NAME: Dave Drewes
ADDRESS:
PHONE NUMBER:788-4990
E-MAIL:ddrewes4990@charter.net
AGE: 72
NUMBER OF YEARS LIVED IN
FAMILY: My wife Fran, 3 grown children and 5 grandchildren
EDUCATION: BA
OCCUPATION (if retired, former occupation): Retired Sales
Manager for Torrance Casting La Crosse.
ELECTED OFFICES HELD (include years served): None
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES AND MEMBERSHIPS:
Chairman of Citizens for Responsible Government, Past
President of my church, Navy veteran (LCDR), member of
American Legion, Volunteer at Lutheran Hosp. Star bridge teacher.
A. Why do you want to serve on the La Crosse County Board?
I want to serve the poeple of
B. What are the two most pressing issues facing
There is a need for more intergovernmental cooperation.
Currently, the county could properly assist with repair of Bliss road,
which would be a benefit for more than the city of
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
Oppose X
Strongly Oppose
Reason: I don't know why the Tribune suggests cutting
the board by half. Thomas Jefferson was a strong advocate to keep the
government close to the people by representatives responsible to the
smallest number of people possible, and the county board seems to do that.
What problem would be removed or solved by reducing the size of the
board?
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
No opinion
Unsatisfied X
Very unsatisfied
Reason: There are plusses and minuses to this process. It
seems there is less transparancy and decisions of
policy are not being aired fully before the board is to make a decision. This
makes lack of interest by the public or seemingly apathy a selffullfing
prophecy.
3. How satisfied are you with the county administrator's new
four-year contract?
Very satisfied
Satisfied
No opinion
Unsatisfied X
Very unsatisfied
Reason: Analysis shows that the contract makes him the
highest paid administrator in the state (and by quite a margin). The pay, benefits
and retirement perks exceed comparables in industry. A legal concern
is the questionable sloppy handling of the contract that ignores
and defies a county ordinance. The Wisconsin Attorney General has
been asked for an opinion on this matter.
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 X
Unsatisfied
Very unsatisfied
Reason: The plan is not complete. I will evaluate it when it is complete.
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: While each project may have arguments for or against
such, it would seem that a referendum would keep the government close to the
people. Perhaps a major project of 25 million or more
should be given opportunity for debate and approval by the voters.
6. Do you support or oppose
Strongly Support
Support X
No opinion
Oppose
Strongly Oppose
Reason: This is a very complicated project with requirements
that
7. Do you support or oppose
Strongly Support
Support X
No opinion
Oppose
Strongly Oppose
Reason: The question that is not answered is,
what constitutes a person being a danger to the community? It is true that for some
low risk offenders jail time can lead them to further
association with higher risk people and more problems. I do believe some
of the law breakers are satisfactorily penalized by their appearance in the
court system but at the same time others have continued their ways with no seeming
penalty, and in fact, have committed more serious crimes while on alternative
programs. The safety of the public needs to be
the first consideration.
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 X
Oppose
Strongly Oppose
Reason: Currently the state is very concerned about lower
tax revenues with a slowing economy. Rather than looking at taxing more or
spending more why not look at reducing spending to reduce property or other
taxes. The bond rating for the county is very important and reserves keep that
in order.
9. Do you support or oppose the state of
Strongly Support
Support X
No opinion
Oppose
Strongly Oppose
Reason: This seems to fall in the category of a
previous President who said, "Ask not what your country can do for
you, but what you can do for your country." The county costs are
often inflated and people feel that with all that tax money they should provide
better services which leads to more taxation. Reduction, not expansion is
possible.
10. Do you support or oppose the county's plans for a $29.5
million jail expansion?
Strongly Support
Support X
No opinion
Oppose
Strongly Oppose
Reason: At this time there is overcrowding and as the
population increases there will be more who must by secured for the
public safety. That applies to women as well as men and in fact women are being
charged at a rate that is increasing much faster than men. Equality
is happening with criminal activity just like everything else.
Something must be done.