Three vying for 4th district commissioner

Published 12:00 am Saturday, September 7, 2002

Another political contest pitting Len Miller against Dick Lang is upon the county in Tuesday's state primary election.

They are both DFLers, Austin east siders and say they are staunchly concerned about the future of the local government units they represent.

Miller is the Mower County 4th District Commissioner, and Lang is the Austin 3rd Ward council member, who is making his second bid to win a seat on the county board.

Email newsletter signup

The third candidate, Donna J. Olson wants to crack the "all men's club" that is the Mower County Board. Not since Mary Keenan served has the county commissioners' ranks included a woman.

Here are the responses of the candidates to questions posed to them by the Austin Daily Herald. The responses appear in alphabetical order.

Dick Lang

listed his 6 years on the Austin City Council, representing the city's 3rd Ward (also Mower County's 4th District) and 42 years in business as strengths.

Why are you seeking this office?

Lang said to give the district "more fair, common sense manner" of representation.

What changes will you make if elected?

"I will set written annual goals for the start of each year."

Is the Mower County Board's

strategy on dealing with the millions of reserves the best or do you have a better idea?

"I will not vote for a county property tax increase, while the various fund balances grow."

What are your thoughts on

government relations and cooperation between Mower County and the city of Austin?

"The county and city must work together."

Per diem for county commissioners?

Lang's campaign literature has accused incumbent county commissioner Len Miller of "living it up on taxpayers and printed information about the per diem collected by all the county commissioners. However, his response to this question was short and direct:

"I have never charged the city one dime," he said.

Should a watershed coordinator's position be created to, in part, work on flood control issues.?

"I have worked on this from the start. the county and the city must work together on this also."

Final comments:

Lang listed his six-point pledge to be a "more accountable county commissioner." They include an evening county board meeting each month, television county board meetings on the local cable access channel in Austin, posting advance meeting notices, setting written annual goals, improving financial management and reporting to the public and not voting for any property tax increases while the fund balances continue to grow.

Len Miller, the incumbent 4th District Mower County Commissioner, listed his extensive experience and knowledge as well as "working with numerous constituencies on issues. I always follow through and

encourage public input," he said.

Why are you seeking this office?

"There are many challenges ahead and I would like to follow through on the many things we are pursuing."

What changes will you make if elected?

"I will continue to look ahead and plan for the future. We need to continue openness in government with citizen input."

Is the Mower County Board's

strategy on dealing with the millions of reserves the best or do you have a better idea?

"The board is taking a long-term approach. We have spent reserves the past three years and held taxes down."

What are your thoughts on

government relations and cooperation between Mower County and the city of Austin?

"I am against the (Austin Municipal) Airport expansion. The rods (referring to the 16th Avenue SW and 18th Avenue NW projects) are the county's responsibility. The Dinsmoor Acres and Bellman's Addition projects are to clean up pollution and the county will be repaid."

Per diem for county commissioners?

"I have gone the extra mile to represent Mower County at the state and national levels; primarily on health care issues. This requires meetings and travel, not to mention the time commitment."

Should a watershed coordinator's position be created to, in part, work on flood control issues.?

"Water quality and flooding are important issues. The position should be filled and evaluated after one year to determine its value. State and federal funds should be accessed for local projects."

Final comments?

"Homeland security starts here. At home. We must take care of public safety, public health and the many public and private

organizations

for the well-being of all."

Donna J. Olson lists her strengths as her ability to work with people "across all lines." and "knowing what needs to address in the future."

Why are you seeking this office?

"Because I have watched some of the decisions and communications that have been made and I feel that there is a better way."

What changes will you make if elected?

Olson listed better communications with citizens as the most important change needed to be made.

Is the Mower County Board's

strategy on dealing with the millions of reserves the best or do you have a better idea?

"I believe every person in the county has an opinion on this subject. I would like to see a time-limit to let the people know what the plan is so they understand what their money is doing

and not just sitting in the bank. Communication on this issue also seems to be a problem."

What are your thoughts on

government relations and cooperation between Mower County and the city of Austin?

"It helps the county in the long run as well as the citizens of the district. I think we need to be careful when we sit on the county board and remember there is an entire county to represent."

Per diem for county commissioners?

"I feel it is important to make the most of all meetings and to make consistent decisions at the meetings that we have."

Should a watershed coordinator's position be created to, in part, work on flood control issues?

Olson said she needs more information on the subject; specifically about how the position would be structured to meet both city and Mower County needs.

Final comments?

"I feel it is very important for people in public office to remember that the reason

they are there. That communications is the most important objective a commissioner should do. They are there as representatives of us The decisions that are made are to reflect the entire district's values. Every voice should be heard and reflected in the votes that are taken by our commissioners."

Lee Bonorden can be contacted at 434-2232 or by e-mail at :mailto:lee.bonorden@austindailyherald.com