District 12 - Mary Collins-Johnsrud

Brief personal background (education, profession, any previous involvement in local government or community organizations. etc.):

I have called Richland County my home for the last 32 years. Over the last three decades, I have been deeply invested in the growth and safety of our community, raising my family here and building relationships with my neighbors and other community members. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Wisconsin Platteville, and served a 28 year career as a Probation and Parole Agent in both Intensive Sanctions and Community Corrections in Richland County. During the course of my career, I attended various county committees, including the Richland County Coordinated Community Response Committee and the Chapter 980 Committee, where I worked to balance statutory requirements with the safety of our local residents with local law enforcement and other stakeholders. I feel this experience is beneficial when navigating high pressure situations. I am currently employed as a substitute paraprofessional in the Richland School District supporting our students and teachers in the community. In addition, I am serving my fifth year on the Board of Directors for Passages, a local nonprofit that provides life-saving resources to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault and the surrounding counties. I am a member of the Richland County Ocooch Humane Society, and periodically volunteer at the cat shelter. I am also a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Richland Center and enjoying singing in the choir.

What motivated you to run for County Board Supervisor?

I decided to run for County Supervisor in District 12 after being approached by community leaders to consider running and realizing the seat had been vacant for some time. I am dedicated to a vision of a progressive and economically thriving Richland County. As Supervisor, I plan to consider the concerns of my constituents fairly, and research and question budget proposals thoroughly before voting on important county issues. I feel my experience in public service working with other stakeholders in the community will prove beneficial in this position.

What are your main goals or priorities for Richland County?

My work on the Board will be driven by three core goals/ priorities. The first goal is transparency in local government. I am a firm advocate for open meetings and fiscal clarity. You deserve to know exactly how your tax dollars are being allotted and have your voice heard in the decision-making process. The second goal would be sustainable economic growth. I support initiatives that bolster our local business economy and improve the infrastructure necessary to attract new families and opportunities to our county. The third goal would be to advocate for establishing a locally run, fiscally solvent ambulance service to serve Richland County.