Spring 2020 Eau Claire County Board Candidate Questionnaire District 2

Spring 2020 Candidate Questionnaire: Eau Claire County Board

District 2: Sandra McKinney and Robert Hadderman

​Note: These questions were drafted and candidate responses requested before concerns about COVID-19 escalated to their current level.

Q1. What are your background and qualifications for this position, and why are you a candidate?

Sandra McKinney:
Retired minister with previous experience working in the AODA field--coordinating a pilot project for the State of Illinois for drinking drivers. Also background in sales and market research.  I'm currently President of JONAH, faith-based members addressing social justice issues in the Chippewa Valley. I also serve on a number of non-profit boards. I have personally addressed addiction and issues that are faced by seniors and low-income members of our community.

Robert Hadderman:
No Response Received

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

Sandra McKinney:
I believe in my role on the County Board, having served two terms, we always have a responsibility when voting to consider the business community, the development of projects for business and commercial growth--remembering all segments of our community. I believe in the power of working together and building relationships which I have done with my City Council representative for the same area. My background in sales in this community has brought me that perspective.

Robert Hadderman:
No Response Received

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

Sandra McKinney:
I serve on the Human Service Board and it is a challenge when the State mandates services, yet doesn't allocate the resources or allow for a means to provide those services. When we continue to put band aids on mental health and addiction--recognizing yet not providing the necessary resources--we may not be even close to a solution. This is a problem that impacts not only Eau Claire County, but our entire State if not our nation. When a local resident who is suicidal is told help is available in three weeks (from an actual recent experience) and yet continues to search for help-finding it in MN; I'm concerned for those who reach out for help and don't have the resources to search elsewhere when told they must wait. Putting pressure on legislature and state for budget concerns may be our only resource at this time. The drinking driver project I worked on in the 1970's was a time when no one wanted to talk about drinking and driving. It was Mother's Against Drunk Driving that raised the concerns to make change for an issue that at least seems to at least being addressed--if not totally corrected. I believe it will take those who personally have been impacted and their families finding help, to then speak out about this need all communities are now facing.

Robert Hadderman:
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?

Sandra McKinney:
Budget issues always (expressed above) and educating the public about the role government plays in their lives; from local to regional to state and national. I'm concerned about the lack of information and the presence of misinformation perpetuated by social media. I am pleased with the diversity we now see in local government and encourage all ages, gender and orientation to be involved.

Robert Hadderman:
​No Response Received
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