part of the management team at Brown County Public Safety, leading the 400-man security force and Emergency Response Team at the Summerfest grounds in Milwaukee, or being a village trustee in Eagle, Wisconsin, my life has always been centered around serving the public and managing people. 

I hold a bachelor’s degree in management of criminal justice from Concordia University and am a graduate of the Southern Police Institute’s Command Officers Development Course–University of Louisville. I volunteer my services as program coordinator for Green Bay Area Crime Stoppers and have been honored to serve the Town of Washington as a town board supervisor.

I have always believed that an informed and knowledgeable community

is a stronger community. Open communications and transparency are the keys to successful government.

Richard Tobey, 64, is a retired biochemical engineer, scientist and executive. He and his wife, Sue, have three children and 12 grandchildren. His experience as an elected official includes his current service as town chair, a position to which he was elected in 2019.

Peninsula Pulse (PP): What is your primary motivation for running for the chair’s seat? 

Richard Tobey (RT): I would be pleased to continue to serve the community of Washington Island as town chairman. Public safety, public health and the environment are my top priorities. Human resources – as in fair treatment of employees – and a balanced budget are of next-greatest importance. Significant progress has been made over the past two years, and I would like the opportunity to “sustain the gains.”

PP: What pressing issues exist within the town, and what are your ideas for addressing those? 

RT: The primary challenge facing the Town of Washington in 2021 is infrastructure. We have significant repairs necessary to our roads as well as several municipal buildings. In addition, the fire department, Department of Public Works and Door County Medical Center (Washington Island Clinic) are in need of additional/improved facilities. Working with the various departments, Door County and Door County Medical Center, as well as the taxpayers and residents of Washington Island will be necessary to prioritize each opportunity and develop plans to meet each need.

PP: What are your strengths, and how will those benefit the town? 

RT: During my professional career, I served as corporate safety officer (site manager for the Dow Chemical Company), which provided me with significant experience in the management of public safety- and public health-related issues. I also served as responsible care officer (corporate environmental officer to the state), which afforded me significant experience in the management of environmental questions and issues. I have also served as a both a human resources manager and corporate executive, which benefits in questions related to fair people treatment, employee relations and management. 

I have an M.B.A. and am very proficient with Excel, which are very useful in the budgeting process and finance-related issues. Finally, I am retired (and loving it!). As such, I have been able to dedicate over 30 hours per week in service to my fellow board members and the community at large these past two years. It is truly a privilege to be able to “give back” to your community.