Parisi running for re-election

Dane County Executive Joe Parisi says he intends to run for re-election in 2017.

Parisi was sworn in to his first full term as county executive in 2013. He previously held a seat in the State Assembly.

At a news conference Monday, Parisi said he’s honored to have the support of unions, women’s groups and environmental groups in his re-election bid.

“Serving Dane County has been a great honor and I hope to have the opportunity to continue our work addressing our community’s most pressing challenges,” said Parisi.  “I look forward to expanding innovative partnerships we’ve created together to reduce poverty, improve mental health services, clean our lakes, expand clean energy and support our schools by allowing kids to realize their full potential.”

Parisi was joined at the event by U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan, who praised Parisi’s leadership of the county in the last six years. “Joe’s progressive values and common-sense approach make him an incredibly effective leader,” said Pocan.

Parisi highlighted a number of his achievements at his re-election announcement at the Labor Temple, including building a $30 million rainy day fund to protect county services from state budget cuts.

Parisi is unopposed in his re-election bid. The primary will be held on Feb. 21, and the general election is April 4.