NAME: Bridget Flood
ADDRESS:
PHONE NUMBER: 608 784-7199
E-MAIL: bridget029@centurytel.net
AGE: 59
NUMBER OF YEARS LIVED IN LA CROSSE COUNTY: I was raised in
FAMILY: I have 2 daughters, 3 grandchildren and 9 brothers and sisters.
EDUCATION: I attended Holy Trinity and Aquinas I completed 3 years of college.
OCCUPATION (if retired, former occupation): I work for
ELECTED OFFICES HELD (include years served): I have never run for public office. I have been elected to many positions in organizations I belong to.
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES AND MEMBERSHIPS: I am a local union activist. I have served my Afscme local in many positions since 1991. I am currently a union steward and trustee for my local. I have served our union's state organization on the Women's Advisory Committee and on several convention committees. I am a delegate to and secretary of the Western Wisconsin AFL-CIO Labor Council. I chair the labor council's Workers Memorial Day Committee and the Women's Committee. For many years I was vice chair of the AFSCME Congressional District 3 PEOPLE Committee (political action committee). I sit on the board of the La Crosse Area Crime Stoppers and chair their public relations committee.
A. Why do you want to serve on the La Crosse County Board?
I have worked for
B. What are the two most pressing issues facing
1. Revenue loss from reduced shared revenue and from the state mandated taxing caps. I think the county and it's citizens should work for a method of taxation which requires corporations to pay a fair share of taxes. I believe we should work for a one payer health care system which would cut administaion costs for all health insurance. I think we should and can look for imaginative ways to cut expenses. I would like to see input from front line employees as well as voters on this.
2. As a government entity we need to always look for ways to balance individual needs with the needs of the majority and to balance the needs of the present with those of the future.
The next several questions will ask your feelings about past and future actions by the county board. Please answer by putting an “X” next to the statement that most closely reflects your view. Then, please explain your reasons in writing
1. Do you support or oppose reducing the size of the county board by half?
Strongly Support
Support
No opinion X
Oppose
Strongly Oppose
Reason: We have a very large county board. I wonder at the cost of such a large board. I also think the current committee system is working very well and that the current board seems to be dedicated to the welfare of the constituents.
2. With the switch to a county administrator four years ago, how satisfied are you with the county board’s new role as a board of directors that makes policy decisions rather than operational decisions?
Very satisfied
Satisfied X
No opinion
Unsatisfied
Very unsatisfied
Reason: I'm especially happy that our county nursing home, Lakeview, has been saved rather than being put on the auction block. The board and it's committee system seems to be working.
3. How satisfied are you with the county administrator's new four-year contract?
Very satisfied
Satisfied
No opinion
Unsatisfied X
Very unsatisfied Reason:
Although I like Mr. O'Malley as an administrator, I'm upset that he got a huge raise to retain him while union employees have only been offered 2%. No one is indispensable.
4. How satisfied are you with the proposed “smart growth” comprehensive plan
scheduled for county board approval in coming months?
Very satisfied
Satisfied X
No opinion
Unsatisfied
Very unsatisfied
Reason: The comprehensive plan is an ambitious project which
basically calls for localities to make their own growth plans within a
framework of county requirements. The plan will be reviewed every few
years and much input is required from citizens. It also incorporates
protections for
5. Do you support or oppose having the county board hold a referendum before borrowing money for buildings or other capital projects?
Strongly Support
Support X
No opinion
Oppose
Strongly Oppose
Reason: I believe we must always seek the will of the majority.
6. Do you support or oppose
Strongly Support
Support X
No opinion
Oppose
Strongly Oppose
Reason: A public project is always more accountable to voters than one that is done by a private contractor. As long as the board has the ability to develop this property, we're better off with people who are working for the public good rather than private profit
7. Do you support or oppose
Strongly Support X
Support
No opinion
Oppose
Strongly Oppose
Reason: As a humanist who works in corrections, I couldn't agree more with this philosophy.
8. Do you support or oppose spending more of the county's budget reserves to reduce the property tax levy?
Strongly Support
Support X
No opinion
Oppose
Strongly Oppose
Reason: I do support this idea but I would caution all that we must always balance the present with the needs of the future.
9. Do you support or oppose the state of
Strongly Support
Support
No opinion
Oppose
Strongly Oppose X
Reason: This should be a local decision. The state has already limited shared revenue funds. They can't possibly know the needs of each locality.
10. Do you support or oppose the county's plans for a $29.5 million jail expansion?
Strongly Support X
Support
No opinion
Oppose
Strongly Oppose
Reason: More jail space is needed. I believe the county has looked at all options and acted as responsibly as possible. Still: $29.5 million??