While attending local political groups with candidates for potential new board members, I listened to similar questions I had about the county from 2 years ago. That tells me the county isn't doing a good enough job communicating county services to the public. I believe our county manager is doing a good job at increasing county visibility, but I believe it can be better. The more people know how local government works, the more people are engaged. The county does not have a public outreach program as that is outside the duties of government, however the best options would be to continue outreach with the County Manager as well as be a persistent presence in said local groups. I advocate ways the constituency can petition for changes by all means.
The county's budget is always a big concern. While Dunn County has been doing wonderful work with what it is able to generate, the truth is that funding from the state level has been drastically reduced over the decades despite the state having surpluses. We need the state to honor its service to the counties and make whole the funds it withholds. It is unfair to ask for the populace to burden more of the cost than in previous years. Dunn County does not advocate for its self due to legal restrictions. However this does not stop individuals from asking for services as private citizens. The best we can do is engage the populace (most important issue) and take those voices to advocate for further funding of county services by our other elected officials.
Picking a specific issue that I've heard a lot of people talk about is the condition of county roads. The highway department is severely underfunded for the amount of work needed to get the county roads up to parity. In addition to Priority #2, the county has greenlit a solar panel farm that would be paying money into the county by 2026. I highly advocate and encourage the county to look at prioritizing a majority of those funds to be allocated to the highway department.
Dunn County does a lot for what it is given and what tax payers pay. This past year we were able to even afford a tax break. That being said, certain services are still highly underfunded and other services are likely to experience further reduction in funds. Health and Human Services will take a big hit with the end of Covid and ARPA funds as well as the closure of local hospitals and clinics. As I stated before, Highway is also always a concern. I addressed Highway in my previous answer. For HHS, we cannot raise the price of services any more than they are. And as I stated before, the State needs to honor its side of the budget. I don't see the tax break continuing past this year without the reduction of essential services.
The most important issue facing Dunn County is budgeting with long-term community impact in mind. Families are managing rising costs, and county government should do the same while ensuring critical services like public safety, infrastructure, and health services are delivered effectively.
I would carefully review spending, prioritize efficiency, and ask tough but fair questions about sustainability. We should ensure taxpayer dollars are used strategically. Responsible budgeting is about being intentional, transparent, and accountable.
The second most important issue is managing growth in a way that protects our quality of life and natural resources. Growth can bring opportunity, but it must be guided by thoughtful planning and community input. Without coordination, we risk overburdening infrastructure and widening gaps between rural and urban communities.
I would address this by encouraging stronger communication and collaboration between towns, municipalities, and the county board. We need practical land-use planning with long-term sustainability in mind. I believe in sitting down at the table, listening first, and making balanced decisions that protect opportunities while preserving the character of our county.
The third key issue is strengthening community connection and ensuring all voices are heard. Dunn County works best when we focus on what unites us. Growing up in the country with agricultural roots and now living in the city, I understand perspectives differ, but our priorities (safe communities, strong local economies, and quality of life) are often the same.
I would prioritize open communication, transparency, and respectful dialogue, being accessible to constituents, explaining decisions clearly, and creating space for productive conversations. Good governance starts with trust built through listening and follow-through.
1. Public Safety and Infrastructure
Public safety and infrastructure are core responsibilities, but at heart, this is about people,keeping residents safe, equipping responders, and connecting communities through reliable roads and bridges. I support proactive planning, preventative maintenance, and long-term investment to protect taxpayers and strengthen communities. Community-based public safety strategies that build trust and address issues early are also essential.
2. Health and Human Services
Health and human services support our community and prevent bigger problems later. We can be compassionate and responsible by prioritizing preventative care, mental health, strong community partnerships, and measurable outcomes, while leveraging state and federal funding to protect taxpayers.
