ISSUES

PUBLIC SAFETY AND BACKING THE BLUE
Public Safety is local government’s first priority. As County Board Chairman, Tyler has always stood with our Sheriff’s Department. When our Sheriff expressed a critical need for body cameras and technology upgrades to ensure safety, accountability, and transparency for officers, the current County Executive denied the request, but Tyler worked with the Sheriff and other County Board members to ensure that they were included in the 2026 budget. 

Then, after a lengthy and involved process to vet the technology and a unanimous recommendation from the Public Safety and Finance Committee, the current County Executive went back on his word. Rather than include the proposal in his 2026, he cut funding for an AI component that could increase efficiency in report writing by up to 50% and demanded that the County Board go back to the drawing board for the whole project. We need a County Executive who will listen to the needs of law enforcement. 

When the Valders Area School District said they needed a resource officer to keep Manitowoc County students safe, the current County Executive refused, but Tyler continued to advocate for the Sheriff’s department who wanted the partnership and the people of rural Manitowoc County. 
We owe a debt of gratitude to our law enforcement officers for keeping us safe. As County Executive, Tyler will ensure that they have the resources and equipment they need, and he will always have their back. 

SALES TAX AND FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY
The sales tax was necessary, but Manitowoc County should never have been put into a position that required it. We went from “not needing” a sales tax for many years to “needing one desperately” virtually overnight due to mismanagement of the budget, particularly in the Human Services Department. If we are to continue having a sales tax, it should not just fund existing operations. Instead, Tyler will have three priorities: lower the property tax burden on homeowners, reduce borrowing, and pay off debt.

HIGHWAY AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Maintaining our roads and bridges is critical for residents, businesses, farmers, and for economic growth. Tyler will continue to support a robust and responsible maintenance plan for county highways. 

LIFTING UP CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
As a husband, father, and public school teacher, Tyler knows that strong families are the foundation of a strong community. During his time on the County Board, Tyler has consistently supported programs that protect children, support families, and provide essential services to those struggling with addiction and mental health challenges. However, with limited resources and rising need, Tyler knows that we need to keep people—not government bureaucracy—at the center of our efforts.

BUDGET REFORM
We cannot afford to get complacent when it comes to county finances, and we certainly cannot maintain a system that allowed for a multi-million dollar deficit in recent years. As County Board Chairman, Tyler introduced and passed an ordinance that restored checks and balances by strengthening the County Board’s oversight role in the budget process. The annual budget is the single most important policy document created by the county, and we cannot afford to leave it in the hands of a select few people.

The people of Manitowoc County deserve a budget process that is open, transparent, and accountable. As County Executive, Tyler will engage County Board Supervisors, department directors and employees, and most importantly, the public when establishing budget priorities.

DEBT MANAGEMENT
Keeping our debt low has to be a priority. The sales tax was supposed to reduce the amount we had to borrow to pay for large capital projects. However, the County Executive’s proposed 2025 budget included $3.5 million in borrowing, and the most recent budget proposal contained almost $6 million in borrowing. In the County Executive’s last term, our county’s debt has increased by 31.4%. This is unsustainable.

As County Executive, I will focus on minimizing new borrowing and reducing debt so that more of our resources can go to operations and services, rather than interest payments.

COURTHOUSE DOME PROJECT
Our Manitowoc County Courthouse is a piece of history worth preserving. But it has to be done responsibly. As County Board Chairman Tyler led the effort to move forward with renovations in responsible phases that prioritized our needs. The HVAC upgrades and window replacement are nearing completion. The next step—the dome—should only move ahead when Manitowoc County has its financial house in order. 

PARTNERSHIPS WITH LOCAL GOVERNMENT
With the right leadership, Manitowoc County can and should be a collaborative partner when it comes to working with our towns, villages, cities, and school districts. By working with one another we can reduce duplication of services, improve efficiency, and lower costs for the people of Manitowoc County. 

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
We have so much going for us here in Manitowoc County! We are on the shores of Lake Michigan with a harbor and navigable rivers. We have rail, an airport, and a major interstate. We have good public schools, including a technical college. We have incredible energy resources: a publicly owned utility, solar, and a nuclear power plant. We have recreation opportunities and outstanding quality of life services. And though it may not feel like it these days, it’s relatively inexpensive to buy a home and live here.

Despite all of this, Manitowoc County’s population has remained stagnant for nearly sixty years. We cannot afford to fall behind other counties when it comes to growth. Other counties are competing in today’s economy, and Manitowoc County must do the same. It’s imperative that we take an active role in economic development by building partnerships with municipalities, businesses, and community organizations.

Whether it be zoning and regulation reform, incentivizing business relocation or expansion, supporting housing developments, or simply marketing all of the wonderful things our county has to offer, together, we can create new opportunities and ensure a thriving local economy.

OPIOD RECOVERY
Manitowoc County was hit hard by the nationwide opioid epidemic. The opioid crisis is a multi-faceted challenge that requires a coordinated response from many different groups including: law enforcement, human services, public health, the courts, private recovery and health organizations, and individuals who have overcome addiction. The County should be a leader on this issue, not by replacing the great things already going on to combat this issue, but to support and strengthen the efforts of so many in our community.

In recent years and in the years to come, Manitowoc County will be receiving millions of dollars in opioid settlement funds. Tyler has fought to ensure that these funds are being used with strategy and a purpose—not just to plug budget holes. As County Board Chairman, he proposed a task force to bring people together to provide ideas, transparency, and oversight of these funds. As County Executive, Tyler will make this task force a reality. 

As leaders, we don’t always need to reinvent the wheel. We should support what works. As County Executive, Tyler will support the continuation of Drug Court in Manitowoc County.

SUPPORT FOR FARMERS
Family owned farms are the backbone of our culture and economy. Agriculture has an economic impact of over ______ million and supports over _______ jobs in Manitowoc County. Tyler knows that farmers and sportsmen are often the best partners in preserving and sustaining our environment and natural resources. As County Executive, Tyler will work to reduce unnecessary red tape while still protecting our soil and water.
 
MODERNIZATION AND EFFICIENCY
Manitowoc County has often lagged behind when it comes to modernization. By embracing new technologies and innovative processes, we can improve efficiency, save taxpayer dollars, and provide better service to residents. It’s time for county government to catch up.

HOUSING
Housing is essential for our workforce, our families, and our future. I will support responsible housing developments and work to remove unnecessary zoning and regulatory barriers that stand in the way of growth. Manitowoc County must be a place where people can live, work, and thrive.

EMPLOYEES
Our employees are one of Manitowoc County’s most valuable resources– they are the ones who carry out the services that the public relies on. The county has not conducted a comprehensive wage study since 2012, leaving us behind in ensuring fair and competitive pay. The county has also not shopped around for health insurance since moving to a self-funded plan in 2012. We don’t just owe regular wage and benefits analysis to our employees, but we owe it to the taxpayers so we can say with confidence that we’re getting the best value. As County Executive, Tyler will prioritize a wage and benefits review to make sure we attract and retain quality employees.