I am excited to begin my third term on the County Board. I am grateful for the trust you place in me doing this work. While my close friends and family think it sounds overwhelming to attend so many meetings each month (I attend at least 10 each month just for County Board duties, but then add several union meetings as well), I love it. I learn something new at each one, and also find ways to bring in the voice of District 18. It does make for a hectic schedule, but I honestly love it.

In May my colleagues voted me in as chair of the Environment, Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. I served as vice chair of this standing committee for the past two years. I am grateful for their confidence in me and look forward to serving in a leadership role for the County Board this term.

I have not yet received my committee appointments from the county executive, but enjoyed the work of all that I participated in over the past four years. I have been a member of the Long-Term Support Committee since 2014. Every meeting, the members have focused on providing long-term support for persons who are frail, elderly or disabled. With the start of Family Care, this committee will sunset in May 2018. The oversight of these services will now be carried out by the state.

Such good work happens on these county committees. Most committees have a combination of elected officials and citizen members. The appointments are made by the chair of the county board and by the county executive. There are frequent openings. Please see exec.countyofdane.com for more information.

Please feel free to contact me with any concerns or issues. I can be reached at 335-6827 or ritt.michele@countyofdane.com.