NAME: Marilyn J. Pedretti
ADDRESS: N7097 County Road XX, Holmen
PHONE NUMBER: 608-317-9698
E-MAIL: mjpedretti@yahoo.com
AGE: 44
NUMBER OF YEARS LIVED IN
FAMILY: single, one of eight children born to a farming family
EDUCATION:
graduate of
OCCUPATION
(if retired, former occupation): Town Clerk (Town of
ELECTED OFFICES HELD (include years served): none
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES AND MEMBERSHIPS: Habitat for Humanity Restore (volunteer), Friends of the Holland Sand Prairie (secretary), AmeriCorps Advisory Board (member), Coulee Region Sierra Club (ex-comm. board), A Place of Grace Catholic Worker House (volunteer), YMCA Advisory Board (former member), FSPA Affiliate and Prayer Partner, Midwest Renewable Energy Association (member)
A. Why
do you want to serve on the
I have always had an interest in politics and look at this as an opportunity to make a difference on a local level. Born and raised in Holmen, I have had great experiences living in various parts of the country but feel blessed to be back home. Because I care deeply about this community and believe in civic duty, I would work hard to provide the best possible services while holding down costs.
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)Unfunded mandates: Working at the local level, I've seen the municipalities continually hit with mandates from the State/Federal government. From what I've observed, the County sees the same pressure to produce results with no funding to back the new regulations.
(2) Sustainability: Having built my home off-grid using many sustainable practices, I can see many opportunities for the County to take the lead in the “green” movement (and save money in the process).
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: Diversity is a good thing. While I think there could be some reduction, cutting the Board in half seems to take away from diverse opinions and I’m not sure it would save that much money. The more people/the more opinions, the more an issue would be “fleshed out” for all the pros and cons.
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: From what I’ve seen in other communities, this County runs a pretty efficient system. It seems to me that the Board is elected to make decisions that affect the residents in the County, not make decisions about day-to-day activities or basic management of departments.
3. How satisfied are you with the county administrator's new four-year contract?
Very satisfied
Satisfied X
No opinion
Unsatisfied
Very unsatisfied
Reason: While I’m still learning all the details of the County workings, I’ve heard nothing but good remarks concerning the administrator and his work.
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: It’s obvious that a lot of work went into this document—tons of meetings, citizen input, committee effort and good consulting work over the past 30 months. I think the plan is a great first step for long-term planning for land use, taxes, services, etc.
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 X
Oppose
Strongly Oppose
Reason: I would have to do more research on this subject.
6. Do you
support or oppose
Strongly Support
Support
No opinion X
Oppose
Strongly Oppose
Reason: Again, I would need more information before making a decision.
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: It appears to be effective and provides cost-savings to the taxpayers.
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: Again, I would need more information.
9. Do you
support or oppose the state of
Strongly Support
Support
No opinion
Oppose X
Strongly Oppose
Reason: There are too many unfunded mandates and unstable cost increases (fuel, health care, etc) to think a cap won’t do more harm than good.
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: The plan was unanimously
supported by the