Both candidates running to fill retiring Mike Hanson's seat have been endorsed by Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk. Hanson, one of the few Madison conservatives on the board, has backed fellow police officer Melanie Hampton. Her opponent, Vic Bankston, has been a member of the Dane County Equal Opportunities Commission since 2002.

Vic Bankston

Age: 56

Address: 7140 East Pass, Madison

Job: Consulting information systems

Education: M.A. in education, University of Louisville, B.A., Morehead State University

Political experience: None

Why are you running?

I have a wealth of experience that has proven my ability to collaborate, resolve conflicts, and set the pace for continuous improvement. My desire as County Board supervisor is to explore the relationship between adequate senior services, provisions for health and human needs, appropriate after-school educational programs for our youth, and a decrease in incidents of crime.

What is the most important issue in your district?

Better public safety by evaluating methods of improving traffic safety, reducing incidents of crime, and making additional deputies available to compliment Madison and Fitchburg police force efforts within the district

Do you support creating a regional transportation authority with a half-cent sales tax?

I support a Regional Transportation Authority. However, implementing a new system of this nature requires much consideration related to infrastructure. The following elements are important: Clearly identified enhancements to the current transportation system; structuring RTA project so the roads can handle it; traffic on Beltline; programs that will generate revenue from sales tax; fee structure that will allow individuals who depend on public transportation to pay affordable rates; plans for job creation and training for Dane County residents; plans for individuals with special needs.

What's the best way for Dane County to handle its jail population?

Understanding recommendations identified in the Criminal Justice System Assessment with respect to the jail population overview and collaborating on viable solutions. Working with the County Executive and Sheriff on the implementation of the electronic monitoring program for inmates out in the community on work release. Helping residents understand the amount of tax payer dollars saved as a result of freeing up jail beds and eliminating the need for transporting inmates to facilities in other counties.

Melanie Hampton

Age: 36

Address: 9 Lynbrook Circle, Madison

Job: Police officer

Education: B.S. Civil Engineering, UW-Madison, M.S. Civil Engineering, Northwestern

Political experience: None

Why are you running for County Board?

It was the combination of several events. Last year, residents of the west side of Madison sparked a city-wide outcry for more law enforcement presence. Shortly thereafter, several incidents of child enticement occurred in the district along with an increase in burglaries. From my experience in law enforcement, I know how important the county role is in public protection.

What is the most important issue in your district?

Concern over the increase in crime. Madison has seen an increase in burglaries, and I know from my training and experience that burglary can be a gateway crime to sexual assault. Neighbors are also concerned with the incidents of child enticement occurring near schools and the increased presence of registered child molesters in the district.

Do you support creating a regional transportation authority with a half-cent sales tax?

The Wisconsin State Legislature must first enact legislation allowing for the creation of a district, such as the RTA, with the power to implement a sales-tax based funding mechanism. The question of the use of the sales tax as one of the funding sources should be put to the people of Dane County in the form of a public referendum. The RTA must first have priorities that are supported by the taxpayers. Next, the RTA must have professional leadership with all programs and operations tied to clearly defined funding mechanisms and a strategic plan that includes an outcome evaluation function.

What's the best way for Dane County to handle its jail population?

My priorities are protection of the public, justice for crime victims and rehabilitation of the offender. There are three different means by which a suspect/offender could be out on GPS monitoring. Being sentenced to jail and serving time on electronic monitoring is only one of those means. Certainly some offenders are very acceptable candidates; others are not an acceptable risk either in terms of the victims' or public's safety.