By Northside News
We asked both District 12 candidates to answer several questions. Tommy Rylander is the current District 12 Supervisor and the incumbent candidate. Scott Burke is a candidate running against him. District 18 Supervisor Michele Ritt and District 21 Supervisor Jeffrey Kroning are unopposed.
Why are you seeking to serve Dane County as a supervisor?
Burke: I’m running for Dane County Board because our community deserves leadership that is willing to do the work, ask hard questions, and focus on results for residents. Long before this campaign began, I was already doing that work — helping neighbors navigate the housing system, advocating for people who were falling through the cracks, and raising concerns about how taxpayer dollars are being spent.
Rylander: I’m running for a second term as Dane County Board Supervisor for District 12 because I believe there is more work to be done to protect and improve the quality of life for the families I represent. Having lived on Madison’s northeast side with my wife, Brenda, and our two children, Basil and Juniper, for more than 15 years, I’ve learned the challenges that face East Madison and the strength we have to face them.
What are your top priorities?
Burke: My top priorities are fiscal responsibility, addressing the housing and homelessness crisis, transparency in government, and strengthening public safety while pursuing thoughtful justice reform. Dane County faces serious financial challenges in the coming years, and we need leaders who will carefully scrutinize spending, demand accountability from contractors, and ensure that every tax dollar is used effectively. Oversight is not optional — it’s a core responsibility of the Board.
At the same time, our housing system is not working for too many people. I’ve seen firsthand how difficult it is for residents to navigate fragmented services between the City of Madison and Dane County. I support consolidating housing services between the City and County to streamline programs, reduce duplication, and make it easier for people to access the help they need.
Transparency must also be a guiding principle of county government. Residents deserve to know how decisions are made and how public funds are being used. I will push for stronger auditing, clearer reporting, and greater public accountability.
Finally, public safety matters. Our communities rely on well-supported law enforcement, effective emergency services, and justice policies that keep people safe while promoting fairness and rehabilitation.
Rylander: During my first term, I’ve worked to tackle the issues that matter most to District 12: from strengthening our public services to advocating for responsible stewardship of our environment. One of my central priorities has been advancing meaningful remediation of PFAS contamination and airport-related noise impacts around the Dane County Regional Airport area.
I recently received results that show that a pilot program I authorized removed 99% of previously unremovable PFAS contamination from the “Darwin Site” near the airport, and I have been working with the airport director to see what is next for that exciting technology. I also oversaw an end to the use of the firefighting foam that created that contamination in the first place.
I’ve also focused on ensuring that a series of very difficult County budgets reflect our values while also making necessary spending cuts. We cut $31 million from the 2026 budget, and I did so while protecting essential human services, supporting housing stability, and investing in programs that give residents the support they need to thrive.
Why are you the best candidate?
Burke: I believe I am the best candidate because I am already doing the work — listening to residents, advocating for reform, and standing up for accountability. Dane County deserves a supervisor who will show up, ask tough questions, and put the interests of residents first.
Rylander: I’m running again because being progressive means never being finished. I have seen budgets through difficult constraints and built relationships inside and outside the district that give me the perspective and voice we need in the next term. I would be honored to continue serving you.
