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Candidate's responses have been limited in word count. The Post has not edited responses, but has simply ended responses which went over the allotted amount of words.
KEITH BEACH
1. Please tell us a little about yourself.
I've been a resident of Winona County 60 plus years and I've been married 47 years. I graduated from WSHS, attended Winona State briefly. I started work at Mn/DOT as a laborer. After 12 years of varying positions and promotions I became an area supervisor and assigned to the new maintenance shop built in St. Charles to coincide with the new interstate system. I supervised 15-20 people, depending on the season. I was responsible for Hwy 74, 14, I-90 to Wilson, and Hwy. 43 to Winona. These highways flowed into three counties. In 1991, I transferred back to Winona and my responsibilities included all state highways from Homer north to Lake City. I was on call 24/7 for 42 years. I have dealt with governments of cities, towns, villages, county and state highway departments, DNR, State Patrol, sheriff's departments, railroad and public safety personnel.
It is my desire to contribute my knowledge of government infrastructure by representing the 5th District as county commissioner.
2. Do you feel Winona County should invest in a new jail facility?
I don't think Winona County taxpayers can afford millions of dollars to build a new jail facility that would equal a five star hotel. I have toured the jail and realize it needs updating, but before I commit, I want to explore all alternatives and avenues that will save the taxpayers in the long run.
We need to make sure our state legislators do their part to keep on track with our rising concerns. When a system is working there should be no need to shut it down.
I commend Dave Brand for his decision to use the lower level as a Detention Center.
3. The current animal unit limit to feedlots in Winona County is 1,500. Do you feel this number suits the needs and concerns of residents and farmers?
Being a resident of Winona County and not a farmer, I am comfortable with the animal limit. I believe a large progressive farmer capable of competing in today's market should not be penalized for being successful.
Environmentally, I am a staunch supporter that all OSHA and MPCA regulations must be adhered to and all county requirements must be met. If these required standards aren't met the operation should be shut down. These standards should apply to all, whether it is a 5 acre vegetable garden or as much land as one can pay taxes on. If the larger operatives are meeting all requirements and regulations perhaps the animal unit should be revisited.
4. What do you feel are the pressing issues facing Winona County today?
The budgets of all Winona County departments are strained. I am concerned with the punch the County Highway Department is taking. The rising price of materials and cost of fuel is shocking. My bet is they're doing more work with fewer employees and our county roads must not deteriorate beyond repair.
Planning and Zoning Department needs a strong leader with the clout to work with the County Attorney to ensure regulations are enforced. The hiring of two technicians would be worthless if paper is just pushed back and forth. Limited space doesn't allow me to share my thoughts of planning and zoning between county and township level.
I believe there must be an attempt made to solve the conflict between the county and the Historical Society. All government officials need to work together amicably to solve this rift.
I have yet to recover from sticker shock on my last tax statement, when here we go again. Millions more for a new jail! My candidacy is an ....
JERRY DELANEY
1. Please tell us a little about yourself.
I am qualified. I enjoy serving my community and I want to continue public service but in another arena.
My family and I:
I am 50 years old, was born and raised in Olmsted county. I have been a resident of Southeastern MN for most of my life. I am married and have three children. My wife works as an Ophthalmic Assistant at Gunderson Lutheran. My son is an Attorney and is working in St. Cloud MN. My daughters are still pursuing their post high school educations. While my children were growing up I was involved with them and their schools. I have coached basketball and golf, and have mentored my children through the Catholic school system in Winona. We live in Cedar Valley near the golf course. I enjoy golf, hunting and fishing, and riding motorcycle.
Education and Training:
2 yr. Associates Degree in Law Enforcement.
Licensed Peace 0fficer. 30years of experience,. First Responder, former Emergency Response Team member with 6 years of service. 20 years Deputy Sheriff Winona County.
Police Officer for the city of La Crescent . 1976-1986, Volunteer fireman for 6 years.
I have held positions as Association President, Union Steward, and Union Vice President. Obtained training in problem solving.
I have been involved in labor contract negotiations for approx. 15 years.
Outside of law enforcement I held licenses in Real Estate sales in MN. and WI. for three years.
2. Do you feel Winona County should invest in a new jail facility?
We need to provide the necessary space for a new Winona County Criminal Justice program and corrections. I will support programs such as alternative justice, drug courts, drug and alcohol programs, counseling, education and employment assistance programs. All which need to be packaged with providing for the jail space needs. Old jail- out grown, no program space, need space for women, and juveniles. I agree with recent Jail study and recommendations. Funding is bigger than deciding we need a new facility. I don't know where it should come from yet. I am interested in seeing if a countywide sales tax could be implemented for funding. I think this would be the fairest method for such a large project.
3. The current animal unit limit to feedlots in Winona County is 1,500. Do you feel this number suits the needs and concerns of residents and farmers?
I believe the current 1500 units are sufficient for Winona County. We only have a small percentage of farms that are real large. Using current methods of operations we have to consider the rights of neighbors and going beyond these units without use of higher technological methods of operation and management of waste would be irresponsible. I support the family farms in Winona County. Being really large is not always better.
4. What do you feel are the pressing issues facing Winona County today?
Providing space for County Health and Veterans Service.
Addressing the jail and program space needs for Winona Co. Corrections
I have really enjoyed public service as a Winona Co. Deputy. I want to continue to protect and serve my community. I want to be your commissioner. I will bring common sense, experience, logical thinking, and long-range vision.
GREG ERICKSON)
1. Please tell us a little about yourself.
I was born and raised in the Lewiston-Stockton area and moved to the farm we're now on when I was four years old. After high school, I worked for the railroad before buying the farm from my parents in 1978. My wife, Jeanne, and I have four children and five grandchildren. Four generations currently live on our farm, where we milk 70-80 cows, farm 270 acres, and all work together to support one another. As a farmer, I've always been deeply committed to conservation, preserving the soil and protecting the water and air. We schooled our children in a variety of ways, including public school, Silo Immanuel Lutheran, and home schooling. I've been involved in a variety of church work, including vacation bible school and teaching Sunday School for 25 years. I've also been involved in Meals on Wheels, coaching basketball, and mission trips to both Mexico and Colombia. I serve on the Winona County Planning Commission and currently chair the Winona County Board of Adjustment.
2. Do you feel Winona County should invest in a new jail facility?
We do need a new jail facility, but it is important that we size it in a way that we can afford. The County needs to work with other agencies and partners to create cost-effective programs for non-violent offenders, offenders that do not present a danger to the community, and these should be programs that minimize time in jail. Jail construction costs a lot, and the actual incarceration of prisoners is very costly for taxpayers as well. I presume that any jail construction would have to be paid for through county bonding.
3. The current animal unit limit to feedlots in Winona County is 1,500. Do you feel this number suits the needs and concerns of residents and farmers?
We need to keep the 1500 animal unit cap in Winona County. The cap was set to protect the air, water and land resources in the County as vital ingredients of the living environment. It was also set to protect local farmers from the negative economics of industrial farming. It has been my experience that there are only a few farms in the county that are now near the animal unit cap, and some are experiencing problems with air and water quality. Until air, water and soil integrity is met, we shouldn't even consider going higher than the 1500 animal unit cap. I believe in caution when we're talking about issues of life and health. It is important to remember that huge facilities hurt the ability of small to mid-size farms to compete. 80% of the dairy farms in Winona County are under 100 cows. And even the 200-300 cow dairies would be hurt if we lifted the cap. We also need to keep opportunities open for our children to be farm owners, rather than just farm workers.
4. What do you feel are the pressing issues facing Winona County today?
Quality of life issues are of the highest importance. I'm very concerned about how industrial hog facilities, for example, affect the quality of life for rural neighbors. And my votes on the planning commission have reflected that. Protecting the bluffs from being developed is also necessary. We need to preserve the beauty that we have in this area. I also believe in the importance of the Winona County Historical Society because we need to know our history and where we came from in order to figure out where we're going to go in the future.
MIKE KIRSCHMANN
1. Please tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Mike Kirschmann and I am running for a seat on the Winona County Board to represent the 5th District. I am married to Mary K. and have three grown children, ages 27, 31, and 33, one grandson, and two more on the wayJ. I was born on the family farm in North Dakota and have also lived in Illinois, Africa, and Hawaii. Winona County has been my home for 17 years. I believe my broad geographic experience will enrich my ability to think "Big Picture" as a County Commissioner.
I am not a single issue candidate. In order to insure that any decisions I make are not leveraged by special interests, I have not accepted or received support from any special interest group.
Some of my participation in local, county, and state government has included:
Wilson Township Supervisor and Chair - elected
Wilson Township Planning Commission and Variance Board - appointed
Winona County Economic Development Authority (EDA) Advisory Board - appointed
Winona County Planning Commission - appointed (currently Chair)
Winona County Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor - elected
Board member of The Winona Farm Inc. - appointed
Executive Director of the state-wide Local Government Alliance (LGA) - appointed
Partners in Housing, Agriculture, and Sustainable Economic Development - elected
Winona Daily News Citizen Advisory Committee - appointed
Minnesota Association of Townships
Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts
2. Do you feel Winona County should invest in a new jail facility?
2) I am not yet convinced that building a new jail will be more economically efficient than simply transporting inmates to another facility. Not only will a new jail be expensive to build, it will come with increased and ongoing employee costs. If the facts bear out that we do need a new jail, we need to find a way to pay for it without putting further undue financial hardship on our law-abiding taxpayers, especially those on fixed incomes. There are other possibly less expensive options worth exploring including the building and operation of a facility by a private enterprise.
3. The current animal unit limit to feedlots in Winona County is 1,500. Do you feel this number suits the needs and concerns of residents and farmers?
As Chairperson of the Winona Cunty Planning Commission, I am very aware of the economic and environmental issues surrounding the question of animal unit numbers. Perhaps the solution lies in creating a series of "steps" of requirements to be met as the animal unit numbers increase dependant on existing geographic and environmental conditions at each individual feedlot site. The present 1500 unit cap is a reasonable compromise until a much needed review of the ordinance is completed. Because of the problematic karsts features and significant groundwater issues in our county, I would push for a comprehensive review and update of the feedlot ordinance if elected.
4. What do you feel are the pressing issues facing Winona County today?
The primary focus of any governmental unit should be to protect the health, safety, and welfare of its constituents. Because of recent quickly rising property values, property taxes have risen dramatically. I believe a "correction" in property values and the economy is on the horizon and all government units will have to be prepared to re-prioritize the services they offer and the amounts they can spend on each of those services. Because of these factors, I believe the most pressing need in our county is for the County Board to measure each decision it makes with an eye toward creating sustainable economic development beneficial to all county taxpayers.
MARCIA WARD
1. Please tell us a little about yourself.
Married with 4 children, Nodine resident since 1979, retired business owner - 25 years, B.S. in Business from the University of MN, farmer - Purebred Suffolk Sheep, active parent at Winona Public and Ridgeway Schools, 4-H leader for 16 years, Farm Bureau member, Current Vice-Chair in Winona County Board, Past Chair, Winona County Board, Chair Winona Community Health Services Board, Chair Winona County Roads and Bridges, Chair Elect of Minnesota Dept. of Health State Advisory Committees, Member Winona County Human Services Advisory, Member - past chair Southeast Minnesota Water Resources Board, Member Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Board, Member Winona County Extension, Member Winona County EDA, Member of Association of Minnesota Counties Natural Resources and Agriculture Committees
2. Do you feel Winona County should invest in a new jail facility?
Winona County needs to determine what type of criminal justice/corrections system it needs to ensure public safety. The board is currently working on creating a "Corrections Task Force," members coming from all areas of corrections including judges, county attorney staff, private attorneys, corrections officers, jail staff, sheriff's staff, Human Services, Public Health, business, community and private citizens. All the partners need to agree to some basic objectives and prioritize the important issues Winona County wants to have in its criminal justice/corrections system. A jail is only a part of this system. Treatment and cognitive programs need to be part of our system, as well as alternatives to incarceration.
An analysis needs to be done with actual data to determine the true and total costs of building a new facility vs. using other neighboring county facilities. The annex in the basement has reduced some expenses but increased others. We need to do our homework because currently the financial burden is on the property taxpayers. The concept of shared resources with other jurisdictions needs to be researched to get the best value for our property tax dollars.
3. The current animal unit limit to feedlots in Winona County is 1,500. Do you feel this number suits the needs and concerns of residents and farmers?
The current animal unit limit was established after a lot of study and discussion by the Feedlot Task Force and the County Board. If there are new facts presented to warrant changing the unit limit I would agree to review the animal unit limits.
The process Winona County uses with the Conditional Use Permit allows special conditions to be considered and a public hearing to allow citizen input. I think the process is working but it can be reviewed. More of a concern seems to be that the conditions are being followed and enforced, this applies to all permits not just feedlots. A strong partnership needs to be ongoing with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency as they are the environmental enforcement agency. The County Board is addressing this issue with preliminary discussion with staff and the Planning Commission as to how enforcement can be addressed on all conditions placed on all Conditional Use Permits.
4. What do you feel are the pressing issues facing Winona County today?
Reducing the reliance on property tax dollars - most property taxpayers are concerned with valuations and tax rates. Winona County ranks 83 out of 87 counties for the lowest total county government expenditures per capita. I will continue to work to keep minimal funding to get maximum impact.
Public Health/Emergency Preparedness
A pandemic event planning with great attention to details is critical. County staff is coordinating plans with multiple partners across jurisdictions to protect the public.
Roads and Bridges
Our staff is working on maximizing funding sources to improve our roads safety issues - federal funds ...
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