When: Tuesday, April 2nd, 2024; 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 28th, 2024 and turned in no later than 8:00 p.m. on April 4th either by mail or dropped off in-person. In-Person absentee voting will start Tuesday, March 19th and end Friday, March 29th. This will take place at City Hall. You can vote Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. If you plan to vote by mail, voters are strongly encourage to mail their ballots as soon as possible to ensure their ballot is received by the deadline.
What it’s about: There are 45 candidates running for the 29 seats this April. The Eau Claire City Council includes 29 members who each serve a two-year term. The candidates include:
District 20 John Folstad (Incumbent), Jasmine Case
Who can vote: The election is open to all eligible voters in the Eau Claire Area School 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:
1. What are your background and qualifications for this position, and what value will you bring to the County Board personally?
John Folstad
I have a Masters of Science in Nursing, and have been a Registered nurse for over 40 years. I have held numerous leadership roles during my career. I was the Vice President of Strategy, Development and Implementation at Sacred Heart Hospital when I retired in 2018. I was the previous Chairman of the Board of Directors at Life Link Air Transportation Services headquartered in Minneapolis. I have been on the Eau Claire County Board for the last two years and I am currently a member of the County's Finance Committee and Department of Human Services Committee.
Jasmine Case
I am a long-term Eau Claire resident, residing since 2003, deeply connected to the community. As a parent with a child in our public schools and a proud Blugold alum, I understand local needs. My commitment to education is evident through my career dedicated to teaching and fostering belonging at the university. Serving as the director of Service-Learning at UWEC, I work closely with those on the ground addressing community needs. I actively seek to empower our students, enabling them to make a meaningful difference in the Eau Claire community. I am a dedicated employee, consistently advocating for underrepresented voices and simplifying complex processes. If given the opportunity, I will bring a unique perspective, extensive community ties, and a proven track record of amplifying diverse voices to contribute effectively to the County Board. I am a 2023 Leadership Eau Claire alum and have used that experience to further deepen my connections to the community.
2. What should the County’s role be in responding to the healthcare crisis created by the HSHS and Prevea closings?
John Folstad
The initial role of the County has to be to find alternate providers for many of the outpatient services provided by HSHS and Prevea, i.e. Birth to Three Program. The County needs to explore options for providing/expanding inpatient psychiatric care and drug and alcohol abuse treatment in the region. I promote working collaboratively with surrounding counties to address this need.
Jasmine Case
The County's role in responding to the healthcare crisis precipitated by the HSHS and Prevea closings is vital and necessitates a multifaceted approach. Transparency is crucial to understanding the scope of the problem, and the HSHS/Prevea Recovery Task Force exemplifies a commendable effort in bringing diverse expertise to the table. It is essential to ask challenging questions and be open to innovative solutions, particularly in enhancing access to rural healthcare. Clear and consistent information dissemination is paramount during this uncertain time, ensuring stakeholders and the public are well-informed. The County should lead by fostering collaboration, embracing innovation, and prioritizing effective communication to navigate the challenges posed by the healthcare crisis.
3. What is the County Board’s role in promoting economic development, business maintenance and commercial growth in the county?
John Folstad
The County needs to provide good infrastructure, i.e. roads to support businesses. The County also needs to make the county a great place to live and raise a family. Activities supporting this include maintaining public safety with a well staffed and trained Sheriff's Department, having good parks and keeping housing affordable by keeping taxes as low as possible.
Jasmine Case
The County Board is pivotal in driving economic development, maintaining businesses, and fostering commercial growth within the county. Its primary duty involves collaborating with the City Council and State Government to optimize resources for robust economic growth. This includes crafting business-friendly policies, streamlining regulations, and fostering partnerships. Working closely with the City Council ensures coordinated urban planning and infrastructure development, vital for attracting businesses. Collaborating with the State Government facilitates access to funding, incentives, and initiatives for economic expansion. Through strategic planning, the Board addresses growth barriers, provides financial support to entrepreneurs, and cultivates a supportive environment for businesses. Essentially, the County Board's role includes policy formulation, infrastructure development, and collaboration for a sustainable business landscape.
4. How and on which issues and services should Eau Claire County work more collaboratively with the municipalities in its jurisdiction?
John Folstad
Eau Claire County and the City of Eau Claire currently work collaboratively with the Eau Claire Communications Center and the City-County Public Health Department. The County works collaboratively with townships with zoning and planning projects. These collaborative efforts need to be maintained while continuing to look at other opportunities to increase collaboration. A specific area currently being explored is how to best provide emergency medical services throughout the county.
Jasmine Case
The County and its municipalities hold vast potential for collaborative efforts, particularly in criminal justice reform and affordable housing. Joint initiatives in criminal justice aim at reducing recidivism through community policing, diversion programs, and restorative justice. Collaborative strategies utilize shared resources and expertise, employing task forces, training, and outreach. Data-driven approaches enhance transparency and ensure resources are being used efficiently. In affordable housing, a unified approach features a regional housing task force, pooled resources, and grant leverage. Collaboration extends to partnering for a day shelter, tenant support, and community education. Formal communication, joint meetings, and committees foster trust and allow many voices to be heard. Prioritizing collaboration allows leveraging resources for a more equitable, sustainable, and resilient community.
5. What should the County’s role be through its DHS department in working with the City of Eau Claire and other municipalities on issues related to mental health and the unhoused population?
John Folstad
DHS has hired multiple crisis workers that work collaboratively with the Eau Claire Police Department and the Sheriff's Department to address how individuals experiencing a mental health crisis can be best handled. Anecdotal comments regarding this program have been positive, but quality performance results still need to be obtained. Staffing levels in DHS have been increased to address the waiting lists that some county residents have been experiencing for DHS services. The continued reduction of the waiting lists will hopefully allow issues to be addressed earlier and prevent future issues. Helping individuals address mental health issues can have a positive affect on helping homeless individuals find and maintain housing.
Jasmine Case
The County and its municipalities hold vast potential for collaborative efforts, particularly in criminal justice reform and affordable housing. Joint initiatives in criminal justice aim at reducing recidivism through community policing, diversion programs, and restorative justice. Collaborative strategies utilize shared resources and expertise, employing task forces, training, and outreach. Data-driven approaches enhance transparency and ensure resources are being used efficiently. In affordable housing, a unified approach features a regional housing task force, pooled resources, and grant leverage. Collaboration extends to partnering for a day shelter, tenant support, and community education. Formal communication, joint meetings, and committees foster trust and allow many voices to be heard. Prioritizing collaboration allows leveraging resources for a more equitable, sustainable, and resilient community.
Posted by Mallory Williams Governmental Affairs Intern
williams@eauclairechamber.org