DISTRICT 25
NAME:
ADDRESS:
1734 La Fond Avenue
La Crosse, WI 54603
AGE: 64
NUMBER OF YEARS LIVED IN LA CROSSE COUNTY: 45 years
FAMILY:
Wife-Susan
Son and daughter-in-law-Scott and Jenny Schroeder
Daughter and son-in-law-Molly and Scott Mathison
Grandchildren-Meg, Carson, Camryn, Bronsen, Corbin
EDUCATION:
BS degree University Wisconsin-La Crosse
OCCUPATION (if retired, former occupation):
Sales
BNSF Engineer
ELECTED OFFICES HELD (include years served):
County Board Supervisor 10 years
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES AND MEMBERSHIPS:
Town of Campbell Planning Commission
Town of Campbell Plan Committee
Town of Campbell Comprehensive
Plan Committee
French Island American Legion Post #417
Active in French Island Community Days
Active in Campbell residents against annexation
La Crosse County Board Candidate Questionnaire
A. Why do you want to serve on the La Crosse County
Board?
I want to represent the people of the 25Th District in a
fiscally responsible manner. Serve them by voicing their concerns and
guide them in the proper direction to the many programs La Crosse County
offers.
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?
The number one issue facing La Crosse County is
the disturbing rise in property taxes. The rise in property tax is
forcing people on fixed incomes out of their homes. This is especially
disturbing due to the fact that property values are falling. To resolve
this issue will take a commitment by our legislators and from all parties
that are reliant on property taxes to find alternative sources of
funding.
In my opinion the number two issue facing La Crosse
County is the proposed capital expenditure on the down town campus. Our
administrator has proposed either a renovation or demolition of the
administrative building. There is a proposal for down town campus redesign.
Also in the works is a parking ramp and walking bridge over Fourth
Street.
The jail cost of $30 million coupled
with the spending on the down town campus improvements of $35 million for
a total of $65 million. Can we as taxpayers afford this?
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
Strongly Oppose
Reason: There is no magic number for County Board
size. Smaller does not necessarily mean less expensive or more
efficient. I say this after listening to county officials from all around
the state and also from data collected by the Wisconsin Counties
Association. I would support reduction in size but not to the point of
townships losing representation and special interest
gaining easy control .
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
Very unsatisfied
Reason:The La Crosse County system has gotten too large for
a committee run operation, however we need checks and
balances. The public and the County Board must be better
informed as to the factors involved before they are presented to the County
Board to make policy decisions.
3. How satisfied are you with the county administrator's
new four-year contract?
Very satisfied
Satisfied
No opinion
Unsatisfied
Very unsatisfied
Reason: I believe in fair compensation for all
employees; however the administrator was given a much greater increase in
salary than the rank and file employees. This was after negotiating with
them and giving a 2% raise. The raise afforded the administrator, yielded
$141,700, the highest paid county administrator in the State of Wisconsin, more than
the salary of the governor. This salary is not reflective of the
salaries of the taxpayers of La Crosse County.
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: I will preface my answer by saying, "I
am in favor of planning". The comprehensive planning process has
given all units of government an opportunity to take a serious look at
themselves and decide where they would like to be in the future.
The process is designed to fold individual township plans
into one for the entire county. For the process to successfully
incorporate all units it must be flexible and allow for change. As most
of you know, the comprehensive plan effects the rural, unincorporated townships
more than the urban and incorporated units of government.
The county plan in its present form, dictates to what
degree development may happen in the rural townships. Each township is
assigned a number of acres to be developed. For townships to change their
plans they have to go through the entire ordinance change process. The
county will then review the proposed changes once a year.
The proposed use of Purchase of Development Rights needs to
be closely scrutinized before implementation, because it will have a huge
impact on landowner rights and use of taxpayer dollars. In my opinion,the
county plan needs more flexibility and input from the rural areas before the
comprehensive plan is implemented.
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
Strongly Oppose
Reason: Board members are elected to make those
decisions. If there is enough public concern or a high dollar amount it
is certainly within our rights to call for a referendum. Referendums are
an excellent litmus test of the public view.
6. Do you support or oppose La Crosse County being the main
developer of its vacant Lakeview Farm property in West Salem?
Strongly Support
Support
No opinion
Oppose
Strongly Oppose
Reason: Lakeview Health Care Center and the
surrounding land is owned by La Crosse County. Development there should
be compatible with Lakeview Health Care Center and the Village of West Salem
since the area has been annexed to the Village of West Salem.
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
No opinion
Oppose
Strongly Oppose
Reason: I support alternative sentencing that reduces
the number of people being put in jail, if they are "deemed'' not be a
danger to the community.
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: I support prudent spending
of reserves to the point it will not negatively affect our bond rating.
9. Do you support or oppose the state of Wisconsin's use of
a "property tax cap" which limits La Crosse 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: We must use fiscal responsibility when making
all of our spending decisions. The decision of a 2% cap is placed on us
by the state. We are fortunate to have other revenue sources that allow
our budget to increase more than 2%.
10. Do you support or oppose the county's plans for a $29.5
million jail expansion?
Strongly Support
Support
No opinion
Oppose
Strongly Oppose
Reason: I voted for the jail expansion
because the female jail was obsolete and
the men's jail inefficient and overcrowded. This was
exposing the county to an enormous amount of liability as well as being
dangerous for staff. Combining the two will afford us efficient use of
staff.