NAME: David P. Gebhart
ADDRESS:
PHONE
NUMBER:608-792-0021 Cell
E-MAIL:dave.gebhart@delaval.com
AGE:
55
NUMBER
OF YEARS LIVED IN
FAMILY:
Dave & Patricia Gebhart
Tracy- Gebhart Schams—29
works @ LHI
Robin Gebhart-27 lives in Minneapolis, MN works @ Gap-Mall –of-
Ashley Gebhart 25-Works lives in
Minneapolis, MN
Travis Gebhart -19-
student
EDUCATION:
Graduate
OCCUPATION
(if retired, former occupation):
Vice-President National Accounts DeLaval
Cleaning Solution,
ELECTED
OFFICES HELD (include years served):
None
COMMUNITY
ACTIVITIES AND MEMBERSHIPS:
Volunteered
at Logan High for my sister working with Academic Decathlon
La Crosse County Board Candidate Questionnaire
A. Why do
you want to serve on the
I am
confident I can serve the needs of rural and urban
B. What are the
two most pressing issues facing La Crosse County, and what do you think La
Crosse County government should do about them?
Designing, building a satisfactory Jail upgrade.
Managing expenses with minimal tax increases. Look at zero base budgeting,
Lastly
building a county government that meets the needs of the entire county. Building a consensus to get support for full county management.
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 X-
Support
No opinion
Oppose
Strongly Oppose
Reason: I believe we need an active board, if we are on the board,
prepare for meetings, show up for all county meetings, vote to
support our district.
I believe we could be represented by 18 board members vs. the 35 not
trying to manage.
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: We have seen savings in the management of our county health
care system. The use of the professional management could lead to keeping our
board @ 35 members.
3. How satisfied
are you with the county administrator's new four-year contract?
Very satisfied
Satisfied X
No opinion
Unsatisfied
Very unsatisfied
Reason: We need to pay for professional management,
I believe he has saved the board more than his income and more than the board
on their own would have saved. He appears top work well with County
departments. That is critical
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: I realize this is a critical issue for our future, I need to learn more by each district to answer
better. This is a subject I need to study to insure I can represent our
district best.
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 think the board should have the ability to meet the
emergency service needs of the county. For major improvements or capital
improvements I support a referendum.
6. Do you support
or oppose
Strongly Support X
Support
No opinion
Oppose
Strongly Oppose
Reason: Ultimately one group needs to be responsible. I think that
is the county board. I believe all areas affected need the opportunity
for input.
7. Do you support
or oppose La Crosse County's criminal justice philosophy, which includes
finding alternatives to jail for offenders who are not a danger to the
community?
Strongly Support
Support X
No opinion
Oppose
Strongly Oppose
Reason: I support the professionals who know about criminal
control. I believe criminals can and should be responsible including paying for
remote verification (ankle bracelets) and reporting to local police
authorities. Including county work gangs if needed, emergencies, i.e. floods,
significant snow storms.
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: When possible. At the direction of the
board.
9. Do you support
or oppose the state of
Strongly Support
Support
No opinion
Oppose X
Strongly Oppose
Reason: I believe unless the state can rebate any expense monies
needed the county should manage our business. If the board can’t manage to the
satisfaction on the populace they will be replaced!
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:
I support the recommendation of the existing board members, They
have reviewed, studied the needs and hopefully we will be prepared for many
years to come.