By Seth Boyes,
Residents of southeastern Winneshiek County and some areas of Decorah Township will decide between two candidates seeking the District 4 seat on the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors. Republican incumbent and current board chair Dan Langreck is seeking reelection to the board, and independent candidate Cheryl Wiesler has thrown her hat in the ring as well. The Decorah Leader contacted the campaigns and submitted questionnaires to the candidates facing contested races this cycle. Their responses are printed here to help inform voters ahead of the upcoming election.
What inspired you to run for county supervisor, and what experiences do you feel have prepared you for a seat on the board?
Langreck: I have been highly active on city and county boards over the last 18 years. I knew it was time to step up to the next level, knowing that I could make a change for the better.
Wieseler: I have considered running for public office for a long time, and that interest has increased in recent years as I have witnessed growing political divisions at the national, state and local levels. I have always been interested in how our government works and the role that each citizen plays in that system. Winneshiek County has been my home for over 20 years. I care deeply about the people and natural resources here and want to do my part to preserve the health and security of both. My small business has also been enthusiastically supported by the people of Winneshiek County, and giving back through public service is a small way to say thank you. Although I currently own a bakery, my professional background is in education. I have a bachelor’s degree in secondary education and a master’s degree in educational administration and have worked as a classroom teacher, administrator and program director in several capacities, including development of programs to benefit rural public schools. The majority of my education career involved working with federally funded programs that supported low income and at-risk populations. Those experiences involved grant writing, program development and community collaboration. My work with diverse populations has strengthened my communication, decision-making and conflict resolution skills. Those skills have been essential to my success as a small business owner, a farmer and as a current member of the Decorah Farmers Market Board of Directors. Those same skills will serve me well when I am a member of the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors. I will be a supervisor who will listen to constituents’ concerns, who will thoroughly research important issues, and who will lead with respect and professionalism. In addition to my current experience, if elected, I intend to pursue supervisor certification through the Iowa State Association of County Supervisors.
What is the purpose of the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors, and how should its members go about fulfilling that role?
Langreck: The purpose of the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors is to manage the budget, oversee the spending of all departments within the county, and listen to the constituents within your district, while also working with other district supervisors to make the best decisions for the county as a whole.
Wieseler: The Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors is the legislative decision making body of the county. They are tasked with ensuring the protection and safety of county property and resources as well as protecting the health, security and welfare of those who live within the county. Along with approving the county budget, the board is responsible for working together with county employees from various departments to ensure that residents of Winneshiek County have access to safe roads, health care, safe and affordable housing and recreational spaces. The board oversees and approves the budgets of those departments to ensure continuation of services, and the continued well-being of those who live here. The county supervisors also serve as ambassadors for the county, in their interactions with other governmental officials regionally and throughout the state. In order to best fulfill their roles, county supervisors need to be as educated as possible on all aspects of county governance. The Iowa State Association of County Supervisors offers a 30 credit hour training for county supervisors that I believe should be required. The training covers multiple topics, such as open meetings, ethics and budgeting and goes a long way to boost the public’s confidence in their representatives. County supervisors also need to be willing to listen openly to the concerns of their constituents. Allowing for positive discourse allows one to view an issue from a different perspective, which is essential for remaining objective. Supervisors need to thoroughly research issues and avoid making rushed decisions, especially when the potential exists for negative impacts on county residents or natural resources. Supervisors should foster a welcoming environment at board meetings, encouraging constituents to ask questions and educating the public on how their county government works. When faced with opposing views, the supervisors should be willing to listen respectfully, engage in constructive discourse and compromise. County supervisors need to trust in the experience and expertise of county department heads. They know their departments best, and it is essential to listen to their recommendations and collaborate to come up with the best solutions to challenges such as budget cuts while striving for the best outcome for those who depend on those services.
More Q&A with the Winneshiek County supervisor candidates can be found in the October 17 Decorah Leader.
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