Springdale Supervisor (Seat 1): Kelly Altschul vs. John J. Hensey

Why are you running for office?

Altschul: I decided to run for Town Board when Wayne Hefty, a longstanding board member, announced that he would not run for re-election.  I’ve worked with Wayne quite a bit as a member of the Town’s Plan Commission and have learned a lot from him.  I am running as the candidate that will continue upholding our existing land use plan, for the sake of the natural beauty and rural landscape of Springdale, and to keep our property taxes as low as possible.   

Hensey: We all have some degree of civic duty to help ensure the long-term success of our democratic republic.  Some examples of this include staying informed about federal, state and local politics, attending meetings, serving on committees, writing letters to the editor, and voting.  Few people run for or hold public office due to the significant time commitment and disclosure of your private opinions on public record.  Following my own sense of civic duty, and believing I have something to contribute, I am running to serve as a Town Board Supervisor.  I have perspective as an 18-year homeowner in the Town of Springdale and was previously a City of Verona homeowner for 20 years.  I will serve as a common-sense, small-government, citizen-advocate for all Town residents.

What are the most important issues the Town of Springdale will face in the coming term?

Altschul: Two words: Development and Taxes.

I have seen firsthand the pressures that exist to develop portions of Springdale and allow higher density residential housing tracts.  I’ve seen inquiries and proposals to develop residential subdivisions and create commercial properties.  As Dane County’s population grows these pressures to develop portions of Springdale will increase.  How our Town Board responds to these pressures will determine the future of Springdale.   

Our current land use plan allows for development that maintains the rural character and rural scale of services provided by the Town. The scope of residential and limited commercial development permitted by the land use plan preserves the natural resources and agricultural land in our town.

I believe that our property tax bills are an incredibly important issue for all of us.  Finding new, creative ways to work with and around budget shortfalls and levy limits will be incredibly important in the upcoming years.  

In 2024 the Town’s total annual tax levy was less than $725,000.00, which amounts to less than 10% of the total annual property tax levy for which each of us pays a portion.  More than 90% of the property taxes we pay do not stay in the Town.  They pay the School District levies, the County Levy, and the tech school levy for Madison College.  We cannot opt out of these expenses as Dane County residents, nor can the Town Board control them.  The only thing the Town Board can do to stabilize our property taxes is to keep its budget as small as possible to control that 9.7% of the total levy that is ours. 

The Town’s levy must cover all services provided by the Town, including the cost of all of its infrastructure.  Data shows that increased numbers of commercial businesses and higher and denser populations creates the need for new and expanded services and infrastructures.  It also increases wear and tear on existing infrastructure.  All of this is expensive.  Not just once, but consistently, year after year.  

I do not believe that allowing large scale residential or commercial development is a solution to controlling our property taxes or dealing with budget shortfalls.  I believe the solution is to support planned, rural development in the Town that does not create pressures to expand services and infrastructures beyond the current levels provided.

Hensey: The Town has a perpetual problem with underfunding; paying for new and continuing costs

is an ongoing struggle.  We seem to need more property tax revenue and/or shared revenue to ensure appropriate compensation of staff, payment for fire and rescue services, and funding of equipment, road and bridge maintenance and replacement. WI towns typically delay road maintenance by 3X the recommended interval and that seems to apply for Springdale roads. We should explore all options to increase revenues without raising taxes and reduce government operating costs through greater efficiency and effectiveness. Options to reduce costs include exploring cooperation with adjacent townships and seeking strategic assistance from the WI Towns Association.  Local property tax increases are limited by State law and ideally are kept minimal, but we can generate new tax revenues through new development.  Relaxing restrictions and promoting reasonable development will expand the tax base.  Another issue is a State study to eliminate most intersections on Hwy 18/151 between Verona and Dodgeville.  This project improves safety but creates inconveniences and many new miles of frontage roads to maintain.  Significant Town involvement will be needed during the State’s planning process.

What are some things that town leadership has done well in recent years?

Altschul: I believe that our Town leadership has been very successful in keeping Springdale rural and our budget as small as possible.  The growth that Springdale has seen has been wisely planned and has preserved the land’s natural beauty and agricultural legacy.  As a result Springdale’s municipal tax levy is currently among the lowest per capita in Dane County at approximately $347/per person(pp).  The Town of Blue Mounds is at appx. $443/pp, the Town of Verona is at appx. $681/pp, the Town of Cross Plains is at appx. $516/pp and the Town of Primrose is at appx. $429/pp.  The board has done a great job pursuing shared services agreements with the surrounding communities to keep these expenses low; such as shared fire and EMT services with the Village of Mount Horeb and garbage and recycling agreements that bring in revenue.  These efficiencies save us all money.

Hensey: Town leadership has provided a safe and stable living environment and protected a pastoral lifestyle that we all highly value. The Town Board does a good job keeping property taxes reasonable, as reflected in the Town’s 2024 mill rate component, which is the 7^th lowest of 31 Towns in Dane County. The Town also receives the 20^th highest shared revenue per resident out of 59 Dane County municipalities, but maybe there’s room for improvement.  Both measures compare favorably with our peers and reflect a job well done by the current Town Board.

In what areas could the board improve?

Altschul: I think that the Board could be more proactive in seeking grant funding to improve and maintain its roads and bridges.  These items are a large expenditure every year and it would benefit us all to explore both State and Federal transportation grants to help subsidize the expense.

Hensey: Since I’m not currently on the Town Board, I’d need a detailed orientation on current issues, but initially there seem to be opportunities for improved planning, procedures, and communications: 1) Incorporate better long-range planning for predictable expenses over 5,10 and 15-year periods as part of the budget process.  The cost of building upkeep and equipment and road maintenance/replacement is mostly known and therefore predictable for budgeting on a schedule.  2) Improve procedural transparency by posting more timely minutes on the Town web site and provide a simple live web broadcast of all meetings.  3) Update and simplify the Land Use Plan by reducing regulations and giving land owners more freedom regarding the disposition of their property.  As with any development, the Town Board must exercise reasonable judgement, consideration and protection of safety, property values and appropriate use, but current land use options are too limited.  I think any land use restrictions beyond those required by Dane County should be clearly defined, easily interpreted and minimal.

 Tell us what unique skills and/or attributes you could bring to the board:

Altschul: By training I am an accountant and an attorney.  I have spent years litigating state and local tax issues, including municipal finance issues, and analyzing budgets.  I am currently appointed to Springdale’s Plan Commission and have experience there addressing zoning and development proposals.  I am also a friendly, outgoing, problem solver who enjoys working with people and being a team player.    

Hensey: I am eternally optimistic, realistic, and persistent in my endeavors.  My Industrial Engineering degree from UW-Madison and 29 years of management experience at UW Hospital and Clinics have given me the knowledge and skills for communicating and working well with people and finding creative solutions to complex problems.  I once served as Alderman in my hometown City of Delavan and was a small business owner for 3 years.  This variety of experience gives me a well-rounded perspective for leadership, understanding others, setting priorities, and working cooperatively as part of a team.

Tell us about your long-term vision for the town?

Altschul: I touched on this already, but I would love to see Springdale preserve its beautiful landscapes of rolling hills and farm fields.  We have urban landscapes to our east and west and I’d love for Springdale to remain an oasis between those municipalities.

Hensey: Land in the Town of Springdale is a very valuable asset.  Demand is high for home and land ownership in rural settings near Madison.  We should protect the rural nature of the Town but encourage reasonable growth and development to expand the tax base and allow others to share in the benefits of our rural lifestyle.  The Town of Springdale has significant growth occurring on our east border with EPIC and the City of Verona and with Mount Horeb’s rapid expansion near our northwest corner.  We should take advantage of this growth and benefit from it by encouraging and allowing residential and potentially commercial development (as appropriate) along these corridors and throughout the Township.  Growth is happening with or without us.  The Town of Springdale should benefit from this growth and new tax revenues rather than risk losing it by suppressing development and enduring more annexations.

Are you familiar with Robert’s Rule of Order and Wisconsin’s various open records and open meetings laws?

Altschul: You bet.  Via my job as a public employee and as a current member of the Springdale Plan Commission.

Hensey: Yes, I have a functional understanding of these and intend to strictly and transparently comply with all rules, regulations and laws relating to Town Board procedures and individual Supervisor actions and communications.

Tell us how you will work collaboratively, including with people you disagree with on certain issues:

Altschul: Working collaboratively with those who have opposing views is the foundation of democracy.  To accomplish anything at all we must problem solve and compromise.  We are neighbors and a lot of the time we are friends.  I don’t expect that having opposing viewpoints on municipal issues will change that.

Hensey: It is important to remain open minded and reasonable when settling disputes or differences of opinion.  I generally try to find alternatives that allow saying yes to a request or proposal rather than saying no due to rules and regulations. Respecting, listening to, and understanding other people’s perspective is an important part of individual success and finding negotiated win-win solutions to problems.  Listening and communicating clearly, remaining objective, sharing information, and taking a friendly approach usually leads to a common understanding and agreement.

What is your favorite thing about living in Springdale?

Altschul: The rolling hills and scenic views of fields and forests make living here feel like living at a vacation destination.  The Military Ridge Trail, Donald Park, and the 4^th of July fireworks at Mt. Vernon Park are staples for me.  We are so lucky to have all of this in such close proximity to the urban amenities and jobs that Dane County offers.  The friendly neighbors and the excellent tavern fare are added bonuses!

Hensey: While living in the City of Verona, I searched for a nearby rural home I could afford for many years.  Availability and affordability of homes and land was very limited.  I was blessed to finally find a home on two acres where I hope to live “happily ever after.”  The Town of Springdale rolling hills provide a beautiful rural Wisconsin setting for pursuing happiness in a peaceful environment while also offering convenient access to nearby city amenities.