League of Women Voters County Executive Candidates Forum - March 4, 2026

This transcript covers a candidate forum held on March 4, 2026, for the Portage County Executive election in Wisconsin, moderated by the League of Women Voters and co-sponsored by local organizations. The two candidates, Eric Olsen and Ray Reer, discussed key county issues including housing affordability, the design and funding of a new jail facility, county budget and levy concerns, groundwater protection ordinances, and the role and future of the county executive position. Both candidates addressed the county's $142.2 million budget, capital projects such as the $150 million jail, and the challenges of balancing tax increases with necessary infrastructure and service needs. They also debated the merits of maintaining an elected county executive versus an appointed administrator. The forum provided voters with insights into procurement-related capital improvement projects, budget allocations, and policy considerations affecting county operations and services.