Brehm, Goldberg face off for Wood County District 9

WOOD COUNTY – Two candidates are running for the Wood County Board District 9 seat in the spring 2026 election.
The district includes the cities of Wisconsin Rapids, Biron and Pittsville, the village of Arpin and the towns of Richfield, Hansen, Sigel, Dexter, Cranmoor and part of Seneca.
Voters will decide who will represent the district on the Wood County Board between the following two candidates.

Scott Brehm

Why are you running for board of supervisors?

This community is my home. As a fifth-generation resident, I care deeply about making Wood County a better place to live, work and raise a family. My mission is to protect taxpayers and strengthen our community through accountable government and fiscal integrity. I want to continue the work I’ve started, holding the line on spending and ensuring the county operates with transparency.
What skills, background or special abilities would you bring to the board of supervisors?
I bring a “lifetime of service” to the table. This includes 20 years as a police officer and 17 years as a licensed private investigator, giving me a unique perspective on public safety. Additionally, my experience as the current District 9 Supervisor, my time on the Village of Vesper Board and my current roles as Vesper’s Zoning Administrator and Building & Grounds Manager provide me with a deep understanding of local governance and infrastructure management.
What one part of county government would receive more attention if you were elected?
Budgetary oversight. My priority is holding every county department strictly accountable for their spending. I believe in personally scrutinizing every line item before approval to ensure we are modernizing operations and increasing efficiency without overburdening the taxpayers.
What do you see as the most pressing needs for infrastructure or capital projects in the county?
Beyond maintaining our roads and bridges, which are vital for local commerce, a key priority is the modernization of county facilities and technology. I have been actively involved in committees overseeing the transition to the new Law Enforcement Center (LEC) and updating IT infrastructure to ensure our services are streamlined and secure for the 21st century.
Do you plan to promote any changes to existing taxes?
My focus is on holding the line on spending rather than increasing the tax burden. I have a proven record of voting down excessive pay raises for the county board, which saved taxpayers over $100,000. My goal is to balance the budget by spending smarter and promoting economic growth to broaden the tax base.
What are your views on the county’s current level of public debt?
Public debt must be managed responsibly and tied to essential long-term investments, such as the new jail and sheriff’s office, which improve safety and reduce long-term costs. I support using unspent funds from completed capital projects to offset debt or fund high-priority needs, ensuring we don’t carry more debt than necessary.
If new resources were available, what one area of county services would feel most needs additional resources?
Public safety and economic development. My five-point plan prioritizes keeping neighborhoods safe and welcoming. If resources allow, I would focus on further supporting law enforcement and enhancing infrastructure, like the UTV/ATV trail expansions, that brings in tourism revenue and supports local businesses.
Should any part of the county budget be shielded from cuts?
Essential services that ensure public safety and infrastructure integrity (like roads and emergency services) should be prioritized. However, no department should be exempt from scrutiny. My approach is to look for efficiencies in every department to protect the taxpayer while maintaining the core services residents rely on.
What is your experience with preparing or authorizing budgets?
I have extensive experience as a current member of the Wood County Board and through my years on the Village of Vesper Board. I currently serve on committees that review vouchers and resolutions for departmental budgets, where I emphasize transparency and accountability in every financial decision.
When managing public agencies, is it better to have more employees at a modest wage or fewer employees at a wage high enough to attract quality applicants?
I believe in modernizing operations to increase efficiency. While we must be competitive to attract quality talent for essential roles, especially in public safety and technical departments, the goal should always be a streamlined workforce that utilizes technology to deliver better services at a lower cost to the taxpayer.
Should the county be encouraging building and development?
Yes. Promoting economic growth is one of my top five priorities. By supporting smart local development and maintaining public spaces, we can bring more business and revenue into Wood County, which helps keep the community affordable for our residents.
Do you have a priority issue that is not in this questionnaire?
Tourism and recreational access. I am proud of my role in opening all county highways to UTV and ATV traffic. This has boosted local revenue with zero accidents, proving that we can enhance our local economy and recreational opportunities while maintaining a focus on safety.

Paul Goldberg

Why are you running for board of supervisors?

I am running for this office because I believe that county government plays a critical role in our daily lives, from infrastructure and public safety to land use, health services, and long-term planning.
What skills, background or special abilities would you bring to the board of supervisors?
I have a strong sense of character and values. Hard work and honesty are traits that will help me succeed if elected. My experiences will also impact on my work in this role. I am retired from the Wisconsin Rapids Kraft Mill where I worked for 39 years. I also served as Union Vice President and Union Steward during my time there.
I served as town supervisor for the Town of Hansen and then was elected as town chairman, which I have held for the past several years and plan to continue.
What one part of county government would receive more attention if you were elected?
It would be a derelict of duties to just focus on one aspect of our county governance. I would want to address needs that are brought forward by our constituents. With that said, a couple of priority areas would include improving safe road infrastructure, with attention to both immediate and long-term needs.
What do you see as the most pressing needs for infrastructure or capital projects in the county?
In regard to safe road infrastructure, this would entail addressing urgent repairs and hazardous traffic locations in the short term, while also investing in sustained maintenance and infrastructure upgrades to ensure safer conditions for our community over time.
Regarding capital projects, Wood County invested in a much-needed jail project that is in the completion stage, which will save taxpayers money in the long-term. As the county moves forward from this project, it is important to evaluate the needs while also being mindful of current expenditures from existing debts.
Do you plan to promote any changes to existing taxes? If so, why?
No; it is always the goal to maintain or lower taxes.
What are your views on the county’s current level of public debt?
In the perfect world, any debt is too much debt. But there is a balance of needs and wants in the county that is no different than a household. Maintaining as low of debt as possible without raising taxes is very important to all the citizens with whom I have connected.
If new resources were available, what one area of county services would you feel most needs additional resources?
Health services related to mental health and long-term aging.
Should any part of the county budget be shielded from cuts? And if so, which area?
Law enforcement, road maintenance and health services particularly with the previous needs mentioned, as well as the drug issues that are prevalent throughout the county.
What is your experience with preparing or authorizing budgets?
For the Town of Hansen, I have managed and maintained our budget for many years. It takes working as a team with all individuals involved from board members to your constituents.
When managing public agencies, is it better to have more employees at a modest wage or fewer employees at a wage high enough to attract quality applicants?
If you have a modest wage, you won’t attract or retain high quality employees. Therefore, while it is always important to be mindful of spending, we must remain current and progressive within a competitive market to appeal to employees who positively impact our services and quality.
Should the county be encouraging building and development?
Yes, definitely, as we should always be focused on building a healthy, thriving economy that boosts jobs and improves services that also increases our tax base.
Do you have a priority issue that is not in this questionnaire?
Priority issues are based on the constituents’ needs, so I look forward to supporting decisions that directly affect our towns, families and businesses.