March 26, 2026
See below questions asked by the Chamber, and the following "responses" from the listed candidate.
Candidate: Kirk Dahl
Running for: Incumbent for District 14, Eau Claire County Board of Supervisors
Collaboration and Regional Leadership: Many issues — from economic growth to environmental protection — require collaboration beyond the county’s borders. How would you work with other governments and stakeholders (the City of Eau Claire, City of Altoona, surrounding counties, the state government, and local tribes) to advance common goals? Please give specific examples, such as partnering with cities on shared services or infrastructure projects, collaborating with school districts on youth programs, or advocating at the state level for legislation that benefits Eau Claire County. Additionally, how will you engage with constituents and the business community to ensure the County’s policies reflect the needs of Eau Claire County?
Response: "Counties generally cannot interfere with municipal powers unless such entities formally request it, such as for help with zoning within cities or municipal police powers. Counties are limited because they operate like regional administrative agencies of the state, as opposed to independent governments. Counties may only do what the state legislature explicitly authorizes them to do. Cities and villages have constitutional "home rule," but counties do not. Lacking constitutional authority, counties cannot simply decide to regulate a new area, such as new taxes or fees, unless the state legislature grants authority for it. In my experience, the approach to collaboration with other agencies is highly individualized. Each situation is unique, with different budgets, motives, timelines, authority, and priorities. Whether it be responding to some urgent need, or simply attempting to innovate some new program, the individual situation dictates how one best responds and engages. Most of the substantive work in these situations is handled on our end by county employees who are experts in their fields, rather than by board members, with the latter having more of a policy directive, oversight, and budgetary allocation responsibility."
Workforce and Economic Development: What steps do you think Eau Claire County should take to alleviate the worker shortage impacting our region’s economy? In your answer, consider both the County’s role as an employer (how to fill critical positions like in public safety or human services) and its role in the broader economy (supporting job training programs, childcare access, or transportation for workers). How would you, as a County Board member, work with the business community and educational institutions to grow and retain a skilled workforce in Eau Claire County?
Response: "Many things constituents expect counties to do are legally outside county authority. Importantly, counties cannot create programs outside their statutory authority. Even when a worthwhile plan may benefit residents, counties cannot implement it unless authorized. Areas such as housing policy, transportation planning, economic development incentives, and environmental regulation require explicit statutory authority in order to act."
Housing Availability: Housing affordability and availability are vital for our workforce and community stability. What actions can the County Board take to support the development of more affordable and workforce housing in Eau Claire County? Would you advocate for County policies that incentivize housing development (for example, utilizing idle county-owned land, adjusting zoning in rural areas for housing, or collaborating with cities on housing projects)? Please share your approach to addressing housing needs across the county, including smaller communities and rural areas.
Response: "Housing shortage is not unique to us, largely because it is the result of broad macroeconomic trends which extend across the country, making it challenging to achieve meaningful progress on the local level. As mentioned above, worthy initiatives such as effective action to address the housing shortage are legally outside county authority. That being said, things change, plus the county may collaboratively seek solutions in conjunction with other entities when asked."
Fiscal Responsibility: Eau Claire County has encountered budget deficits in recent years. How would you approach the county budget to ensure fiscal responsibility and taxpayer value? Discuss your stance on spending priorities and potential cost-saving reforms – for instance, are there services that could be delivered more efficiently, or areas where you see potential revenue growth (through grants, partnerships, or economic growth) to avoid placing the burden on property taxpayers? If state funding remains flat, what tough choices would you consider to keep the budget balanced?
Response: "Counties have very limited taxation authority. Property tax levy increases are restricted by state levy limits, and any new tax requires authorization by the state legislature. Our county budget process is impressively thorough and inclusive. The priorities and requests of each department are weighed and scrutinized in detail. We are limited in our taxing authority, so there are compromises and unmet needs. But, following competent professional input from each department, the board sets the budget, which then becomes our business plan for the following year. The result is a fair, transparent, and justifiable set of spending priorities, plus a buffer to meet unexpected needs. Any borrowing receives heavy scrutiny. I am not critical of the current budget and the county's efforts toward fiscal responsibility."
Business Climate and Infrastructure: In what ways can the County Board foster a healthy business climate and support economic development? Please address county services or policies that impact local businesses – such as maintaining and improving county highways and infrastructure, supporting broadband expansion, ensuring timely zoning and permitting processes, and any economic development programs the county should pursue. How will you ensure that Eau Claire County is seen as a partner to businesses and not an obstacle?
Response: "As mentioned above, many things constituents expect counties to do are legally outside county authority, and counties cannot create programs outside statutory limits. Areas such as economic development incentives require explicit statutory authority in order to act. However, the county is constantly watching for areas to preserve and enhance the appeal of our area. As a member of the highway committee, I personally help set policy with regard to spending priorities in maintaining our roads. I also serve on the airport commission where we strive to maintain, modernize, and expand our infrastructure to best serve our citizens and our businesses. Zoning restrictions are adjusted according to evolving needs. The county actively pursues revenue sharing and grant money to amplify its efforts in all realms."
Health and Human Services/Public Health: What are your priorities for the County’s health and human services programs? With health and human services comprising the largest share of the budget, how will you ensure we effectively address issues like mental health care, the opioid/fentanyl crisis, care for seniors and veterans, and public health preparedness? Do you support current initiatives (such as expanding crisis mental health training or treatment programs) and what new initiatives, if any, would you champion to improve community health outcomes?
Response: "State mandates require counties to address certain programs, even if they are perhaps unpopular, difficult, and expensive, such as child welfare services, juvenile justice, public health programs, jails, and courts. I support the county's efforts to comply fully with state mandates. This is a dynamic area, especially in light of recent medical facility closures within the county and cutbacks in federal support for some programs. The expanding need for mental health treatment further requires skilled use of our limited available resources. The county's Health and Human Services Department, with 295 employees and a budget of over 53 million dollars, is best equipped to identify and address the specifics of their programs."
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