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Good Government Council: Eau Claire County Board of Supervisors District 5 Questioinnaire

When: Tuesday, April 5th, 2022; polls open 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Find your voting location at myvote.wi. All absentee ballots must be requested by March 31st, 2022 and turned in no later than 8:00 p.m. on April 5th either by mail or dropped off in-person. In-Person absentee voting will start Tuesday, March 22nd and end Friday, April 1st. You can vote early Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. If you plan to vote by mail, voters are strongly encouraged to mail their ballots as soon as possible to ensure their ballot is received by the deadline.

What it’s about: The County Board has 29 members, with each member representing around 3,645 people. Each member represents one of the 29 districts and serves a two year term. All 29 seats are up for election this spring. The candidates for District 5 include:

  • Carl Anton (Incumbent)
  • Larry Hoekstra

Who can vote: The election is open to all eligible voters who reside in District 5. Click here to find your district.

Where you vote and who is on your ballot:

  • Go to myvote.wi.gov
  • Enter your voting address to learn which races are on your ballot and where you vote.

Why this questionnaire: The Good Government Council (GGC) is a committee of the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce dedicated to encouraging voter participation and providing members of the business community with non-biased information about candidates’ positions on important issues. Although the Chamber is active in policy issues, it is non-partisan and does not endorse political candidates.

Candidate Responses

Unfortunately, we received no response from Carl Anton.

1.) What are your background and qualifications for this position, and what value will you bring to the County Board personally?

Larry Hoekstra: I have been a resident of Eau Claire County for more that 25 years. I am the founding Pastor of Osseo Community Church which was started with 8 people and now has an approx attendance of about 100. I have a 2 year degree in Electronics and a 4 year Bachelor of Science degree in Biblical Studies. Throughout my career I have been self-employed at times so I know what it is like to meet payroll, taxes and efficient scheduling. For more that 20 years I was employed in the commercial HVAC industry in sales and management of service contracts.

2.) With a strong local economy and low unemployment, many employers report difficulty in filling positions. What is the role of Eau Claire County in attracting more people to the community, and ensuring that the County is an attractive place to live and work?

Larry Hoekstra: I believe Eau Claire County should invest in an Industrial Park to designed to attract businesses seeking skilled labor. This will attract people to the Chippewa Valley and provide incentives for all business to maintain quality wages and benefits to retain their employees.

3.) The Chippewa Valley Housing Task Force found that the community is experiencing housing supply challenges at all income levels and housing types. What should the County’s role be in expanding housing supply within areas of its jurisdiction?

Larry Hoekstra: The county should work in conjunction with local townships and communities to aid in the development of adequate housing for all income levels. A collaborative will benefit the entire County.

4.) The County is in the process of determining how to spend over $20 million in federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Over $4 million has already been committed to broadband and to assistance for non-profits and small businesses. What are your thoughts on the priorities for the deployment of the remaining $15 million of funds?

Larry Hoekstra: I think the County should invest in the development of an Industrial Park to attract high end labor. This will insure a revenue stream for the County for several years which will enable the County to meet the ever changing needs of the area.

5.) If elected, what will be your top three priorities in your term as a County Board Member?

Larry Hoekstra: Accessibility to County Officials

Transparency of financial expenditures

Pro-Law Enforcement

More Information

All 29 Eau Claire County Boards seats up for election

Posted by Danya Morman, Governmental Affairs Intern

morman@eauclairechamber.org

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