Candidates in their words: Trempealeau County Board of Supervisors

Candidates running in contested elections for the Trempealeau County Board in the April 5 election were contacted by the Tri-County Area Times and asked some questions in regards to the topics of the campaign and their plans if elected. Some have replied back. Here are their answers.

Incumbent Supervisor Tim Zeglin - District No. 12 (Towns of Albion, Chimney Rock and Burnside)

1). Why do you want to serve on the county board?

I have already served on the County Board for four terms (eight years) and would like to continue to advance the best interests of County residents.

2). Given the increase costs for the new justice center and with interest rates set to rise, what should be the county's policies going forward on both completing the justice center reasonably on time and within budget targets and any future borrowing by the county?

I have been involved with the Justice Center project since its beginning. The project is currently on schedule and only slightly over budget, despite significant prices increases due to supply chain disruptions. Trempealeau County has a highly effective and responsible project management firm in the Samuels Group, represented by project manager Kurt Berner, and the County should continue to rely on this this firm.

3). What are some upcoming challenges the county faces and what's your plan for meeting them?

My plan for the upcoming term includes: (1) implementing performance evaluation for all county employees, starting with department heads, and (2) funding and hiring a county administrator, and (3) continued creation of yearly balanced budgets.

4). Over the past, say, five years, there have been personnel problems and conflicts within many county departments and even the board itself. What should the board do to address such issues when they arise?

The first two priorities that I mentioned in my previous response--performance evaluation and a county administrator--would greatly reduce the likelihood of personnel conflicts.

Harlan Reinders - Candidate for District No. 16 (Strum and Osseo areas, Towns of Sumner and Unity)
1). Why do you want to serve on the county board?

The reason I am running for county board is to ensure that the People of Trempealeau County have and continue to have a voice in their government that they can trust. To make sure that we maintain local control and stop the one size fits all mandates that are dictated by the State and the Federal Government’s. I bring leadership experience having been in law enforcement for nearly 32 years, with 14 of those years in upper management. I will bring honesty, hard work, and experience to the board.

2). Given the increase costs for the new justice center and with interest rates set to rise, what should be the county's policies going forward on both completing the justice center reasonably on time and within budget targets and any future borrowing by the county?

We need to always be fiscally responsible with the citizen’s money. When given a request for capital improvements we need to ask if this is best for Trempealeau County and whether or not any given project is a responsible use of the citizens resources. We need to have long range successive planning and not just pass a budget by being reactive to the current need. I will bring creativity and big picture thinking to the board. During my time as the Chief Deputy of Trempealeau County Sheriff’s office, I was able to help solve very complex issues and situations. I will bring those skills and abilities to this board. The justice center is a project that has already been passed and is underway. The justice center project requires that board members stay intricately involved. I hope to be assigned to the Property Committee to ensure that decisions made are in the best interest of Trempealeau County.

3). What are some upcoming challenges the county faces and what's your plan for meeting them?

Inflation is a factor that impacts all areas of government and every person. I can bring out of the box thinking. We need to look for ways to pool resources and collaborate with other businesses to increase purchasing power and share in resources, to save money. I will look to merge any duplicate services and research if partnering with the private sector will save money and improve services. Trempealeau County government needs to do long range successive planning to save money and offer the best service to its citizens.

4). Over the past, say, five years, there have been personnel problems and conflicts within many county departments and even the board itself. What should the board do to address such issues when they arise?

It all starts with being a good listener! Listening is the best place to start. I have been involved in leading people in the workplace and making sure we understand the root of the issue is important to solving any problem. Trempealeau County has some of the best and brightest employees. We need to involve staff and empower them to work through any differences that may arise. I would work to facilitate open and honest dialog to head off issues before they become conflict in the workplace.