Primaries will cut one board candidate

Talk about it

The number of candidates vying to represent District 4 — which includes Cottage Grove, Newport and St. Paul Park — on the Washington County Board will be whittled down to two in the primary election coming up Tuesday, Aug. 10. Following are some thoughts from the three candidates who are running for the seat:

Autumn Lehrke

Age: 28

Education: Associate in Arts (2003), Bachelor of Arts in Management (2004), Master of Business Administration (2007), Master of Arts in Management with a concentration in Organizational Leadership (expected December 2010).

Family: Spouse, Derrick

City of residence: Cottage Grove

Are there any areas of the county budget that you would definitely cut, or definitely protect from cuts?

The areas that I would like to protect from cuts are in line with the core mission of the county. These include the safety net services for the most vulnerable people (i.e. child protection and servicing children with needs). In addition, public safety, public health, and roads are very important to keep funding for.

Do you feel that the county is on the right track in regard to transit and transportation issues?

I do not think the county is on track with transportation and transit issues. The recent transit study determined that there are deficiencies in the transportation network off of Highway 61 and this is hindering the city’s ability to service future development. The current road construction makes it obvious that we need alternate routes to enter and exit Cottage Grove. Furthermore, county residents are paying an additional 0.25 percent in sales tax for public transit projects in the metro area. We are not getting a good return on our investment. 100 percent of the citizens pay for the transit projects, 20 percent is spent in Washington County and according to 2000 U.S. Census, only 1.3 percent of Washington County commuters used transit. With the exception of a commuter bus service from Forest Lake, Washington County has not had any transit programs of its own. It is time for change and I believe we should keep our money in Washington County to better our transit and transportation.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing the county in the upcoming year, and how would you address it?

While Washington County is one of the best places to live in Minnesota, we aren’t without challenges. Like most counties, one of our biggest challenges will be the lackluster economy. This impacts the need for services for residents who lost income, it can increase foreclosures, and it will also decrease the revenue of the county. In addition, the impact of the state cutting the local aid will have a direct impact on the ability to fund all of the programs currently in place. We need to look at things from a fresh perspective where creative, innovative ideas could help make the dollars stretch further through greater efficiency and new technology.

Colleen Millard

Age: 56

Education: Graduate of South St. Paul High School, some college and educational classes

Family: Spouse, Gary; four children; five grandchildren

City of residence: Cottage Grove

Are there any areas of the county budget that you would definitely cut, or definitely protect from cuts?

Education is essential if we are to compete in this global economy. Library services should be protected from budget-balancing cuts because they are an important educational resource. The county commissioners have cut library hours and services and are proposing to close two libraries at a time when they are proposing to build a new Cottage Grove library. This is unacceptable. We must not become a community of beautiful buildings at the expense of services to our residents.

I would also restore funding that the county board eliminated for the Washington County 4H program. The benefits of that program far outweigh the small cost to the county.

Libraries and 4H help prepare our children to lead productive lives and to become our community’s future leaders. 

Do you feel that the county is on the right track in regard to transit and transportation issues?

Maintaining and improving local roads to assure safe travel should be our first priority. While transit will benefit our community, and we should plan for it, our residents cannot afford to pay higher property taxes or additional fees to fund the high cost of transit at this time. Many are struggling to make ends meet.

Because of the tough economic climate and massive state aid cuts, the county does not have the financial resources needed to pay for a luxury transit or commuter rail system without cutting other worthwhile programs. A hybrid vehicle is great for the environment and gets great gas mileage, but that doesn’t mean I can afford to go out and buy one.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing the county in the upcoming year, and how would you address it?

The county likely will face additional cuts in state aid next year and commissioners will have to cut spending in order to balance the county’s budget. These cuts should not be made merely for momentary benefit. We must always consider the long-term implication of our choices before we make them. Property tax increases and additional fees are unacceptable because they would place a burden on our residents, especially the elderly on fixed incomes.

I think we should consider forming partnerships with other public entities to streamline the delivery of services and reduce duplication. I would work closely with the county administrator, department heads, local legislators, city officials and other county representatives to ensure that we are providing services in an efficient, cost-effective manner.

Myra Peterson

Age: 71

Education: University of Minnesota

Family: Spouse, Roger; eight children; 15 grandchildren

City of residence: Cottage Grove

Are there any areas of the county budget that you would definitely cut, or definitely protect from cuts?

No. Washington county programs are continually reviewed to determine cost effectiveness. The process looks at number of people using the service, hours provided, and cost per unit to deliver the service. Several of our state mandated services designed to care for our most vulnerable citizens have seen significant increases. Food support increased 84 percent, MN Family Investment Program — 30 percent, health care cases — 25 percent, and intake calls increase daily reflecting unemployment, and underemployment. As a result, we have had to reduce and eliminate some of our favorite programs as reflected in the changes in summer library hours.

Do you feel that the county is on the right track in regard to transit and transportation issues?

Yes. Our Transportation Plan has been approved by Metropolitan Council and reflects the local community’s goals. Corridors will only be built after completing alternative analysis, environmental review and cost-effectiveness studies. Red Rock corridor is unique as the money used to develop the commuter service will enhance high speed passenger rail service to Chicago, and freight rail. The Hoffman Rail Yard, part of this corridor, handles 9 percent of the nation’s freight rail service. Providing mass transportation opportunities in corridors will encourage economic development, reduce congestion and our dependency on oil. The county’s plan coincides with the state’s Passenger Rail Plan, which received national recognition.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing the county in the upcoming year, and how would you address it?

Balancing the budget while addressing the needs of citizens and keeping property taxes in check. Currently, Washington County celebrates the fact that it has a Triple A Bond Rating, one of 50 in the nation, the second lowest tax rate in the state, and the fewest number of employees per capita. As a county commissioner, I will continue to require strong fiscal management.

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