Question 1 - What are the top three issues facing the county right now and how should they be addressed?
Question 2 - What qualifications and experience will you bring to the board if elected commissioner of District 4?
Jennifer Chmielewski
Question 1
The top three issues depend upon who you are.
There are great concerns about the rate of property tax increases. Cuts in state aid to local governments (LGA) are a related issue. Are county budgets fair and are tax dollars being spent sustainably?
Another is economic development. This can mean many things. In this case, retaining and expanding existing businesses, while attracting new ones. The parallel process is job creation. Employ our residents. Retain our families. Attract new working families.
Question 2
I have 14 years of experience working in the criminal justice system. I am very accustomed to working with all types of people. I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in criminal justice from St. Cloud State University. My family is made up of small business owners. I am a practical, common-sense person. I have the type of energy, fresh ideas and a new perspective that will be beneficial to the Board of Commissioners and residents of Carlton County.
Kerrick B. Johnson
Question 1
1. Unfunded mandates such as grants and Local Government Aid that has been drastically cut. As a Carlton County Commissioner I will try to support our state representatives and senators in advocating for LGA monies and grant positions.
2. As a CCC we should look at the same line-item accountability as we would running our own business, line item by line item.
3. I would also like to increase our corporate and business tax base by creating tax relief for new businesses coming to Carlton County and to continue a fair tax rate for these businesses to stay and flourish.
Question 2
I will refer back to my prior management experience and my willingness to strive toward a common goal of making Carlton County a great place to work and live. I will also rely on my education and lifelong experiences to create trust and help solidify the communication that will be needed in future negotiations with other government entities and county employees.
Dana Miletich
Question 1
Maintaining a balanced county budget - As a county commissioner I will advocate against tax increases and ask our county agencies to operate within their means.
Attracting and keeping business - As county commissioner, I will work hard to attract and sustain businesses. I will make every effort to partner with local municipalities to create private sector jobs and ensure our citizens do not have to leave this area to find quality jobs.
Term limits - Our county board is a part-time citizen board that needs the fresh ideas that often come from newly elected members. I would not serve more than two terms as county commissioner.
Question 2
During my career as a Minnesota State Patrol trooper, I have performed additional duties as a drill instructor, background investigation, field training for new recruits, and first aid instructor. Since 1994 I have also owned and managed several rental properties. In 2008 I was elected to the Barnum school board, serving as the board's vice chairman since January. During my time on the board I have advocated for the taxpayer by not backing away from controversial or difficult decisions. Many elected officials change their minds and votes in controversy. I will never let the tough decisions be based on intimidation or fear generated by others.
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Robert (Bob) Olean
Question 1
I've asked many voters of this district about the top three issues and the answers are varied but the theme is the same: real estate taxes are out of control; our local work force is shrinking with layoffs and job cuts so we need to see business growth to enhance our tax base; and last, small family farms and our rural setting are shrinking again due to increased costs of not only real estate taxes but day-to-day operating expenses. Local Government Aid from the state has been cut severely, shifting the tax burden to the local government.
Question 2
In my role as township supervisor for Twin Lakes Township for the past 11 years I have had the opportunity to experience politics at a grassroots level and an opportunity to learn how government operates and formulates policies that affect each and every one of us. My years of employment as transportation supervisor for the Carlton School District gave me the chance to see how budgets and funding for school districts across the state have been cut time and time again and I understand how my taxpayer dollars are allocated and what difficult decisions must be made to stay within budget limitations.
Melvin Omer
Question 1
High property taxes - The county should be spending on needs, not wants. Given the current market of homes today, I want to ensure homeowners are not faced with the burden of increasing property taxes while the value of their homes is decreasing.
Controlled/focused spending - The county has been making cuts over the past few years, but it seems people are continuing to pay more. I want the county to make sure any spending is controlled and focused.
County representation for the people - In my opinion, past county representation listened to the people but did not truly "hear" the people.
Question 2
I have been a resident of Carlton County for 62 years (born and raised). During these years I have experienced a lot of change. I worked at Potlatch (Sappi) for 37 years (since retired), which allowed me to gain experience with people from all over the county. Is there a better place to learn what people really want out of their county than at the work place? I have also attended various county board meetings when issues that I am passionate about were being discussed. It is now time to take these experiences and qualifications to "dig" into things.
Tony Sheda
Question 1
One issue is less revenue due to the poor economy. The hard part is what to do. I believe all options should be looked at.
Public apathy is a big problem. Since I started running, I've heard lots of complaints such as all the money being spent on the new building in Cloquet and the businesses being displaced by it, daytime meetings, bloated human services division, etc. Yet not many (me included) go to meetings and make an effort to know what's going on.
Question 2
Other than being on the Wrenshall Town Board, I have no political experience and maybe that is good. I've been married for over 40 years to the same wonderful woman and we have six kids. I've been in business, made payroll and paid taxes for 40-plus years in the Wrenshall area.
I don't know what one person can do, but I am conservative and will look at any and all things that come up. I will do what is right for Carlton County.
Paul Vernon
Question 1
Unfunded mandates - These are programs the state tells us we have to implement but doesn't provide funding. They run into the millions. We need to continue pulling federal grants, and start telling the state no - either fund them or don't implement them.
Property taxes and economic development - We need to add more business and expand what we have. My years on the County Economic Board are a huge plus.
We also need to analyze each department to grow them if they produce revenue, or streamline those that don't. An example: For every dollar spent by Veterans Affairs, they generate $80. These help offset our taxes.
Question 2
First and foremost, my experience as a business person. I have owned and operated businesses in Carlton County for 20 years, and Carlton County should be run like a business. My past experience as an elected official on the Carlton City Council as well as my years on the Carlton County Economic Development Board can't be matched by the other candidates. I am a futuristic thinker who has learned to look long-term on a decision, not just for what is good today. I am the person you need to vote for to get the job done.
Kelly Zink
Question 1
While visiting with Carlton County District 4 residents, I consistently hear that property taxes continue to substantially rise and are difficult to afford. We must find a way for responsible government budgeting with the Local Government Aid (LGA) cuts and revenue shortfalls. There is a significant need for existing job retention and new job creation.
Responsible budgeting and controlled spending need to be at the forefront, as LGA is cut and expenses continue to rise. Property taxes can be stabilized by broadening the tax base, therefore creating new job opportunities, property owners, and enhancing existing businesses. We will do this in alignment with our community values.
Question 2
Being raised on a northeast Minnesota dairy farm, I learned about integrity and hard work. I have 25 years of business experience which includes management of multi-million dollar budgets, providing me with the skills and knowledge to make responsible decisions and budget recommendations. As the Chamber of Commerce executive director, I regularly collaborate with local government and economic development authorities. To ensure our rural quality of life is maintained, I dedicate my time and leadership on area boards and committees. Eleven years ago, we selected District 4 as our home. As a small business owner, parent and resident - I am committed to Carlton County's future!
Susan Zmyslony
Question 1
The number one issue for the county is to control escalating property taxes while continuing to provide effective, quality services. People are asking for an increased accountability of county government and they are concerned about safe roads and preservation of our lands. We need to engage the citizens of the county and invest our energy in finding new revenue streams to reduce the local property tax burden and to make sure the region grows. It is through growth we stabilize our property taxes and provide good jobs for the people of our county. We need a new perspective.
Question 2
Through my varied experiences, which include nine years on the Barnum School Board, Epilepsy Foundation and Northern Lights Interagency Council, I understand working with people to fulfill expectations and goals. I possess the ability to listen and interact with the public, staff and other board members. I will bring a new perspective and innovative solutions to the problems confronting Carlton County. I will bring dedication, a strong commitment, and promise to fulfill all terms and expectations required of the position of County Commissioner. I look forward to tackling the tough budgetary decisions that will be confronting us in the future.
