Spring 2020 Eau Claire County Board Candidate Questionnaire District 16

Spring 2020 Candidate Questionnaire: Eau Claire County Board

District 16: Andrew Carrillo and Emily Huerta

Note: These questions were drafted and candidate responses requested before concerns about COVID-19 escalated to their current level.
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Q1. What are your background and qualifications for this position, and why are you a candidate?

Andrew Carrillo
I am a reliable, goal-oriented leader, and I never shy away from accepting responsibility.  Once I find a problem, I will own the situation until an acceptable solution is found. I try to get to the root of a problem by asking the right questions.  I moved to Eau Claire because I was offered a promotion with my company. I have now made Eau Claire my home. I have come to love this area. I believe I now possess the necessary knowledge and experience to serve our community in a position of responsibility. I want to know why something has been done the way it has been done or why it should be done in the manner being suggested. The first reaction to a situation may not be the right reaction. More information and research may need to be done to create long-term positive solutions. I am thoughtful. I will be making decisions that affect my community and the taxpayers of Eau Claire County. I would consider my role as a County Board Member as that of a collaborator of what will best serve the taxpayers of the County of Eau Claire on a long-term basis.

Emily Huerta
No response received


Q2. What is the County Board’s role in promoting economic development, business maintenance and commercial growth in the county?

Andrew Carrillo
Counties should focus on long-range goals, be more active in strategic planning and program evaluation, be more open to collaborate, and engage a larger number of partner organizations. The addition of more private sector companies in our County, rather than more projects that are solely funded by taxpayers that rarely see any financial return, would greatly improve the economic landscape. When companies survey the County to evaluate the opportunities available, they need to be able to see success in existing companies in Eau Claire County. This will create confidence for their growth and a desire to move or open their business in Eau Claire County. These types of activities, while important, do not typically produce highly visible, short-term benefits, and thus they require a longer-term view.

Emily Huerta
No response received


Q3. What should the County Board do to address the current budget issues and program demands in the Human Services area?

Andrew Carrillo
We are mandated under Wisconsin statute to provide services to the most vulnerable and needy residents. The programs and services offered are beneficial to our community. Keeping the budget in mind, only about 10% of residents in the County are directly affected by these services. It is our responsibility to manage, in the most cost-effective way, and assist any percentage of residents in need. Human Services has to be looked at with great care, as it affects the lives of those who live in our communities. The budget, as a whole, needs to be reevaluated, but the Human Services area should remain a priority and be managed with fiscal prudence to provide the best quality services that we can provide.

Emily Huerta
No response received

Q4. What are the two biggest issues you expect Eau Claire County to face during your term, and how do you think the County Board should address them?

Andrew Carrillo
The current state of finances and lack of fiscal restraint will lead this County to become insolvent. Proper long-term planning is needed.  Our credit rating will suffer, and should the need arise for the County to borrow money, it will result in higher interest payments, which means the taxpayer will get less value for their tax dollars. Addressing main priorities and providing the taxpayers of Eau Claire County a clear vision of the County’s long-term direction is a necessity. An expectation should be set. This could be done with a budget that lays out a decisive plan with a focus on paying down debt promptly.

Emily Huerta
No response received