Aaron Collins

Environment / Energy Dane County’s beautiful natural spaces and lakes help make our corner of the globe a special place to live, but climate change has presented significant challenges to these key elements of our community. On the Dane County Board, I will make conservation and lake preservation a priority. I believe every decision we take on related to environmental policy should be centered around combating climate change. Economy While I am proud to have grown up in Dane County, I am very aware that there is an inherent inequity in outcomes among people who live here. We cannot ignore that Dane County has alarming racial disparities in childhood poverty, achievement levels in students, and arrest rates. The pandemic has exacerbated these issues. This has to be a county-wide focus to make sure that everyone in our County has the same opportunities to succeed. Economy Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy. I’m glad the County Board provided 30 million to area small businesses for emergency grants due to the impact of the pandemic. I will vote for any efforts to make sure these key players in our local economy are supported. Drug Policy Increase resources for mental health care as well as alcohol and drug treatment options Drug Policy I want to be pragmatic and find tangible ways to make our justice system more fair, confront Dane County's racial disparities, and keep our community safe. On the County Board I will focus on supporting alternatives to incarceration which, alongside mental health and alcohol and drug treatment resources, will lead to better outcomes. Criminal Justice / Public Safety We need to reimagine our criminal justice system in a way that promotes rehabilitation and a path forward for those who are incarcerated to return to the community. Finally, I will work to end the practice of solitary confinement at the Dane County Jail. Housing Create more affordable housing in our community