Long-time Dane County Supervisor Paul Rusk died over the weekend at his home. He was 65 years old.
Rusk grew up in Daly City, California, and spent his adult life in Madison. He worked for U.S. Representative Robert Kastenmeier, Wisconsin State Senator Calvin Potter, and as the director of the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin.
“Our community has lost a caring, compassionate leader who placed people and public service in the highest regard,” said Dane County Executive Joe Parisi in a statement Monday. “Paul served many of his years on the Dane County Board of Supervisors as chair of the County’s Public Protection and Judiciary Committee. In that role and with his work with the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Alliance, Paul was a steadfast advocate for our most vulnerable and was a passionate, leading progressive voice about public safety and criminal justice reform.
“Paul was every bit of thoughtful as he was kind. Paul’s leadership and grace will be deeply missed,” Parisi added. “He was a public servant in every sense. All of Dane County mourns the loss of our friend and colleague, Supervisor Paul Rusk.”
Supervisor Rusk was first been elected in 2002 to represent District 12 encompassing the Village of Maple Bluff and the Northside of Madison, a county board said in a press release, and was a proud Northsider, and was passionate about serving his district, working collaboratively with area leaders to make sure their voices were heard.
Rusk served as the chair of the Dane County Board’s Public Protection and Judiciary Committee for twelve and a half years, stepping down from that role in the Fall of 2018. Currently, he served as a member of the Public Works and Transportation Committee.
“Paul was a good and principled man,” said County Board Chair Analiese Eicher in a statement. “I will dearly miss his friendship, as well as his intellect and sound counsel, as the County Board addresses the challenges ahead.
“Paul cared deeply about Dane County, and his dedication, hard work, and compassion changed our community for the better,” added Eicher. “He made a difference.”
