Dunn County Board Supervisor District 16 Choose 1
Biographical Information
Campaign Mailing Address
1104 7th Street E
Menomonie, WI 54751
Menomonie, WI 54751
What is the most important issue facing Dunn County and how would you address it?
Dunn County’s poverty rate is higher than the state average. A lack of good-paying jobs, housing, childcare, and small farms not making enough all contribute to this. My goal is to ensure the board provides the funding and personnel for economic growth that brings jobs with good wages and benefits, while being sustainable (environmentally, socially and financially). Part of that growth equation has to include childcare facilities. Expensive housing will demand collaboration among a number of parties to arrive at a good solution. I’ll also continue to support our board’s rural members’ efforts to ensure our farmers can succeed.
What is the second most important issue facing Dunn County and how would you address it?
We have a very tough housing market. There is a shortage of housing, and that in turn drives up the cost of single-family homes and apartments. Meanwhile, university student housing goes for high prices yet is often in disrepair. The county has formed a task force to address this. Collaboration among municipalities, property management companies, UW-Stout, the county, and other parties is necessary to address this. I’ll support all the efforts to ensure this collaboration occurs and that solutions are implemented.
What is the third most important issue facing Dunn County and how would you address it?
Water quality. Well testing was a good start so we could determine the full extent of the problem. Farm nutrient plans should be enforced, but more education on and finding funds for such practices are necessary to make that viable. All of us benefit when we keep natural waterways and groundwater clean – we not only have quality drinking water and recreational opportunities but those in turn help drive economic growth. The river and lakes in Dunn County should be our crown jewel instead of our problem to be ignored.
What are your two top priority areas of concern in the upcoming budget and how would you address them?
I want to see the Greater Dunn County Economic Development Director start some much needed work in helping bring good paying, sustainable jobs to the county. This would help with our poverty issues. In my book, addressing the lack of affordable housing and childcare has to be part of that economic growth effort.
I’ll also look at the county’s energy usage to see if there are ways to reduce and change to more renewable energy. The county could save money and be a leader in sustainability. Such forward thinking and success attracts attention from businesses that could move to the county.