Henry Fries

Environment / Energy The County should accelerate its work to convert existing county-owned agricultural fields into sustainable prairies. This transition helps reduce harmful runoff while creating essential habitat for native species. Infrastructure / Transportation The current jail space is inhumane and many of the facilities are outdated. Additionally, Dane County is spending millions of dollars each year to send inmates as far away as Oneida County to reduce overcrowding. A new facility is necessary and must be constructed in a financially prudent manner. Infrastructure / Transportation The new facility will leave two floors of the City-County Building unoccupied. Henry supports a re-envisioning process for the space so it can continue to serve county residents and staff for generations to come, reducing the need to create additional office space down the line. Criminal Justice / Public Safety Currently the county makes use of interpreters via phone, which is not cheap. Many areas, particularly in rural Dane County, have marginal to non-existent cell service, rendering that not an option. Incentives should be paid to deputies who are multilingual or become fluent in another language. Infrastructure / Transportation Henry is committed to expanding direct flight options from MSN, making it easier for students to visit family, return home for holidays, or travel during breaks. Healthcare Henry supports expanding the CARES program that currently exists in the City of Madison to a county-wide initiative. Mental health issues are not defined by municipal borders. It is important that all county residents have access to mental health crisis workers in the event of a behavioral health emergency. Environment / Energy Henry will support increasing accessibility of food banks in District 5 and increasing the presence of the Farm to Food Bank program to help supplement college students' tight budgets and promote a healthy diet. Arts / Culture Henry will push to expand county government visibility through various events and public outreach initiatives. Events as simple as Meet a Weed Boat Day with Babcock Ice Cream hosted at the Terrace could be a tangible way to see how the county government keeps our campus beautiful and safe. Criminal Justice / Public Safety The Dane County Sheriff's Office should test the language skills of its employees as currently they self-report their language proficiency. The office should create a written policy about what to do when they encounter someone who does not speak English or when an interpreter needs to become involved. Infrastructure / Transportation As a candidate for the Dane County Board, Henry is committed to transforming our region's transportation infrastructure for the betterment of our communities. Infrastructure / Transportation Henry will push for the redevelopment of the Alliant Energy Center complex into a pedestrian-friendly and vibrant entertainment and convention district that our community can be proud of. Infrastructure / Transportation Henry supports the long-term vision of designating Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) as an international airport—positioning Madison as a stronger hub for travel, commerce, and global connection. Infrastructure / Transportation On the County Board, he will advocate for dedicated funding to support the expansion and maintenance of bike paths between communities throughout Dane County. Infrastructure / Transportation Focusing on improving or implementing dedicated bike lanes on high traffic rural roads. This investment will promote a healthier, more sustainable mode of transportation for residents and students alike. Environment / Energy Henry will continue to support funding for the Suck the Muck program, which reduces phosphorus levels in our lakes. He also backs efforts to expand this critical initiative to additional watersheds beyond the Yahara system. Infrastructure / Transportation Dane County must work with the Wisconsin Legislature to allow municipalities to establish regional transit authorities (RTAs). RTAs are vital to improve public transportation across Madison, Dane County, and Wisconsin. They will allow faster expansion of bus service to outlying communities within the county as well as allowing the integration of future rail lines with existing services. Environment / Energy Residents have already seen the value of weed control boats and increased dredging along the Yahara River. To maintain these essential services, Henry supports fully staffing these programs and ensuring wages remain competitive with the private sector.