NAME: Brad Pfaff
ADDRESS:
PHONE NUMBER: 608-781-5048
E-MAIL: bradpfaff@yahoo.com
AGE: 40
NUMBER OF YEARS LIVED IN LA CROSSE COUNTY: 24 years
FAMILY: Wife -- Betty, Children -- Andrew (age 7), Elizabeth (age 5)
EDUCATION:
M.P.A. --
B.S. -- University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
OCCUPATION (if retired, former occupation):
Policy Advisor, U.S. Representative Ron Kind
ELECTED OFFICES HELD (include years served):
La Crosse County Board of Supervisors, District 29 – 2006 to present
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES AND MEMBERSHIPS:
Holmen Historical Society
Melrose-Mindoro FFA Alumni Association
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Alumni
A. Why do you want to
serve on the
(Please limit this answer to 75 words so it will fit into a standard format.)
It is an honor to serve my neighbors and community on the La Crosse Board of Supervisors. The work of La
Crosse government affects every resident and business. In these challenging times of growth and contraction
of government, it is important that our region is represented by someone who can communicate the
concerns of our unique neighborhood to county government.
B. What are the two most pressing issues facing
The two main issues are services and taxes. While the county's population continues to grow, citizen demand
for public services grows as well. At the same time, the challenge is providing the service at a reasonable
cost to the taxpayer. I believe that I have voted to do this during my first term and will continue in 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 -- Yes
No opinion
Oppose
Strongly Oppose
Reason:
I find it ironic that the La Crosse County Board of
Supervisors has more members than the
Senate. While it is important that we continue to keep diverse voices and interests involved in the
process, I do not believe that our democratic process will be hampered by a smaller board size.
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 -- Yes
No opinion
Unsatisfied
Very unsatisfied
Reason:
I believe the addition of a county administrator has been a positive influence in ensuring efficiency and accountability in our government; however, I do believe that county supervisors must play a more active role in governance.
3. How satisfied are you with the county administrator's new four-year contract?
Very satisfied
Satisfied
No opinion
Unsatisfied -- Yes
Very unsatisfied
Reason: While I am happy with the performance of our administrator, I do believe that we could have
retained a quality employee for slightly less than was offered.
4. How satisfied are you with the proposed “smart growth” comprehensive plan scheduled for county board
approval in coming months?
Very satisfied
Satisfied
No opinion
Unsatisfied
Very unsatisfied
Reason:
It is imperative that all of our townships are given the time to fully participate in the process. Before we make any far-reaching decisions, we need to ensure that all comments and opinions are fully considered.
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
No opinion -- Yes
Oppose
Strongly Oppose
Reason:
The job of county supervisor is to listen and consider the opinion of their constituents. Every two years an
election is held.
6. Do you support or oppose
Strongly Support
Support -- Yes
No opinion
Oppose
Strongly Oppose
Reason:
and good-paying jobs to the area’s economy. The business park is a great example of public-private
partnership, and I support this whole-heartedly.
7. Do you support or oppose
Strongly Support
Support -- yes
No opinion
Oppose
Strongly Oppose
Reason:
We only have so many beds in our criminal justice system. I want to keep dangerous, violent offenders
from our children and rehabilitate those that can.
8. Do you support or oppose spending more of the county's budget reserves to reduce the property tax
levy?
Strongly Support
Support
No opinion
Oppose
Strongly Oppose
Reason:
Unlike the state of
to maintain a sizeable “rainy-day fund.” As a result, our county’s financial standing with our bond holders
is exemplary.
9. Do you support or oppose the state of
County's ability to raise property taxes by 2 percent, or the percentage of new construction growth, in 2009?
Strongly Support
Support
No opinion
Oppose
Strongly Oppose
Reason:
The state of
10. Do you support or oppose the county's plans for a $29.5 million jail expansion?
Strongly Support
Support -- yes
No opinion
Oppose
Strongly Oppose
Reason:
I voted for this measure. For me it came down to a matter of public safety. No one wants to spend $29.5
million in housing for criminals, but that is the cost of keeping our neighbors and community safe.