Nelson earns 4th term as Outagamie County executive
APPLETON (WLUK) -- Tom Nelson is still Outagamie County Executive after winning in his first contested race for the position since 2011.
"Regardless if a voter supported me or supported Kevin, now is the time to continue the work that we've been doing here in the county because we're going to need as much support as we can get," Nelson said.
For the first time, Nelson faced a challenger in a re-election bid. The incumbent made it clear that he was thankful for the opportunity to compete against former county board member, Kevin Sturn.
"I think he ran a solid campaign," Nelson said. "I think he brought some ideas to the campaign. He's completely committed to his community whose got a great public service track record."
Throughout the campaign, Nelson touted his experience and success over the last 12 years.
"Whether it's accomplishing a triple A bond rating, declining tax rate, fully funding services, supporting 3000 jobs out at the airport," Nelson said.
But Nelson wants to make it known that he's eager to accomplish more in the coming years.
"We've got some big projects coming down the pike whether it's the airport expansion, some projects going at solid waste, recycling," Nelson said. "It's exciting to be part of this team and to see all the things we've done and will continue to do."
Nelson has received criticism about politics and pursuing other positions. There have been questions about how much time he's actually spending in the office, particularly last spring when he ran as a Democrat for U.S. Senate. Some believe Nelson has brought partisan politics into the non-partisan position.
Nelson garnered 56% of the vote which was nearly 6,000 more total votes than Sturn.
