For the City Times

STEVENS POINT — Ntxhais “Chai” Moua, Stevens Point, has announced her candidacy for Portage County Supervisor for District 9.

“My district includes a wide variety of people and interests, whose voices need to be heard in County Government,” said Moua. “I look forward to bringing my perspective as an advocate and a leader to county government.”

Moua, her husband Phong, and their four children have lived in the district for 12 years. In that time she has met many of her neighbors and looks forward to representing their interests in County government.

Moua would like to see the county make positive investments in its citizens. “There was overwhelming opposition to spending $85 million on a new jail,” said Moua. “We can and should do more to invest in our residents to help them lead successful lives. As county supervisor, I will carry with me the interest and voices of those who have felt voiceless and support investment into programs and services that build the capacity and wellbeing of Portage County residents.”

Moua is also interested in protecting our most vulnerable citizens. She has spent time educating and finding different ways to help existing systems better serve those who are more vulnerable and marginalized. Moua would like the county to explore more options that would keep the Health Care Center viable as privatization could lead to service cuts for seniors who are low-income. She would also like to make sure that women, children, and marginalized groups are safe in our communities. While perpetrators are held accountable, victims should also get justice and support.

Moua is a strong community leader. She has coordinated CAP Services Hmong Family Strengthening (HFS) Program since 2005, working to bring cross-cultural competence to addressing domestic violence in the Hmong community. Moua received the Wisconsin Community Action Program Exemplary Community Action Staff Member Award in 2015 and Hmong National Development’s Impact Award in 2017. On the statewide level, she leads the only Asian Pacific Islander Civic Engagement network with Freedom, Inc. in Madison, WI. She also currently serves on the Governor’s Council on Domestic Violence’s Access Committee as the co-chair.

Moua looks forward to working with community members and the county board to bring local government closer to citizens. “I want to hear from the residents of District 9 and will work hard to represent them in County Government,” Moua said. To learn more or support the campaign, contact Moua at moua4supervisor@gmail.com.