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VOTE411 Voter Guide

Crow Wing County Commissioner District 4

County commissioners are the county s key policymakers. They oversee the administration of the county, set county budget, and participate in county long-range planning. County services that they oversee include a wide variety of social service and welfare programs, as well as certain public health programs. Learn more about the day in the life of a county commissioner in this video from the Association of Minnesota Counties.

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  • Candidate picture

    Dawn Espe
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Rosemary Franzen
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Troy Kenneth Scheffler
    (NP)

Biographical Information

If elected, what will your top three priorities be and why? (750 characters)

How would you balance safe and secure elections with voting access? (500 characters)

What do you see as the biggest challenges to mental health and social services in your county, and how would you address them? (500 characters)

What approach would you take to delivering county services while managing the cost of delivering those services? (500 characters)

What role, if any, do you think the county board plays in immigration enforcement? (500 characters)

How do you plan to interact with constituents to best understand the needs of the county? (500 characters)

telephone 3204926335
Expanding representation and perspective. I believe that effective leadership means welcoming diverse viewpoints shaped by different personal and professional experiences. Promoting a shift in leadership. I support term limits and the importance of new energy and ideas in public service. Caring for people and place. I value collaboration, community well-being, and stewardship of the county’s natural and human resources.
Not sure at this time. I believe answers to these types of questions take thoughtful consideration of a variety of factors. If elected, I will work to examine all the information presented, listen to community needs and work with other leaders, elected officials and other partners to ensure we are doing what is best for all those who call Crow Wing County home.
Not sure at this time. I believe answers to these types of questions take thoughtful consideration of a variety of factors. If elected, I will work to examine all the information presented, listen to community needs and work with other leaders, elected officials and other partners to ensure we are doing what is best for all those who call Crow Wing County home.
Not sure at this time. I believe answers to these types of questions take thoughtful consideration of a variety of factors. If elected, I will work to examine all the information presented, listen to community needs and work with other leaders, elected officials and other partners to ensure we are doing what is best for all those who call Crow Wing County home.
Not sure at this time. I believe answers to these types of questions take thoughtful consideration of a variety of factors. If elected, I will work to examine all the information presented, listen to community needs and work with other leaders, elected officials and other partners to ensure we are doing what is best for all those who call Crow Wing County home.
It is important for elected officials to serve the community for which they are elected. That means attending community events, holding town halls, returning phone calls and emails in a timely manner and considering all sides to issues that impact quality of life. Being available, committing to what I say and listening to understand is how I will approach the duties of this role.
telephone 218-820-7640
Campaign Email mrfranzen69@gmail.com
FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY: We balance the annual budget, control debt, and save for the future. By tracking spending transparently and preventing waste, we optimize essential services without overburdening residents with higher taxes or succumbing to unfunded mandates. PUBLIC SAFETY: Everyone deserves to be safe where they live. It is the government's responsibility to protect citizens, communities, We need to ensure that law enforcement is fully funded and well equipped to keep neighborhoods and property from dangers that threaten their well-being. INFRASTRUCTURE: High quality transportation is the foundation of a strong economy. We invest in roads, utilities, and broadband to support local businesses, create jobs and boost economic growth.
I have confidence in the elections process that is carried out in Crow Wing County. CWC is committed to ensuring elections are free, fair, secure, and accurate. Minnesota election law requires paper ballots and party balance in the poll workers. These people take an oath to follow the law, prevent fraud, and act in a fair and impartial manner. To receive a ballot in Minnesota, you must be 18, a resident for at least 20 days, a registered voter, and be able to show the legally required ID.
Rural residents face barriers to mental healthcare like isolation, provider shortages, and high costs. Overcoming these challenges requires expanding telehealth, addressing the local caregiver shortage, lowering financial burdens, and implementing education campaigns to reduce stigma. Social services struggle with heavy caseloads, underfunding, and bureaucracy. We can fix this by investing in worker training and adopting tech-enabled care to streamline paperwork and expand access to services.
Delivering cost-effective constituent support is my daily focus. 98% of the county budget pays for mandated or support services. The county’s charge is having to balance what level of service our citizens deserve with what level of taxes they can provide. For example, state law requires snow removal but omits specific fleet guidelines. The county board must weigh taxpayer expectations against budget realities to ensure timely snow removal and safe road conditions.
While the County Board manages the budget, the Sheriff's Office maintains independent operational control over county law enforcement. The Sheriff serves under state statutory authority—not the county board's direct command—and is independently accountable to state laws, mandates, and the voters. Consequently, the Board cannot alter or terminate the Sheriff's sworn, statutory duties. I believe our role is to partner with and support our local Sheriff in protecting the community.
Elected officials must be accountable to the people they serve. True governance begins by openly sharing information and creating a two-way dialogue. To best represent this district, I make it a priority to be accessible, listen to your concerns, and answer your calls and emails personally. I was elected to be your voice, and I am always here to listen and learn, and represent the people of my district
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