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Proven Reformer

Delivering Results. Not Excuses.

Josh Schoemann doesn’t just talk about bold change – he’s a leader who’s made it happen. As Washington County’s first-ever County Executive, Josh brought conservative reform, accountability, and real results to local government, proving exactly what the right leadership can achieve.

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Focusing County Government

When Josh first arrived, Washington County was operating without clear direction. Departments worked in silos. Taxpayers were overburdened. Accountability needed to be improved. Josh tackled the chaos head-on:

  • Cut property taxes by $1 million within his first six months.
  • Broke down bloated bureaucracy, reducing county staff by nearly 25% since coming to the county.
  • Restructured operations by introducing time tracking and measurable goals for every department.
  • Instituted Priority-Based Budgeting, tying every dollar spent directly to core citizen needs.

Result: Government got smaller, more efficient, and truly focused on serving the people—not itself.

Smaller Government. Better Services.

Josh understood that instead of being everything to everyone—and failing—Washington County could concentrate on five core priorities:

  • Good Governance
  • Safe and Secure Communities
  • Access to Basic Needs
  • Reliable Infrastructure
  • Economic Growth and Vitality

Under his leadership:

  • Property tax collections remained flat over a 12-year span—despite inflation and economic pressures.
  • County-owned property, roads, and buildings were strategically reduced to focus resources where they matter most.
  • Key services like public safety, mental health, road maintenance, and economic development were strengthened and expanded.
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Building Partnerships, Not Bureaucracies

When local municipalities demanded a share of the county sales tax, Josh didn’t hand out blank checks. Instead, he brought leaders together, brokered deals, and created a groundbreaking shared services model.

Today, Washington County municipalities save millions by collaborating on:

  • Road construction and maintenance
  • IT services
  • Municipal planning
  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Everyone wins: better services, lower costs, and stronger communities.

TACKLING TOUGH ISSUES

Led the fight for election integrity in Washington County

  • Funded municipal grants to encourage voluntary election audits on election night
  • Funded municipal grants for extended in-person early voting opportunities so Madison and Milwaukee can’t run up the score
  • Funded municipal grants to incentivize the elimination of central count for absentee ballot processing to occur at original polling locations
  • Funded a county-wide election audit

Election integrity is essential. Wisconsin voters deserve confidence in our elections - every time.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Josh refused to let fear rule Washington County:

  • Kept government open and transparent while others shut down.
  • Reopened public venues safely and swiftly—becoming the first county in the state to do so.
  • Empowered citizens with information and let families make their own choices—not mandates.

That's why people called Washington County the freest County in America

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Forward-Looking Innovation

Josh didn’t just fix the present—he planned for the future:

  • Heart and Homestead Program: Helps families achieve homeownership through community service, reviving the American Dream locally.
  • Next Generation Housing Initiative: Cuts red tape and promotes financially achievable homeownership.
  • Smart Infrastructure Planning: Created a county road maintenance plan stretching through 2050—and funded it without raising taxes.

Because leadership isn’t about managing problems. It’s about bringing people together and solving problems before they become crises.

Let’s Reclaim Wisconsin—Together.

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