Chippewa Valley Election Guide

the city and county battles in Eau Claire, Menomonie, Chippewa Falls

 
YEP, THIS IS WHERE THE SUPER MAGICAL MAGIC HAPPENS. The Chippewa Valley’s polls will be open on Tuesday, April 6 from 7am to 8pm. A number of city council seats are up for grabs in all cities.

WHEN: Tuesday, April 6 from 7am to 8pm
WHERE: To find your voting ward and see a sample ballot, visit vpa.wi.gov.
REGISTER: To register, you must have one piece of identification showing both your name and current address (driver’s license, state ID card, or current utility bill) and provide either your driver’s license number or last four digits of your social security number.


Click to see full interview response. Incumbents are denoted with asterisks.

Eau Claire City Council:
Larry Balow*, Jackie Pavelski*, Thomas Vue*, Dana Wachs*, Catherine Emmanuelle, Allan Hofland, Brett Stapper, Allen Myren, Mark Olson

Chippewa City Council:
Chuck Hill, Dale Berg

Menomonie City Council:
Emilie Wiese, Sandy White, Lee Schwebs*, Josh Risler

Eau Claire County Board:
Kathy Clark*, Eric Zeegers, Gloria Christensen*, Dennis Jenson, John DeRosier*, Ted Barr, Ken Fulgione*, Sue Miller

Chippewa County Board:
Larry Marquardt*, Mark Perry, Gary Misfeldt*, Dale McGraw, Arlan Cloutier*, Dave Martineau

Dunn County Board:
Sue Beety, Gerald Lausted, Calvin Christianson*, Neil Olson, Margy Hagaman, James Anderson

What else is on the ballot? CLICK HERE

 


Larry Balow* - Eau Claire City Council

What is your occupation? Retired

What’s your guilty pleasure? Ice Cream and Cake

If you could choose a theme song for Eau Claire, what would it be? The Wanderer

It’s Saturday afternoon, what are you doing? Restoring my 50 Chevy pickup

What’s the most adventurous thing you did in your youth? Hopped the train at 10 years old and road it to Durand and hitchhiked home.

Who is your role model? My dad

What three things can’t you live without? My welder, spray gun, and sander

What place in the valley considers you a regular? Balow's Security Lock and Key

What’s your favorite Chippewa Valley building? The Federal Building.

Do you think Eau Claire should have a mayor? It's a possibility

What frustrates you about the city? The traffic pattern downtown

What is one idea you have to make this a better place? Continue to expand our youth programs

What do you want to tell locals when they complain about the conditions of roads? Shortage of roads aid and tax dollars

What specific ideas do you have about the continued revitalization of downtown? At this time we need to wait and see how N. Barstow develops before we start any new projects.

What will you do to create job opportunities and retain the college graduates? Create tax incentives to encourage small businesses that are in the Chippewa Valley to reinvest and to continue to grow.

What solutions do you have for the continued budget issues? By law the City Manager has to present a balanced budget to the City Council, at that time you can either agree or disagree with the City Manager’s priorities. The City Council members do not put the budget together, after the budget is put together and presented to the Council you can add amendements to the budget

Let’s say all of these things are on the cutting board: schools, parks, roadwork, and arts organizations. In what order do you try to save them? School, road work, parks, and arts organizations
 


Jackie Pavelski* - Eau Claire City Council

What is your occupation? Retired / public service

What’s your guilty pleasure? Obsession Chocolates

If you could choose a theme song for Eau Claire, what would it be? Jail House RockIt’s

Saturday afternoon, what are you doing? I have my nose in a book

What’s the most adventurous thing you did in your youth? Horseback riding

Who is your role model? My mother

What three things can’t you live without? Books, books, books … oops, I mean Volume One!

What place in the valley considers you a regular? Coffee Grounds, the Maple

What’s your favorite Chippewa Valley building? Farmer’s Market / Phoenix Park Pavilion – a real symbol of what good governance and planning can do to benefit everyone

Do you think Eau Claire should have a mayor? No, I really think the council-manager format establishes a more representative system

What frustrates you about the city? I would like to see greater job opportunities

What is one idea you have to make this a better place? I would like to see passenger rail service going through our city making the connection from Chicago to the Twin Cities.

What do you want to tell locals when they complain about the conditions of roads? Maintaining our streets and roads are essential and we will continue to work hard to provide the necessary improvements.

What specific ideas do you have about the continued revitalization of downtown? A new bus transfer center is needed, new housing opportunities, and a grocery store would all add to continued revitalization.

What will you do to create job opportunities and retain the college graduates? Rail and mass transit, the collaboration between business and education to provide internships and jobs, and the necessary incentives in place to attract developers and businesses.

What solutions do you have for the continued budget issues? We need to do more with less. Program accountability and good decision making about long-term growth and economic development is necessary in order to lessen budget deficits.

Let’s say all of these things are on the cutting board: schools, parks, roadwork, and arts organizations. In what order do you try to save them? Schools and the education of our children is definitely important. I would prioritize city services in the following order: roadwork, parks, and arts.


Thomas Vue* - Eau Claire City Council

What is your occupation? Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development: Job Service Division Employment & Training Specialist

What’s your guilty pleasure? Something I shouldn’t be doing or things that I was not expecting.

If you could choose a theme song for Eau Claire, what would it be? A Beautiful World

It’s Saturday afternoon, what are you doing? I like to go out for walks in the neighborhood and spend time with my family. I also enjoy fishing and family picnics.

What’s the most adventurous thing you did in your youth? I enjoyed helping my parents with their farm work and riding horses.

Who is your role model? My grandfather – he was an elected village mayor during the 1960’s in Laos

What three things can’t you live without? Food, water, and shelter

What place in the valley considers you a regular? The Oakwood Mall and Phoenix Park

What’s your favorite Chippewa Valley building? The RCU Building across the street from Phoenix Park because I like to spend time during the summer on the trail and watch the different activities that go on all year round and the farmers market.

Do you think Eau Claire should have a mayor? I think the City of Eau Claire is well in operating with a City Manager overlooking the city. We do not need to return to a city mayor government format as we need to remain progressive.

What frustrates you about the city? We live in a wonderful community, and I only wish we continue to maintain and improve our city, but one issue that I feel needs to be resolved is the issue of where and how we are going to expand or relocate the jail.

What is one idea you have to make this a better place? I would like to see more development with the infrastructure of the City of Eau Claire, the renovation and revitalization of the downtown area, the repair of roads, and development of friendly bike/hiking trails for our citizens.

What do you want to tell locals when they complain about the conditions of roads? I take note of these citizens and their complaints and concerns, and I refer them to the city manager and the public works directors for further considerations.

What specific ideas do you have about the continued revitalization of downtown? I would like to see more development on the north side of Barstow Street, and the foot bridge of the Madison Street Bridge to the farmers market for safety purposes.

What will you do to create job opportunities and retain the college graduates? I think the City of Eau Claire needs to create more business friendly ordinances and recruit more highly sought after technical jobs into the Eau Claire area to be more competitive with other surrounding communities and counties.

What solutions do you have for the continued budget issues? Being the size that we are as a city, we need to spend only what we take in. We need to consolidate the services we provide and prioritize what our services.

Let’s say all of these things are on the cutting board: schools, parks, roadwork, and arts organizations. In what order do you try to save them? Of course, it would be ideal if our budget would allow for us to keep all these services, but our budget continues to shrink on a continuous basis, and yet all these services are equally important to our citizens. Personally, our schools are most important to our children’s future, and so schools would be the priority. The next on the priority list would be roadwork because it is utilized on a daily basis by all citizens and critical to the city’s function. I do not necessarily view one as being more important than the other, and so the next would be our parks and arts organizations as we need to maintain our city’s beauty and culture.


Dana Wachs* - Eau Claire City Council

What is your occupation? Attorney

What’s your guilty pleasure? Cookies.

If you could choose a theme song for Eau Claire, what would it be? I am a jazz fanatic. Two of my three kids are or will be music majors thanks, in large part, to Bruce Hering at Memorial High School and Bob Baca at UWEC. To celebrate the considerable jazz history of Eau Claire, extending at least as far back as the 1970’s with the arrival of Dominic Spera to UWEC, I would pick a jazz tune. Geoff Keezer’s Solo Piano Medley-Darn That Dream from his Trio CD comes to mind. Another excellent choice would be Justin Vernon’s rendition of Since I Fell for You performed with Memorial Jazz I.

It’s Saturday afternoon, what are you doing? Right now I’m campaigning. Otherwise, taking a long walk.

What’s the most adventurous thing you did in your youth? Narrowed to three: Europe without enough money; mountain climbing; taking a year off from college to work for Senator Edward Kennedy during his Presidential campaign for the 1980 nomination.

Who is your role model? My father Ray Wachs, now age 97 and serving as my campaign treasurer.

What three things can’t you live without? Family, air, and water

What place in the valley considers you a regular? Pizza Plus

What’s your favorite Chippewa Valley building? When I was young, my favorite building was the train station. Now I like the elegance and character of the “Stones Throw” building at the corner of Barstow and Eau Claire Street.

Do you think Eau Claire should have a mayor? Absolutely not! To implement a mayoral form of government will make every minor discretionary governmental decision a “political” event. We have a wonderful city manager and this form of government brings professional expertise to bear on the day to day running of the city.

What frustrates you about the city? The financial shortfalls that are primarily the result of myopic decisions made by the state assembly, state senate, and governor during the 1980s and 1990s.

What is one idea you have to make this a better place? I would like to improve the local and regional mass transit systems.

What do you want to tell locals when they complain about the conditions of roads? The city is doing its best with limited resources.

What specific ideas do you have about the continued revitalization of downtown? I think it is vital to keep the jail and judicial center downtown.

What will you do to create job opportunities and retain the college graduates? I will encourage greater use of the existing revolving loan funds and other incentive programs.

What solutions do you have for the continued budget issues? We will need to implement more user fees and look at opportunities to coordinate services with the county, the school system, the university, and the technical college. Also, if State and Federal funds continue to dwindle, there is no doubt but that there will be the need to raise additional revenue on the local level.

Let’s say all of these things are on the cutting board: schools, parks, roadwork, and arts organizations. In what order do you try to save them? First, the city council has no control over the local schools. Also, the city only provides limited support for arts organizations. That said, I believe all four of these things are vital to the community, and I will work creatively to prevent further cuts to any of them.


Catherine Emmanuelle - Eau Claire City Council

What is your occupation? Community volunteer, trained civic engagement coach, non-traditional UWEC student (Women’s Studies, Economics), and proud parent to a free-thinking 5 year-old.

What’s your guilty pleasure? Salted Caramel Truffles from Obsession Chocolates –hands down!

If you could choose a theme song for Eau Claire, what would it be? Peaceful World by John Cougar Mellencamp. “If you’re not part of the future then get out of the way…”
It’s Saturday afternoon, what are you doing? Aside from talking with Eau Claire voters, you’re likely to find me and my daughter at Blake Lee’s Chocolate and Sweets store on Water Street – a $1 shopping spree goes a long way for a little kid!

What’s the most adventurous thing you did in your youth? I got to travel to all 50 states when I was 19 years old.

Who is your role model? Mamie Till-Mobley, mother of Emmett Till, because she took a personal tragedy as a catalyst for change in public life. It is somebody like her that gives me the courage to have honest public dialog. We cannot adequately address the needs and concerns of our communities unless we’re willing to have an honest dialog about it. We cannot close the door on honest discussion; we cannot suture up the things that may look ugly. Bring it to the surface – let’s talk about it. Only then will we have the opportunity to grow and flourish in the way our citizens want us to do.

What three things can’t you live without? Owen Park, Hot Lady Grey tea with cream, and Chapstick

What place in the valley considers you a regular? The Goat Coffee Shop

What’s your favorite Chippewa Valley building? Phoenix Park farmers market pavilion.

Do you think Eau Claire should have a mayor? This is an issue that has strong opinions in our community. This is a question for constituents and our job as leaders is to provide meaningful ways for open dialog about any changes that would affect our governing structure.

What frustrates you about the city? Not enough regular people involved, which is why I am running. We need ordinary citizens with extraordinary leadership skills to work with and be government leaders.

What is one idea you have to make this a better place? Find ways for leaders to be more accessible to our community. If elected, I plan on taking the lead on this and being accessible to our citizens through “Constituent Chats with Cath.”

What do you want to tell locals when they complain about the conditions of roads? Meet with city staff – educate yourself on the issue. Review how other communities have solved this issue. Check out resources regarding best practices from municipality journals, associations, etc. And be a proactive citizen in our community – talk to your council members, talk to city staff – and above all else, find other folks who are willing to work with you in a positive way to address the issue. We can't do it alone, and our council needs citizens who can positively work to find solutions that will work better for all of us.

What specific ideas do you have about the continued revitalization of downtown? We have a strong sense of community that emanates from a strong downtown. This is a result from ordinary citizens having ideas that have partnered with leaders to make this a city that better reflects her people. If elected, I want to explore the possibility of creating Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) to help innovative ideas from new business leaders become a reality in our community.

What will you do to create job opportunities and retain the college graduates? I believe our council must maintain our quality of life in our community to give college grads and new businesses a reason to come to Eau Claire and stay in Eau Claire. The median age of our city residents is 30.5 and we need to engage more young leaders to help promote the vitality of our community.

What solutions do you have for the continued budget issues? I will use the following criteria when examining financial matters within our city: Is it consistent with the city’s mission statement? Does it keep our citizens safe? Will it help us save money or promote economic development?

Let’s say all of these things are on the cutting board: schools, parks, roadwork, and arts organizations. In what order do you try to save them? Schools would be #1 on the list to save. When talking to voters they share that maintaining quality schools in our community is of the utmost importance. Parks, roadwork, and arts are vital to our entire community – and as an elected leader I would work to find creative solutions to preserve these community assets.


Allan Hofland - Eau Claire City Council

What is your occupation? Retired CPA, Currently substitute teacher in Eau Claire Schools.

What’s your guilty pleasure? To sleep an extra hour on Saturday morning.

It’s Saturday afternoon, what are you doing? Depending on the demands for the day, it could be family activities, or working on repairs and maintenance around my home.

What’s the most adventurous thing you did in your youth? Driving tractors at the age of nine.

What three things can’t you live without? Family, friends, and community.

What place in the valley considers you a regular? Church.

What’s your favorite Chippewa Valley building? City Hall.

Do you think Eau Claire should have a mayor? No.

What frustrates you about the city? The low voter turn out for local city, county, and school board elections. These three governmental bodies together spend a higher percentage of tax dollars than any other.

What is one idea you have to make this a better place? Hopefully to create more well-paying jobs.

What do you want to tell locals when they complain about the conditions of roads? Water is a tremendous force when frozen. Granite quarries use water in the wintertime to mine 20 to 40 tons blocks of granite, so any little crack in the pavement is subject to the same forces. I would continue to try and maintain the roads, but the problem will never be totally solved unless we have a climate that doesn't have freezing weather.

What specific ideas do you have about the continued revitalization of downtown? Keep the courts and jail in the downtown area. Be willing to change the uses of the current buildings, and revitalize areas such as North Barstow medical complex near Luther Hospital.

What will you do to create job opportunities and retain the college graduates? I was instrumental in creating the industrial park on the northwest side of Eau Claire, and reorganized the Industrial Development Corporation to attract new business, plus help and aid current business. I would continue to work for these concerns.

What solutions do you have for the continued budget issues? All items in the budget must be reviewed. No items should be excluded from review with decisions on best priorities for Eau Claire.

Let’s say all of these things are on the cutting board: schools, parks, roadwork, and arts organizations. In what order do you try to save them? City council does not have any legislative powers over schools, nor does the city spend very much money on the arts. Police, and fire department are my first priority, with city public works a close second for city council concerns, and any other activities would not be considered such a high priority in times of financial stress.
 


Allen Myren - Eau Claire City Council

What is your occupation? I am a Detective with the Eau Claire County Sheriff’s Office. I’ve been employed at the Sheriff’s Office for 25 years.

What’s your guilty pleasure? I watch a lot of DVD movies.

If you could choose a theme song for Eau Claire, what would it be? Take Me Home, Country Roads by John Denver.

It’s Saturday afternoon, what are you doing? If its winter time or raining out, I am watching DVD movies. Summer time I’m outside with yard work or camping.

What’s the most adventurous thing you did in your youth? I started working as a law enforcement officer at age 18. That was my adventure to go to work in my chosen career at a young age. I was still in High School at Whitehall and would leave study hall to go work as a part time Jailer/Dispatcher for the Trempealeau County Sheriff’s Office on a 3p-11p shift. I could carry a revolver at age 18 as a law enforcement officer but had to have someone by my ammo for it since I was not 21 years old.

Who is your role model? TV series ADAM-12 Officer Malloy.

What three things can’t you live without? Television, Smart Phone, and my grill.

What place in the valley considers you a regular? Mike’s Smokehouse.

What’s your favorite Chippewa Valley building? I like all the old downtown buildings and homes and the history behind them. I like the old architecture they have. I like history.

Do you think Eau Claire should have a mayor? No.

What frustrates you about the city? Getting around the city with heavy traffic at certain times of the day.

What is one idea you have to make this a better place? To maintain our current services such as streets, parks, and public safety. We currently have a great place to live in and would like to maintain that.

What do you want to tell locals when they complain about the conditions of roads? Be patient our budgets are strained but it will get better. It may take a couple years but we need to be patient.

What specific ideas do you have about the continued revitalization of downtown? DECI is doing a great job and we need to keep supporting their efforts. One way to help continue the downtown revitalization is to support the downtown location for the jail / courthouse expansion. It does not make sense to move the courts and jail from its current location. It would empty two of the floors of the courthouse. What then? Remodel and attempt to rent out office space at the vacated courthouse and compete with efforts to revitalize downtown. I believe not!

What will you do to create job opportunities and retain the college graduates? I’ve reviewed the current Eau Claire Economic Development Division’s plans and agree and would support their efforts. I would like to explore the option if a new company came into Eau Claire with high paid careers to allow a substantial tax break for 3-5 years as long as the company maintains the agreed minimal number of job positions. I believe if we have the higher paid careers the college graduates would stay.

What solutions do you have for the continued budget issues? I know it would not be popular but to begin charging “user fees.” User fees for the use of parks, bicycle trails, and bicycle registration to name a few.

Let’s say all of these things are on the cutting board: schools, parks, roadwork, and arts organizations. In what order do you try to save them? Schools, Roadwork, Parks, and Arts organizations.


Mark Olson - Eau Claire City Council

What’s your occupation? Lieutenant/EMT with the Eau Claire Fire and Rescue at Station 2 downtown.

What’s your guilty pleasure? Spoiling my two grandchildren, Kylie (5) and Emmitt (3)

If I could choose a theme song for Eau Claire, what would it be? Saturday in the Park by Chicago, because of all the beautiful parks and waterways we have in the city. There’s activities for all ages and interests from the farmers market, concerts, walking and biking paths, sporting events, family gatherings, or just floating down the river.

It’s Saturday afternoon, what are you doing? Watching or listening to a nationwide race. My wife and I have become big NASCAR fans, and try to go to a race or two every year if possible. Otherwise camping up north enjoying an afternoon with the grandkids, swimming, or roasting marshmallows and making s’mores.

What’s the most adventurous thing you did as a youth? In the 9th grade, I let a friend talk me into a double date for a school ski trip. This was my first time skiing, so off we went on a school bus for a fun day during Christmas break. After falling the first time he explained to me what I was doing wrong, the second time went worse, after a travel down the hill in the Ski Patrols rescue sled and a ride to the ER for a broken right leg, my friend did go with me. That night in the hospital the girls did stop in, to say they had a great day skiing. This was my first and last try at skiing.

Who is your role model? My dad is my biggest role model, he was always there for us. He coached both my brother and my baseball teams, helped us with school or scouting projects. He supported any interest I had, if I ever needed help or assistance he was always there. He taught me family values and that you can be or do anything you want in life if you work hard and do your best, and don’t be afraid to try.

What three things can’t you live without? First is family, second would be all my friends, and third just ask anyone who knows me it’s my PEPSI, can’t be without it.

What place in the valley considers you a regular? Taco Johns on Brackett Ave, I usually have lunch there once or twice a week.

What’s your favorite Chippewa Valley building? I don’t have any one favorite, but some of the older homes in the Third Ward, with the beautiful exteriors and fancy wood trim work and railings inside.

Do you think Eau Claire should have a mayor? I believe the city functions fine with the type of manager/council system we have. Mr. Huggins is an excellent leader, with a great vision for the future of the city. A mayoral system can become a popularity contest or who can raise the largest campaign funding – not who’s the most qualified.

What frustrates you about the city? Driving down a street and the name changes two or three times: Birch to Germania, to Madison, to Cameron or State to Washington to Brackett and I’m just following the road???

What’s one idea you have to make this a better place? We needed to work hard to get the high-speed rail service through the Chippewa Valley. This will help to draw new business and industry to the area.

What do you want to tell locals when they complain about the condition of roads? Welcome to Wisconsin!!

What specific ideas do you have about the continued revitalization of downtown? This brings up the issue of the jail. If the jail is moved from the present location it would kill the revitalization of the downtown. You take away the hundreds of people who work or visit the courthouse/jail daily and the support services which are location downtown or the surrounding area and move them to the outskirts of the city all you are doing is promoting urban sprawl. As the economy improves we can look at the improvements to the Graham Ave area, with road realignment and more mixed uses building to replaces some of the older buildings in the area.

What will you do to create jobs opportunities and retain college graduates? Again getting the high-speed rail service to the area, work with local business and industry to grow and expand with the help of stimulus money or grants. As far a retaining graduates, continue to have a great community to live in and raise a family, with your services, activities, schools, and parks.

What solutions do you have for the continued budget issues? The budget format which is given to the council needs to be changed to a line item type system, so the council can view the overall budget. There still appears to be money that could be saved or used for other issues that the council sometimes are not made aware of. We need to continue to look at the sale of unused city property to get it back on the tax rolls. Continue to look at shared services with the county and communities around us.

Let’s say all of these things are on the cutting board: schools, parks, roadways and art organizations. In what order do you try to saving them? Schools are handled by the school board not the council so that leaves the others, which are all important to the quality of life in the city. Parks, we could look at limiting the number of new parks and the replacement of equipment in the parks we currently enjoy. Roadways, we need to continue with the maintenance and improvements, we experienced a council in the late 80s and early 90s who put off these things and we’re still trying to catch up from this at a much high expense. Arts organizations, we need to work with them to help find private funding and grants to support their excellent efforts and service to the community.


Brett Strapper - Eau Claire City Council

Did not return the questionnaire. Bummer.


Chuck Hill (Ward 4) - Chippewa City Council

Did not return the questionnaire. Bummer.


Dale Berg (Ward 4) - Chippewa City Council

What is your occupation? Production Associate at Andersen Windows, Menomonie, WI

What’s your guilty pleasure? Having fun without guilt.

If you could choose a theme song for Chippewa, what would it be? Rock And Roll, by Led Zeppelin

It’s Saturday afternoon, what are you doing? Bartending at Four Corners in Chippewa Falls

What’s the most adventurous thing you did in your youth? Traveling to Elco, Nevada in my teen years

Who is your role model? My oldest brother, Larry Berg

What three things can’t you live without? My wife, my kids, and my health

What place in the valley considers you a regular? The Chippewa County Court House because I’m a Chippewa County Supervisor

What’s your favorite Chippewa Valley building? The Cook-Rutledge Mansion

What frustrates you about the city? The lack of economic development

What is one idea you have to make this a better place? I would like to see more youth centers developed

What do you want to tell locals when they complain about the conditions of roads? The city addresses the problem by priority as budget allows

What will you do to create job opportunities? I would like to help develop more retail and industrial growth by providing economic incentives.

What solutions do you have for the continued budget issues?
Consolidation of departments and/or services for the benefit of the taxpayers’ safety, health, and welfare

Let’s say all of these things are on the cutting board: schools, parks, roadwork, and arts organizations. In what order do you try to save them? Schools, Roadwork, Parks, and Arts organizations


Emily Wiese (Ward 2) - Menomonie City Council

What is your occupation? Real Estate Broker and business owner.

What’s your guilty pleasure? Meeting with friends at Legacy Chocolate, breakfast outside in the summer at The Pioneer, those evenings with girlfriends wining and dining and giggling, but most of all riding around in my car with my radio blasting and, weather permitting, the sun roof open!

If you could choose a theme song for Menomonie, what would it be? Let the Good Times Roll

It’s Saturday afternoon, what are you doing? Well, it depends on the season. I could be working in my gardens, shopping with Anita or at our cottage, laying on a hammock reading a book.

What’s the most adventurous thing you did in your youth? When I was a teenager my best friend's father owned a beer distributorship in Menomonie. One night she snuck through the window to go in the warehouse to snatch some beer for her friends. When she came out I convinced her she needed to go back in and get me a grape soda because I did not want to drink beer. On her way back in the window to grab the grape soda for me her father came home and caught her! It was not a pretty sight. To this day, I do not think her father believes us that at that time she was going after oh so grape soda!

Who is your role model? My mother, Ella Stansbury. My father died when I was 8 years old. My mother had an 8th grade education. She had to work to support me and my three older siblings. She was just too proud to be on welfare. We move into Menomonie and she cleaned rooms at the Memorial Hospital to support me and my older siblings. We did not own a car so she walked to work every day. She was a very wise woman and through her moral, religious and work ethics and her wonderful sense of humor and optimist attitude she is my role model in life.

What three things can’t you live without? My sense of humor, laughing, and playing.

What place in the valley considers you a regular? Oh my, I eat out a lot – Zanzibar, The Log Jam, The Buck, Jeff's Pizza, Sparx, Jakes, Legacy Chocolate, Perkins, Los Cabos, oh and bakery items at Lammers Food Store.

What’s your favorite Chippewa Valley building? Mabel Tainter Theatre in Menomonie.

What frustrates you about the city? Parking downtown. Let's get the public parking signs up that have been requested many times so people know where they are. If this was done, lack of parking would no longer be a perception.

What is one idea you have to make this a better place? Total communication with all citizens, more respect to the property owners that do not live in the city limits but pay real estate taxes and contribute to the economy of Menomonie. I think we could also do better to treat all citizens the same whether they have lived here all of their lives or just here going to the university.

What do you want to tell locals when they complain about the conditions of roads? I would ask them which road and then I would check it out for myself and if there was a problem I would call the person in charge of city streets to see if he was aware of the situation and meet him there if necessary and then call the citizen back with everything I was able to find out. Then if necessary I would go back to see if the repairs were done or not.

What will you do to create job opportunities and retain the college graduates? We need to be more welcoming to new businesses. We have a beautifully designed city and that needs to be capitalized on by seeking out new businesses with opportunities for them to join us.

What solutions do you have for the continued budget issues? As a council we need to dig into the detail of the budget and spending and cut back everywhere possible just like you and I have had to do with our businesses and private lives.

Let’s say all of these things are on the cutting board: schools, parks, roadwork, and arts organizations. In what order do you try to save them? Avoid cutting back schools at all costs. The students are our future and the teachers educate our children. Secondly, I would avoid cutting the arts organizations. I think this is a key element to have in every community. Roadwork would be the third to cut back. Our streets are in pretty good condition with the work done by our city street department. I would cut back the parks. We in Menomonie have so many parks. Many are never used. The parks still cost so much money to maintain that I think some of the parks that are not being used should be put for sale for development for medium cost houses. This would generate tax dollars and cut back on costs. What a win win situation. What happened to playing on the school playground equipment? Some of our parks are necessary such as Wakanda and Riverside. Some are never used. We need to be able to balance the needs of the families. We should not have more parks just for an individuals legacy.


Sandy White (Ward 2) - Menomonie City Council

What is your occupation? Outreach Program Manager at UW-Stout

What’s your guilty pleasure? Doing Sidoku puzzles or watching a good movie.

If you could choose a theme song for Menomonie, what would it be? America the Beautiful

It’s Saturday afternoon, what are you doing? Visiting with friends, gardening, or playing golf.

What’s the most adventurous thing you did in your youth? Went to Alaska before it was a state and homesteaded with my family for 10 years. Many wonderful adventures with salmon fishing, moose hunting, bear hunting, hiking in beautiful scenic woodlands, etc.

Who is your role model? Parents

What three things can’t you live without? Family & friends, my dog, and being outdoors

What place in the valley considers you a regular? Red Cedar Trail

What’s your favorite Chippewa Valley building? Mabel Tainter Theater

What frustrates you about the city? Need to improve ways to communicate with residents so they are more involved in the decision-making process.

What is one idea you have to make this a better place? Support the newly approved Menomonie Community Garden, extend the Lakebank Trail to La Point Park so it is handicap accessible, and increase pedestrian and biking paths.

What do you want to tell locals when they complain about the conditions of roads? Menomonie does a great job at maintaining their roads and resurfacing them on a regular basis so perhaps they missed a spot.

What will you do to create job opportunities and retain the college graduates? Improve our efforts with economic development and actively pursue eco-friendly companies that can offer wages and benefits needed by college graduates.

What solutions do you have for the continued budget issues? Reduce operational costs, Identify ways to save on energy and be more sustainable, Look at the use of overtime, See what items are being subsidized and why, and Train department heads on Value Stream Mapping and identify ways to apply lean principles.

Let’s say all of these things are on the cutting board: schools, parks, roadwork, and arts organizations. In what order do you try to save them? Schools, Parks, Arts Organizations, and Roads


Lee Schwebs* (Ward 6) - Menomonie City Council

Did not return the questionnaire. Shoot.


Josh Risler (Ward 6) - Menomonie City Council

What is your occupation? I am a Member Services Representative at WESTconsin Credit Union. I help people reach their financial goals.

What’s your guilty pleasure? Finding one night a month to get a cold one with my friends.

If you could choose a theme song for Menomonie, what would it be? The whistling from The Andy Griffith Show just popped into my head.

It’s Saturday afternoon, what are you doing? If it’s nice I’m outside with my wife and our two boys. If it’s not, I’m inside paying bills and writing checks for the Menomonie Theater Guild.

What’s the most adventurous thing you did in your youth? I bought two cars on eBay and drove strait through to Columbus, Ohio and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to pick them up. Each trip was a very interesting experience.

Who is your role model? I guess I don’t have any one person. I pick up on traits and characteristics of people I know and think highly of.

What three things can’t you live without? My family, the internet, and Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm.

What place in the valley considers you a regular? The Raw Deal in downtown Menomonie.

What’s your favorite Chippewa Valley building? The Mable Tainter Theater. I’ve spent a lot of time in that building and the beauty of the theater leaves an impression on me every time.

What frustrates you about the city? The quality of our lake!

What is one idea you have to make this a better place? I feel the city could do a better job at capturing and promoting what Menomonie has to offer. People come here and stay here because of the intrinsic value that a city like Menomonie has. That feeling to many residents and visitors is like that of coffee shop or local band that is so phenomenal that you secretly hope no one else finds out about it. That feeling is pretty unique when it encompasses a city as a whole. A city doesn’t need to be small town in order to feel like one and we should create more of those feelings.

What do you want to tell locals when they complain about the conditions of roads? Construction season is just a short few months away!

What will you do to create job opportunities and retain the college graduates? I will try to reduce some of the challenges and obstacles that businesses encounter and allow them to expand and promote themselves so they are able to grow more freely. I also think it’s important for the city to make ourselves attractive to prospective new businesses so we can remain competitive in capturing that part of the market.

What solutions do you have for the continued budget issues? Well we need to roll up our sleeves at look at the numbers. A lot of people don’t like doing that. I’m a bit of a numbers geek so it does not bother me at all. I work with individuals and families on budgets all the time. One key part of any budget is review. We need to know how much went where, what the funds were used for, was the funding effective and then make some informed decisions going forward.

Let’s say all of these things are on the cutting board: schools, parks, roadwork, and arts organizations. In what order do you try to save them? Real life situations are not so cut and dry, but assuming all things equal this would be my order. I say Schools first. Education of youth is critically important for the vitality of any community. Being on the board of directors for the Menomonie Theater Guild I would have to say that saving the arts would rank second because when schools choose to cut funds the arts are always the first to go. The arts also provide many benefits to both participants and the community as whole and it is difficult to quantify those benefits. Roadwork would be next. Everyone uses road/sidewalks we owe to it to the taxpayers to maintain basic infrastructure. I would put parks last, not because I don’t value the green space they provide but because we are fortunate that in Menomonie a lot of our schools can serve as parks. For example my family uses the facilities at River Heights Elementary quite often in the summer.


Kathy Clark* (District 13) - Eau Claire County Board

What is your occupation? I am retired from the Boy Scouts of America.

What’s your guilty pleasure? A good book, a glass of wine, and a pound of bridge mix all on a snowy day.

If you could choose a theme song for Eau Claire, what would it be? The Eau Claire Anthem, written by Dave Duax.

What’s the most adventurous thing you did in your youth? Worked in Wisconsin Dells for two summers while in college. It was great fun!

Who is your role model? Barry Robinson

What three things can’t you live without? Chocolate, Chocolate and Oh, Yes. Chocolate.

What place in the valley considers you a regular? The Eau Claire County Court House

What’s your favorite Chippewa Valley building? The Masonic Temple on Graham Ave.

What frustrates you about the city/county? People who run for office on a single issue.

What is one idea you have to make this a better place? A large percentage of the people voting in local elections.

What specific ideas do you have about the continued revitalization of downtown? It seems to be going better right now. Perhaps, as someone said recently, changing some traffic patterns might help.

What will you do to create job opportunities? Continue to work with the EDC, City of Eau Claire, and educational institutions to bring much needed economic development to the area.

What solutions do you have for the continued budget issues? Budget problems are not going to go away and, in fact, will probably get worse over the next few years. About the only place left to cut is programs and services. It's never easy, but it will have to be done.

Let’s say all of these things are on the cutting board: schools, parks, roadwork, and arts organizations. In what order do you try to save them? I think all are important. We would be better served if we looked at each of them individually and cut each where we could rather than just axing one of them entirely.


Eric Zeegers (District 13) - Eau Claire County Board

What is your occupation? I am a Senior Account Executive with a financial services firm. Sound impressive? Not really, what I do is help people save money for their retirement.

What is your guilty pleasure? Salty snacks, late night TV, and the couch.

If you could choose a theme song for Eau Claire, what would it be? Come Together by the Beatles. I am a huge Beatles maniac.

It’s Saturday afternoon, what are you doing? In the winter I am at my son’s hockey game, and in the summer the family is at Fairfax Pool after the farmers market.

What’s the most adventurous thing you did in your youth? When I was 12, I let my mom cut my hair. She shaved off my eyebrow. I’m still in therapy today.

Who is your role model? My father. He taught me responsibility.

What three things can’t you live without? Family, friends, and cheese; this is Wisconsin after all.

What place in the valley considers you a regular? Nowhere, but I am working on it. I’ve always wanted to be a regular.

What’s your favorite Chippewa Valley building? The Phoenix Park Pavilion downtown. Love the farmers market on Saturday.

What frustrates you about the city/county? Lack of sensible riverfront development. We need more like the RCU/Phoenix Park project.

What is one idea you have to make this a better place? Listen to our citizens! They vote through participation in events and where they spend their dollars. The V1 summer concerts, farmers markets, and parks are where people find and build community. We can support those public spaces with private business that benefits all county residents.

What specific ideas do you have about the continued revitalization of downtown? No Jail. Develop that area privately with mixed-use space: retail, apartments, condos, and green space. I could see a small park over there and maybe a dock or fishing pier. People will go downtown for that.

What will you do to create job opportunities and retain the college graduates? One, encourage high-tech businesses to start or move operations here. Two, create an atmosphere in the Chippewa Valley that is vital and welcoming for both businesses and residents to relocate here. Three, continue to encourage private development downtown and throughout the county that brings people together to live, recreate, and work.

What solutions do you have for the continued budget issues? All county government departments need to be evaluated and streamlined where possible. We may need to freeze and even reduce budgets in the coming years.

Let’s say all of these things are on the cutting board: schools, roads, parks, and arts organizations. In what order do you try to save them? All of them. Each is very important to a thriving community. They all require a collective effort by everyone in the community for public funding. I think we should also utilize alternate funding (fund raisers, donations, sponsorships) more to help pay for what we want rather than simply cut what we cannot fund. Government can only do so much, I think we all could do more to help support the things that we are passionate about by donating our time and our money.


Gloria Christensen* (District 25) - Eau Claire County Board

What is your occupation? Retired social worker for the State Department of Health & Family Services.

What’s your guilty pleasure? I have a few. I hope to get an old
sportscar out this spring to enjoy driving through the Valley.

If you could choose a theme song for Eau Claire, what would it be? An interesting question but I'm answering your questionnaire at the last minute and can't think of one. I'm pretty eclectic in my musical tastes, everything from reggae to classical to bagpipe.

It’s Saturday afternoon, what are you doing? I like to participate in locally offered programs or just sitting around on my deck.

What’s the most adventurous thing you did in your youth? I think I've done more adventurous things as an adult. I grew up in a small town and it was easy to be involved in everything as well as growing up on the Wisconsin River and loving to canoe. My adventure was buying that old sportscar on eBay, flying to Texas to get it, and driving it back by myself.

Who is your role model? My role model is my mom. She died in November just prior to her 98th birthday. Her mind and sense of humor remained constant. She was non-judgmental, caring and a positive person who I hope I can emulate.

What three things can’t you live without? Another interesting question with my "off the top of my head" response. Family, friends, and sunshine

What place in the valley considers you a regular? I don't think I'm a regular any particular place, but I do like to use local services and restaurants. We have some wonderful places to go.

What’s your favorite Chippewa Valley building? The State Theater. I'm going to the reggae concert tonight.

What frustrates you about the city/county? Communications can always be improved. Progress has been made though.

What is one idea you have to make this a better place? There are a number of issues being addressed such as sustainability and efforts of future collaborations that will help make Eau Claire and the whole county better.

What do you want to tell locals when they complain about the conditions of roads? I don't know of any place not facing the same conditions that we do and unfortunately I don't have that answer.

What specific ideas do you have about the continued revitalization of downtown? My father-in-law was a downtown business owner for a number of years and I remember him talking about this many times even 30 years ago. I think the addition of Phoenix Park and refurbishing of many of the buildings have been wonderful for the revitalization. There are still a number of places on the river that can be better utilized if we find developers willing to take that opportunity. I was somewhat dismayed when a wonderful lot on Half Moon Lake was turned into a parking lot. I always thought that could be a wonderful spot to develop.

What will you do to create job opportunities and retain the college graduates? Eau Claire will have to maintain its status as a great place to raise families. Of course, all the elements of that greatness have to be maintained, safety, good schools, parks and recreation, and well paying jobs. It will take collaborative efforts for city and county government. It is something that not one entity can manage on its own.

What solutions do you have for the continued budget issues?
Eau Claire County has entered into some innovative programs such as treatment courts and preventative programs working to keep children within their homes. These do bring down our costs of jail and treatment fostercare, etc. down plus with additional benefits to the wider community which we should continue. The county budget is closely scrutinized and measured on outcomes. I am impressed with how much gets accomplished by a dedicated group of people in meeting county needs.

Let’s say all of these things are on the cutting board: schools, parks, roadwork, and arts organizations. In what order do you try to save them? This is a tough one but just the type of thing we are all asked to look at. My #1 to save would be schools, particularly as we look to the future. Secondly, arts organizations as these fit so into the schools, too. Parks and roadwork would follow.


Dennis Jenson (District 25) - Eau Claire County Board

Did not return the questionnaire. Too bad.


John Derosier* (District 28) - Eau Claire County Board

What is your occupation?
I’m retired. I was a newspaper reporter. Also, I was a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and I’m retired from the U.S. Navy Reserves, after 21 years, Hospital Corpsman.

If you could choose a theme song for Eau Claire, what would it be? I have no favorite theme song, but I’d prefer a song that is positive and upbeat because that’s how I view Eau Claire, as a great place to live. My wife is from Eau Claire, I’m from Superior and we’ve lived here for 21 years. We like it here.

Who is your role model? Former President Harry S. Truman. He stood up for people like us and he was a plain speaker. Enough said.

What are three things you can’t live without? My wife, Beth, my wife, Beth, and my wife, Beth.

What place in the valley considers you a regular? The Eau Claire Public Library. Also, the Senior Center in Eau Claire.

What frustrates you about the city/county? We have some excellent people in our city and county government. We also have lots of great people living here. Still, I’d like to see more cooperation between city/county government in bringing in more business and industry; we need better paying jobs. Finally, the inability to solve this courthouse expansion dilemma has gone on too long, and needs to end. I favor Alternative I, the downtown site for several reasons, including the price tag, $59.1 million, which means no increase in property taxes. Despite rumors that the price tag will go up, it hasn’t. The county bonded for that amount, which includes Phase I, and nothing more.

What is one idea you have to make this a better place? Eau Claire is an attractive city with lots of decent-looking homes, yards, and neighborhoods, and we want to keep it that way. Good-paying jobs help to maintain that standard of living. We need to bring in more business and industry to this area. For the most part, manufacturing is gone, so let’s replace it with high-tech, green industry. Solar and wind are two examples.

What specific ideas do you have about the continued revitalization of downtown? I am very pleased to see that Phoenix Park is getting lots of use, and that local food markets are doing business in that area. Let’s continue to encourage those activities. One way we could encourage more downtown business is to provide tax breaks or grants for those businesses that meet certain standards such as a minimum pay scale that’s above the established minimum wage. Perhaps a local transit system that focused just a tad more on the downtown shopping areas would help.

What would you do to create job opportunities and retain the college graduates? Pay college graduates what they’re worth. Compare salaries in this area with other areas, including La Crosse and Minnesota’s Twin Cities and encourage our employers to make those necessary adjustments. Tax Incremental Financing (TIF) is helpful provided we don’t overdo it; we don’t t want to bankrupt local government. The county could continue to provide grants to those businesses that employ a minimum number of people at more than just a livable wage. Also, this recession won’t last forever, so we need to examine what other states and areas have done to attract and keep business/industry. Finally Eau Claire should stress its positive aspects: a very dependable workforce, great schools, parks, hospitals, and a low crime rate. Compared to other places, this is still a safe place to live.

What solutions do you have for the continued budget issues? A 0.5% sales tax increase will certainly help to solve the county’s ongoing budget problems, provided that revenue went strictly to the county. I will not support a property tax increase; too many of my constituents, especially senior citizens, have already said they could not afford it. Neither will I support a “wheel” tax. This narrows our options; still, by attracting more business and industry, and even with TIF, we would be expanding our revenue base. Also, the state legislature has closed some major tax loopholes, so perhaps we can experience an increase in shared revenues.

Let’s say all of these things are on the cutting board: schools, parks, roadwork, and arts organizations. In what order do you try to save them? You did not list them, but I think we should first protect law enforcement and the fire department. That’s followed by our schools, roads, parks, and arts organizations.

In conclusion, my thanks to Volume One for allowing me this opportunity to express myself on the issues. I truly appreciate it. It has been an honor and a privilege to represent the constituents of District 28. Without a doubt you are well-informed and responsible and I hope I have earned your trust and confidence that will allow me to remain as your county board supervisor.
 


Ted Barr (District 28) - Eau Claire County Board

What is your occupation? electrical contractor

What’s your guilty pleasure? eating potato chips/drinking beer at Rollie's after playing hockey with the Mighty Docs on Sunday nights.

If you could choose a theme song for Eau Claire, what would it be? No One Knows by Queens of the Stone Age.

Who is your role model? Dr. Don Dexter

What are three things you can’t live without? Can't live without hockey, long time golf buddies or the next crazy idea.

What place in the valley considers you a regular? You can find me at Dooley's Pub watching hockey.

It’s Saturday afternoon, what are you doing? Trying to find a reason I shouldn't work on my house. Ah-ha! Run for the county board!

What’s the most adventurous thing you did in your youth? Really?

When does youth end? Inline skating in Paris ranks right up there with staying with the fishermen squatting on the islands off the coast of Punta Gorda, Belize.

What is one idea you have to make this a better place? Eau Claire needs more mixed income housing at its center.

What’s your favorite Chippewa Valley building? The stately Tudor Revival on Marston between Wilcox and Porter. The quarter-sawn interior oak trim is magnificent.

What frustrates you about the city/county? That despite their stated efforts to the contrary, it's frustrating when the city and the county take the attitude that they are on different teams.

What is one idea you have to make this a better place? Invest in anything that will encourage people to live in the city center.

What do you want to tell locals when they complain about the conditions of roads? When sprawl exists, more miles of roadway means less maintenance on any given mile of road. Stop sprawling or pay more to fund road maintenance.

What would you do to create job opportunities and retain the college graduates? Attract businesses that pay higher wages. Like most of us living here know, Eau Claire is a beautiful place that has great potential to become the cool place that will attract progressive companies. While we wait for this to come true, sometimes, living here with less opportunity is the choice we make.

What solutions do you have for the continued budget issues? Rethink our jail needs. The operational cost of the new jail hasn't been discussed. Those costs will have a negative impact on every other county budget.

Let’s say all of these things are on the cutting board: schools, parks, roadwork, and arts organizations. In what order do you try to save them? Only Roadways and Parks are county responsibilities. We need both. We have to look at other functions that are demanding a larger cut of the county budget pie and find ways to limit their impact.


Ken Fulgione* (District 22) - Eau Claire County Board

What is your occupation? Realtor with Coldwell Banker

What’s your guilty pleasure? Bluez

If you could choose a theme song for Eau Claire, what would it be? Although not one of my personal favorites: Petula sweetly singing about >>>> DOWNTOWN

It’s Saturday afternoon, what are you doing? Probably showing homes around town to prospective buyers. My Saturdays usually occur during the week.

What’s the most adventurous thing you did in your youth? You have got to be kidding… I grew up in the 60s. Maybe what did I not do would be easier to answer. I never made it to Woodstock ... I got lost in the foggy mountains of Vermont on my way.

Who is your role model? I hate to admit this – but – I would have to place “the-Break-It-Down-Man” from The BIG WEEK near the top. Clear concise explanations of what is happening … with pictures … I like that. Otherwise Albert E’s quote that “Imagination is more important than knowledge” would have to put him as my man.

What three things can’t you live without? Aside from the real necessities like food, water, air … and gravity … I seem to be unable to live without being a continual lighting rod.

What place in the valley considers you a regular? Third Ward & Owen Park. I am sorry Phoenix runs later in the list except on summer Saturdays

What’s your favorite Chippewa Valley building? 2 South Barstow, of course. From its guilty porn shop past to its future as a music and culture center. You gotta love the window scenes.

What frustrates you about the city/county? The old boy politics and lack of Full Disclosure about many issues

What is one idea you have to make this a better place? I love Just Local Foods and its location on the edge of downtown, but I would like to see a set of retail spaces with apartments, lofts or condos above, facing the confluence of the river along First Ave on the Corner of West Grand. With a Trader Joes or even a White Hen grocery store, where I can walk to by food while living downtown. I miss Kerms.

What do you want to tell locals when they complain about the conditions of roads? Hey it is springtime pot holes you are talking about. Remember it is no longer 20 below zero – so be happy, and also watch out, there could be a gopher living down there so try to avoid them.

What specific ideas do you have about the continued revitalization of downtown? Continue with the great downtown events. Build more places for people to live and businesses will come. Keep our riverfront development efforts focused. The riverfront walks and unique spots and events are what make living downtown enjoyable and will draw others. Filling up a valuable 1st Ave space with an expanding Jail will distract from our efforts. We can do better and have been.

What will you do to create job opportunities and retain the college graduates? That is a tough question in this economy. I have supported regional efforts to encourage companies to relocate in the Chippewa valley. On the county board level we have limited financial capabilities. Continuing to help make this a great community that people love to live in is probably one of the best things the county can do to make Chippewa Valley a strong draw to employers looking for a location that will have satisfied employees available to draw from.

What solutions do you have for the continued budget issues? The county needs to sit down once again with our unions and explain the financial impact of providing raises in this economy. The cost of our health care package has been and every expanding cost that is destructive to our budgets. If necessary, implementing furlough days earlier in the budget cycle will make it less problematic for employees and the community. But this problem cannot be solved on the backs of labor. They need to be a working part of the solution and should be approached to work together with city, county, state and federal government to partner with them to help find the solutions needed. We also will have to look at some of our priorities of services provided and we need to find ways to cut down on government size and work cooperatively – not only between the departments on the county level but also between the various government levels. It all comes out of the same taxpayer pocket.

Let’s say all of these things are on the cutting board: schools, parks, roadwork, and arts organizations. In what order do you try to save them? Let’s say they are not. There are too many other ways we can save dollars and afford valuable segments of our society. What is there for an educated man to enjoy if he cannot occasionally walk along a trail and enjoy the beauty of his surroundings or feel the beauty of the art of his brothers? I guess if we had to rank them … There is too little going to arts already, so we as individuals in society can probably help to make up with that loss of government funding if we cut there first … And we can better schedule or road work and manage our parks to keep those dollar costs lower. But I do not believe those items need to be on the cutting board. There are far too many other priorities that need to be fixed and wasted spending that needs to be accounted for first.


Sue Miller (District 22) - Eau Claire County Board

Did not return the questionnaire. Sadness.


Larry Marquardt* (District 18) - Chippewa County Board

What is your occupation? Employed with Chippewa School District and crop farm

What’s your guilty pleasure? Coffee and donuts

It’s Saturday afternoon, what are you doing? Enjoying living in the country

What’s the most adventurous thing you did in your youth? I was a volunteer firefighter for 20 years

Who is your role model? My father

What three things can’t you live without? Diet Mountain Dew, Friday Fish Fry, and Lienies Beer

What place in the valley considers you a regular? Kwik Trip

What’s your favorite Chippewa Valley building? NW State Fairgrounds

What frustrates you about the city/county? Lack of Cooperation

What is one idea you have to make this a better place? Done lots or conservation practices on our farm

What do you want to tell locals when they complain about the conditions of roads? Drive in the surrounding counties

What will you do to create job opportunities and retain the college graduates? Keep supporting the Chippewa County Economic Development Corp.

What solutions do you have for the continued budget issues? Lessen employees and cut down on overtime

Let’s say all of these things are on the cutting board: schools, parks, roadwork, and arts organizations. In what order do you try to save them? Schools, Roads, Parks, Arts


Mark Perry (District 18) - Chippewa County Board

Did not return the questionnaire. Downer.


Gary Misfeldt* (District 20) - Chippewa County Board

What is your occupation? I recently retired after working 32 years for the State of Wisconsin. My chief occupation now is getting up in the morning and telling my wife to have a nice day as she leaves for work.

What’s your guilty pleasure? Obsessively reading as many newspapers as I can in a week. I love re-reading Volume One over and over.

If you could choose a theme song for Chippewa, what would it be? We are the Champions. What a great place to live! I'm a lifelong resident of 59 years.

It’s Saturday afternoon, what are you doing? Hopefully it is summer and I’m out in my kayak watching the loons and the otters, and sipping on a Honey Weiss.

What’s the most adventurous thing you did in your youth? My friends and I went diving 60 feet off the NSP bridge in Chippewa Falls. No casualties!

Who is your role model? My wife

What three things can’t you live without? Exercise, lower Long Lake, and my family

What place in the valley considers you a regular? Old Abe’s Supper Club

What’s your favorite Chippewa Valley building? The Heyde Center

What frustrates you about the city/county? The lack of participation in government and people not appreciating what a great place this is to live in and raise a family

What is one idea you have to make this a better place? Find some means to get my two grown sons to relocate back to the Chippewa Valley and make my wife a very happy woman.

What do you want to tell locals when they complain about the conditions of roads? I agree with you, but only so much asphalt can be put down in a year at over $50,000 a mile.

What will you do to create job opportunities and retain the college graduates? I think we have to bring in and retain more industry. We have to be open to a variety of businesses that look at the Chippewa Valley. We need something for everyone. We can’t limit or restrict businesses from coming in.

What solutions do you have for the continued budget issues? Unfortunately, I don’t have the perfect solution. If you have suggestions I would love to hear them. My door is always open. As a starting point, we need a strong business base and grants/tax incentives to bring those businesses to the Chippewa Valley.

Let’s say all of these things are on the cutting board: schools, parks, roadwork, and arts organizations. In what order do you try to save them? I don’t believe that you can cut any of these items. I believe that each adds value and you “spread the pain around” so that you can maintain all these things to some degree. We all have to give a little and be willing to compromise. I learned this in my 32 years of state service and 15 years of community/public service.


Dale McGraw (District 20) - Chippewa County Board

What is your occupation? US ARMY 11 years. Vietnam Veteran. Brakeman/Conductor Soo Line-Canadian Pacific Railroad 30 years. Retired.

What’s your guilty pleasure? Eating a 26-Dollar Steak at Mona Lisa's.

If you could choose a theme song for Eau Claire, what would it be? America The Beautiful.

It’s Saturday afternoon, what are you doing? Many Options.

What’s the most adventurous thing you did in your youth? Serving in the Army in Korea, Vietnam and Germany.

Who is your role model? Father.

What three things can’t you live without? Water, Food, and Shelter.

What place in the valley considers you a regular? I'm a regular at Sweetwaters.

What’s your favorite Chippewa Valley building? Heyde Center.

What frustrates you about the city/county? I'm frustrated by the city/county because of their inability to consider citizen input on important issues.

What is one idea you have to make this a better place? My idea to make this a better place would be to bring taxes in line with Per-Capita income.

What will you do to create job opportunities and retain the college graduates? In order to create job opportunities and retain college graduates we need to bring more technology oriented jobs to the area.

What solutions do you have for the continued budget issues? Solutions for budget issues need to depend on priorities and intense research and study for better alternatives.

Let’s say all of these things are on the cutting board: schools, parks, roadwork, and arts organizations. In what order do you try to save them? Schools, Roadwork, Arts Organizations, and Parks.


Arlan Cloutier* (District 22) - Chippewa County Board

What is your occupation? Retired

What’s your guilty pleasure? fishing, golf, hunting, outside

It’s Saturday afternoon, what are you doing? See previous answer

Who is your role model? Henry Aaron, Warren Spahn

What place in the valley considers you a regular? golf courses

What frustrates you about the city/county? Lack of aggressive job hunting/industry recruiting

What is one idea you have to make this a better place? Create good- to high-paying jobs.

What will you do to create job opportunities and retain the college graduates? No one person can do that, but look at my other answers

What solutions do you have for the continued budget issues? create more jobs

Let’s say all of these things are on the cutting board: schools, parks, roadwork, and arts organizations. In what order do you try to save them? schools, roadwork, parks, arts organizations


Dave Martineau (District 22) - Chippewa County Board

What is your occupation? I teach economics and history at the Chippewa Falls High School

What’s your guilty pleasure? Drinking a soda or two, I know I shouldn’t because there are healthier things to drink.

If you could choose a theme song for Chippewa, what would it be? On Wisconsin

It’s Saturday afternoon, what are you doing? Playing basketball or football with my kids. Or you could find me in a garden or doing yard work.

What’s the most adventurous thing you did in your youth? Growing up with five brothers was always an adventure!

Who is your role model? My parents. They raised six boys while my dad served in the Air Force. We all turned out to be well-adjusted adults.

What three things can’t you live without? My wife, my children, and my family.

What place in the valley considers you a regular? Sokup’s Market. They will tell you exactly what I am going to order.

What’s your favorite Chippewa Valley building? It is not just one building. My wife and I have a love for some of the big old houses on the West Hill of Chippewa Falls.

What frustrates you about the city/county? The lack of accountability and easy to access information within those local governments.

What is one idea you have to make this a better place? I would like to see a better connection between local government and the voters. I believe that people will understand and be supportive if they are allowed to have all the information on any particular issue.

What do you want to tell locals when they complain about the conditions of roads? I know that a deep pothole can ruin anyone’s day. I believe having a clearly visible plan and budget will allow voters to see how their money is spent. People will either see that the potholes are a product of a poor use of funds or they need to better fund roads.

What will you do to create job opportunities and retain the college graduates? Great question. Taxpayers have a huge investment in our kids. They help fund elementary through post secondary education opportunities for the children of this community and state. I believe that local government should be looking for industries that require a well-educated workforce. Industries that help our major industries and try to create jobs that would use the latest technologies. The Chippewa Valley has had a reputation of innovation. For example, let us be leaders in green technology and pursue some of the federal dollars earmarked for those projects.

What solutions do you have for the continued budget issues? Ask questions. I believe that not enough questions are being asked when budgets and serious legislation are put before local governments.

Let’s say all of these things are on the cutting board: schools, parks, roadwork, and arts organizations. In what order do you try to save them? I would always put children first when any budget item cuts were discussed. Next I would support services that affected the most individuals and local businesses. Anything that would support the local economy would be a priority.


Sue Beety (District 22) - Dunn County Board

What is your occupation? Realtor at Prudential Benrud Realty Inc.

What’s your guilty pleasure? Legacy Chocolates!

If you could choose a theme song for Menomonie, what would it be? America's Prosperity by Van Dyke

It’s Saturday afternoon, what are you doing? Showing homes or taking a nap.

What’s the most adventurous thing you did in your youth? I had many great experiences, none I should put in writing.

What three things can’t you live without? Family, my dog Kelly, and the internet

What place in the valley considers you a regular? Movie theaters and several restaurants.

What’s your favorite Chippewa Valley building? Mabel Tainter Theater

What frustrates you about the city/county? Not having the money to do the things to make life better for its citizens and the lack of communication in government is very frustrating.

What is one idea you have to make this a better place? Bring more “green jobs” and reduce taxes.

What will you do to create job opportunities and retain the college graduates? Green jobs (we need to be much more sustainable)

What solutions do you have for the continued budget issues? Judge each issue to the best of my ability for fiscal responsibility and relevance.

Let’s say all of these things are on the cutting board: schools, parks, roadwork, and arts organizations. In what order do you try to save them? Hard choice. All of these are important quality of life issues. I can’t do anything about schools as a city or county elected official, but if I could it would be my number one. The arts and parks are important in any society and roads and infrastructure are essential.


Gerald Lausted (District 22) - Dunn County Board

What is your occupation? Agribusiness/Angus Genetics

What’s your guilty pleasure? Raising Animals

It’s Saturday afternoon, what are you doing? Walking

Who is your role model? Archie Abbott, retired agriculture teacher

What three things can’t you live without? Clean water, air, and space

What place in the valley considers you a regular? My wife says its Fleet Farm

What frustrates you about the city/county? People that choose not to read or to stand up for important issues

What is one idea you have to make this a better place? Elected or not I will continue to donate my time to projects that provide needed services and create jobs. My wife and I see the benefits of serving in voluntary positions.

What will you do to create job opportunities and retain the college graduates? I will focus on quality of life issues. Quality of Life in Dunn County is what attracts and keeps creative and talented graduates that command good wages and create additional jobs.
What solutions do you have for the continued budget issues? Our county needs to continue to operate in a business like way, within a reasonable budget. The county must do its job well during tough times as well as good times.

Let’s say all of these things are on the cutting board: schools, parks, roadwork, and arts organizations. In what order do you try to save them? The county’s role in each of these must be continually reevaluated. These are the quality of life features that attract and keep talented and creative people in our county. If we want good paying jobs, we need quality people to fill them.


Calvin Christianson* (District 10) - Dunn County Board

Did not return the questionnaire. Shucks.


Neil Olson (District 10) - Dunn County Board

What is your occupation? Retired

What’s your guilty pleasure? Going fishing

It’s Saturday afternoon, what are you doing? In summertime – mowing yard or working in garden

What’s the most adventurous thing you did in your youth? Going to movies on Sunday afternoon

Who is your role model? My wife

What three things can’t you live without? My wife, our son, and six grandkids

What place in the valley considers you a regular? The Tainter Church

What’s your favorite Chippewa Valley building? Mabel Tainter Theater

What frustrates you about the city/county? They aren’t listening to their voters.

What is one idea you have to make this a better place? Welcome new business

What will you do to create job opportunities and retain the college graduates? Give businesses less taxes so they can survive.

What solutions do you have for the continued budget issues? The county has to create a friendly climate for businesses to move here.

Let’s say all of these things are on the cutting board: schools, parks, roadwork, and arts organizations. In what order do you try to save them? Schools, roadwork, parks, and the arts.


Margy Hagaman (District 11) - Dunn County Board

Did not return the questionnaire. Darn it.


James Anderson (District 11) - Dunn County Board

What is your occupation? Retired as of 9-1-09. (Agr. banker and educator when working.)

What’s your guilty pleasure? Green Bay Packers fanatic

If you could choose a theme song for Menomonie, what would it be? My Kind of Town, Menomonie Is

It’s Saturday afternoon, what are you doing? Yard work, watching football, or reading

What’s the most adventurous thing you did in your youth? Ski jumping at Westby

Who is your role model? Vince Lombardi

What three things can’t you live without? Singing, family, and friends.

What place in the valley considers you a regular? Culver’s

What’s your favorite Chippewa Valley building? Mabel Tainter

What frustrates you about the city/county? Drivers breaking speed limits.

What is one idea you have to make this a better place? More recognition and assistance to Veterans Associations.

What will you do to create job opportunities and retain the college graduates? Work with the Dunn County Economic Development Organization for more awareness and opportunities available in Dunn County.

What solutions do you have for the continued budget issues? Try to look at "needs" of the people rather than the "wants."

Let’s say all of these things are on the cutting board: schools, parks, roadwork, and arts organizations. In what order do you try to save them? While all of these are important in a viable community, my top priority would be schools, followed by roads and roadwork. I believe we have excellent schools now, so we need to maintain them as well as our roads and highways. I believe we have great parks and our arts organizations are great. We need them all but must always be looking for ways to keep costs in line and trying to maximize the value we get from our tax dollars.


WHAT ELSE IS ON THE BALLOT?

EAU CLAIRE: The county board has unopposed candidates in districts 1-4, 8-9, 11-12, 14-21, 23-24, 26-27, and 29. District 10 has incumbent Michel Sultan against newcomer Chris Flaten.

CHIPPEWA: There are three other seats of the city council race up for grabs, all of which have uncontested incumbents returning. The county board has unopposed candidates in districts 2, 5, 7, 9-17, 19, 21, and 23-29.

MENOMONIE/DUNN: Bill Stewart is uncontested in his race for circuit court judge. Twenty-two of the 29 district seats up for election at the county board are uncontested (districts 1-5, 9, 12-21, 24-26, and 28-29). There are three uncontested races for city council, and one (ward five) in which no candidates are running. The mayor’s seat is also up with incumbent Dennis Kropp and challenger Randy Knaack.

SCHOOL BOARDS: Eau Claire, Chippewa Falls, and Menomonie school boards each have three spots up for grabs, all uncontested as two incumbents return and one newcomer looks to fill a vacated seat in each city.

REFERENDUMS:
The advisory referendum on the jail in Eau Claire County will ask voters to choose one of the following: “build a new jail next to the current courthouse and remodel the courthouse” or “build a new county justice center for the jail, courts, and sheriff’s department at River Prairie or Highway 93 and 94.”

The Altoona School District has a referendum that asks voters to voice their opinion on exceeding the budget for the next three school years by $1.25 million a year.

Chippewa Falls has an advisory referendum regarding the purchase of a new firetruck.