Mary Ann Nicholson

This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.

Mary Ann Nicholson

Nonpartisan

Elections and appointments

Last election

April 6, 2021

Education

Associate

Madison Junior College of Business, 1993

Bachelor's

Upper Iowa University, 2009

Personal

Birthplace

Dodgeville, Wis.

Religion

Catholic

Profession

Controller

Mary Ann Nicholson ran for election for Dane County Executive in Wisconsin. She lost in the general election on April 6, 2021.

Nicholson completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2021. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Mary Ann Nicholson was born in Dodgeville, Wisconsin. She earned an associate degree from Madison Junior College of Business in 1993 and a bachelor's degree from Upper Iowa University in 2009. Nicholson's career experience includes working as a controller for a construction company. She is a life member of the Future Farmers of America (FFA) Alumni.

Elections

2021

See also: Municipal elections in Dane County, Wisconsin (2021)

General election

General election for Dane County Executive

Incumbent Joseph Parisi defeated Mary Ann Nicholson in the general election for Dane County Executive on April 6, 2021.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Joseph Parisi (Nonpartisan)	78.9	90,472
		Mary Ann Nicholson (Nonpartisan)	20.9	23,978
		Other/Write-in votes	0.2	209

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 114,659
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Nonpartisan primary election

The primary election was canceled. Incumbent Joseph Parisi and Mary Ann Nicholson advanced from the primary for Dane County Executive.

Campaign themes

2021

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Mary Ann Nicholson completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2021. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Nicholson's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Born in Dodgeville, I attended Ridgeway Elementary until February 1969 when our family moved to Verona. I am a proud Verona High School graduate of the Class of 1978. Married to my very patient husband Ron for 31 years, I am the proud stepparent of two boys and 5 grandchildren. Ron and I have made our home in the Town of Springdale for these past 31 years. Like many in Verona, my working career started at Miller & Son's Supermarket. After graduation, I worked for the American Society of Agronomy for 18 years. During that time, I obtained an associate degree in accounting from Madison Junior College of Business while working full time. In 2007, I decided to go back to night school. In 2009, I earned my Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from Upper Iowa University graduating Summa Cum Laude. I am currently the Controller for KSW Construction Corporation.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• Social and Economical Issues
• Reopen School and Small Businesses
• County Road

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Social Issues - Facilitate social change in Dane County by bring minority leaders and law enforcement together to start the process of bring about last social change in Dane County. I truly believe Dane County can become a model for other communities throughout the nation. We have some great leaders in Dane County who can get the job done.

Economic Issues - Low Income and homelessness must be addressed. As Dane County Executive I would ask religious organization and non-profits to come together to help get the homeless into shelters. Once in the shelters, social works and mentors could work with the people to give them the guidance and inspiration to make a lasting change in their lives. Entice business and manufacturing into Dane County, with good paying jobs with benefits.

Reopen Schools - Dane County needs to have all school back open for in person instruction. Dane County districts should collaborate with Districts outside Dane County to come up with reopen plans.

Small Business entrepreneurs have suffered greatly during the pandemic. Many have reinvented their business to try and weather the pandemic. We need to encourage people to come out and support our small business owners. These businesses are the life blood our community main streets. These businesses are the first to support our youth and families who fall on hard times in our communities. The Menards and Wal-Marts will weather the storm but our mom and pops will not.

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the state government and legal system?

The Dane County Executive needs to be a person who can facilitate positive change for Dane County. It is my mission to facilitate change by bring leaders together to come up with lasting change. The Dane County Executive is responsible for a $700 million dollar budget. My Bachelor's Degree in Accounting will help me make the proper decisions required with a budget of this size. My job experience is in the private sector, which I feel will give me a unique perceptive on issues facing the County.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

First and foremost the person must be honest and a person of principals. Empathy for the citizen they represent. Fairness in looking at all sides of an issue. Good communication skills is a must. Integrity.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like to be remembered as person who was quick to help others. As Dane County Executive my greatest legacy would be to start the foundation of change in race relations. As the person who governed for all the people. As the person who worked to end the divisiveness in our communities. To encourage others to take step up and run for local government.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first job was for the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of American and Soil Science Society of America. My position was Clerk Typist for the Crops & Soils Magazine. I decided to take accounting courses at MATC and in 1984 I was promoted to the position of Full Charge Bookkeeper for all three societies. I worked for the three societies for 18 years.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Let There be Peace On Earth.

Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

Dane County Executive oversees a counties made up of rural communities, small to medium municipalities and the City of Madison. Talking with people in various communities they feel their tax dollars are being spent on projects that benefit the City of Madison only and pet projects of the current administration. Many residents outside the city limits of Madison feel their voices are not heard. I feel there is transparency issues which need to be looked at. The intertwining of the City of Madison and Dane County needs to be looked at. Transparency is the key to making sure the citizens of Dane County feel they are represented.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?

No I don't feel this office requires a background in government and/or politics. Before I decided to run for Dane County Executive I looked for a job description to see if I was qualitied. What I found was I needed to be 18 years of age and a resident of Dane County. I fill both of these requirements. I bring to the table a non political view of moving this county forward. I will use the experience I have gained working in the private sector to bring a fresh preceptive to the job.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

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