Danielle DuClos:

Ratzlaff: Property tax relief. With the median home value in Dane County at $304,700, the typical annual property tax bill reaches $7,324 — far exceeding the national median of $2,690. There is no way that this can or will sustain itself. Plus, you add in the two referendums that the city of Madison has passed and it’s going to be harder than ever for senior citizens to stay in their homes.

One idea I have is to go to the Legislature and ask for an increase in shared revenue, but with strings attached and/or benchmarks that must be met in order to receive said funding. Our current leaders have no idea how to even balance a checkbook: see Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway and Dane County Board Chairman Patrick Miles for more information on this subject. They are using homeowners as an ATM. Absolutely ridiculous!

Agard: My number one priority as your Dane County executive is to be a responsible and good steward of taxpayer dollars. I will always ensure that county resources are used efficiently, transparently and effectively to benefit all Dane County residents. My approach focuses on fiscal responsibility, smart investments and accountability in government spending.

I prioritize evidence-based policies that deliver strong returns on investment, such as preventative mental health services. I support affordable housing initiatives which save money by reducing reliance on social services. And I will seek to leverage partnerships with businesses, nonprofits and state/federal agencies to maximize our funding sources and reduce the burden on local taxpayers. We can do all this while still ensuring Dane County remains a beautiful place to live, work and play.