NAME: Joe Veenstra
ADDRESS:
PHONE NUMBER: (608) 784-6465
E-MAIL: joeveenstra@gmail.com also see my blog at: http://www.veenstra4countyboard.blogspot.com
AGE: 38
NUMBER OF YEARS LIVED IN
FAMILY: Becky (wife), Jack (5), Sam (4)
EDUCATION: B.A.,
OCCUPATION (if retired, former occupation):
Attorney, Johns,
ELECTED OFFICES HELD (include years served): None.
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES AND MEMBERSHIPS:
Alzheimer's Association;
Coulee Region Business Center (Kane Street Incubator); City of La Crosse Board
of Review; High School and UW-L Mock Trial Judge; Junior Achievement; Guest
Lecturer at Viterbo University; La Crosse County Bar
Association
A. Why do you want to serve on the
In my job, I enjoy listening to and talking to
people and trying to help them solve problems, which is what local
government does on a larger scale. I also have always enjoyed politics
and the legislative process. I believe my experience is such that I can
help the people and businesses in District 3 obtain help from the county when
they need it or have problems.
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 ?
1. The
primary problem facing the La Crosse County is maintaining quality
services without raising taxes, taking into account inflation, state and
federal mandates, and the levy freeze. Long-term thinking,
creativity and the use of technology will be required to address this ongoing
problem.
2. The
second problem is in the area of economic development. This will
require
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 X
No opinion
Oppose
Strongly Oppose
Reason: I believe the
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 believe that this has been a success in
almost every way. The board is not dealing with minor items in which it
has no great expertise.
3. How satisfied are you with the county administrator's new
four-year contract?
Very satisfied
Satisfied
No opinion
Unsatisfied : X
Very unsatisfied
Reason: I have mixed feelings regarding the
contract. There can be no doubt that
Administrator O'Malley has done a good job. Nonetheless,
the amount of the salary and benefit package is hard to swallow given the
incomes or salaries of most people and the small increases received by other
county employees.
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 challenge with regard to the plan is with
coordinating growth and development in a way that is best in the long-term for
the county while addressing concerns raised by local governments.
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
Oppose X
Strongly Oppose
Reason: I believe the supervisors are elected to make
difficult decisions. If the decision to borrow is disapproved of strongly
by the voters, the supervisors who supported the expenditure will held to account politically.
6. Do you support or oppose
Strongly Support
Support X
No opinion
Oppose
Strongly Oppose
Reason: I believe
7. Do you support or oppose
Strongly Support
Support X
No opinion
Oppose
Strongly Oppose
Reason: As long as public safety is not
compromised, finding alternatives to jail is best for everyone.
Those offenders who qualify can obtain and maintain employment and treatment
without being an overwhelming burden on local taxpayers by sitting in
jail.
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 believe that maintaining an adequate budget
reserve is important so that the county's bond rating is high. It is
my understanding, however, at this point, that the reserve is sufficient that
some of the reserve could be utilized to reducy the
levy without compromising the county's good bond rating. My opinion
would change if the facts did.
9. Do you support or oppose the state of
Strongly Support
Support
No opinion
Oppose X
Strongly Oppose
Reason: I have very mixed feelings regarding this question. I
know that many people, especially those on a fixed income struggle with
their property taxes. La Crosse County's portion of a person's tax bill,
however, has been maintained at a reasonable level. This is another
situation where I think the county supervisors can be held to account if county
property tax rates grow unreasonably. With the cap,
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: Although I have some real concerns given the
problems that arose with the last jail's construction, I believe that the
jail expansion is necessary. It was overwhelmingly supported by the board and by local
law enforcement. I believe the board should keep a steady eye on the
project to make sure that costs do not increase and that the plans and
construction are consistent with what was promised.