Questions with county board candidates

Talk about it

Craig Altendorfer

Why did you decide to file for the Dakota County Commissioner race?

I believe new people bring new ideas and perspective to an organization. I would like to be a part of the decision-making process as the county moves forward and expands. As a 43-year resident of Dakota County, and a 20-year employee of the Dakota County Sheriff’s Department, I would bring along with me to the position a wealth of inside knowledge and experience. I feel that my experience and knowledge would be very valuable when making decisions regarding the county’s future.

What is your background information?

Craig Altendorfer, a Farmington resident, is 46 years old. He currently works as a correctional deputy in the Dakota County Sheriff’s Department; he has worked there since 1987.

Altendorfer graduated in 1980 from Simley High School, Inver Grove Heights, and is a 1982 automotive technology graduate of Dakota County Technical College. He has a wife, Suzanne, and four step-children: Andrew, Anthony, Adam and Amanda.

What do you consider the major issues facing Dakota County in the next four years? How should they be addressed?

I will work hard to keep taxes in check with the economy while maintaining top quality goods and services. This can be accomplished by prioritizing the county’s current project list and completing those projects that have the greatest need first and secondly, the projects that will have the greatest impact on the largest number of residents. I have a mechanical background and I’m knowledgeable in many areas of construction, which will be very helpful when making purchasing decisions and awarding building and construction contracts. I am a hands-on person that strives to do things right the first time, avoiding or reducing additional costs in the future. I will challenge myself to find the best possible goods and services for your tax dollar.

With the current and ever-changing fuel costs, there is a great need to improve public transportation and traffic flow. I feel that in order for public transportation to be effective, it has to be convenient, cost effective and accepted. I believe that convenience drastically improves ridership. Cost effective means that it must have reasonable fares and be as cost efficient as possible with a long-term goal of being self supporting. Accepted means that each individual community must desire the service, along with having input into the plans. Our existing roadways must be upgraded to handle current traffic flow and new roads built with room for future expansion already in the plans, saving taxpayers money in the long run.

I would like to see improved communication to the county residents. During my current campaign, I have discovered that many residents do not know who their county commissioners are or what they do. Residents need to know that the duties of county commissioners are to adopt the county budget, authorize county property taxes, approve county purchases and oversee the county personnel system, to name just a few. In other words, county commissioners determine how our tax dollars are spent and how the county is operated. If elected to the county board, I will strive to make decisions that have a positive impact on all residents. I will work hard to find innovative ways to keep residents informed of county board activity, along with keeping an open line of communication. I will consider all residents’ input before making decisions.

What makes you the best candidate for this position. Why should people vote for you?

As a 43-year resident of Dakota County and a 20-year employee, I have watched the county grow firsthand. Working in my current position has kept me familiar and updated on the many issues facing the county. I am a person that thinks issues through thoroughly before making a decision. As a longtime Teamsters Local 320 Law Enforcement Division Union steward representing the correctional deputies, I have had firsthand negotiating experience, working with many county officials and employees. As a correctional deputy, I have served on labor management and various other committees in an effort to cut costs and increase county efficiency. I have worked directly with county board representatives from the other side of the bargaining table. I am very aware of the issues that both sides face. I am a fair representative. I listen to and consider the input of all involved parties before making a decision. I’m creative when it comes to finding solutions to problems, and I keep an eye out for potential problems, avoiding or cutting costs down the road. I strive to find solutions that are cost-effective and have a positive impact to all parties. If there is taxpayer money to be saved, you can be assured that I will be working hard to find it.

Joe Harris

Why did you decide to file for the Dakota County Commissioner race?

My goal is to make Dakota County “a premier place in which to live and work.” Keeping Dakota County financially sound is my first priority. We just received very high marks from the latest Minnesota state audit. Dakota County is also one of about 50 counties across the United States that has an AAA bond rating. This rating has saved the taxpayers millions of dollars over the last several years. Residents expect the county to spend their money wisely, maximizing government effectiveness and minimizing waste of resources. We must continue to evaluate all county services and re-prioritizing programs if necessary, I pledge to keep Dakota County financially sound and responsive to the needs of our citizens.

What is your background information?

Joseph A. (Joe) Harris of Hastings is 53 years old, has been married to wife, Pam, for 36 years, and has three grown children and six grandchildren. He is in insurance and financial sales.

Harris graduated from Hastings High School and has insurance and financial training. He belongs to Hastings Rotary Club, Hastings Knights of Columbus, Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church.

He has spent 28 years as Dakota County commissioner, served with the Minnesota Inter-County Association (13 years as president), Solid Waste Management Coordinating Board, Red Rock Corridor Community Rail Board, University of Minnesota Advisory Board for Rosemount Research Center, Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Board (chairman), Metro Energy Policy Task Force and several other local boards and committees.

What do you consider the major issues facing Dakota County in the next four years? How should they be addressed?

Growth continues to be identified in our citizen surveys as a major issue. This growth has put a tremendous strain on county-provided services in all departments. Transportation, libraries, parks criminal justice and a wide range of human services programs have seen annual double-digit increases in demand for services. Long-range planning to help meet increased citizen demands is critical. In addition, county governments across the state receive new legislative mandates to provide various programs without adequate funding from the state. This is becoming more and more of an issue for property taxpayers. I will work hard to keep property taxes affordable and also work with our state elected officials to reduce the unfunded mandates that end up unfairly on property taxes.

The last issue I would address is the looming state deficit. There are projections of at least a 2 billion dollar shortfall and maybe more. I’ve seen the state’s budget fluctuate over the years. When the state budget is down, the local units of government, like counties, are asked to provide more services. Dakota County has weathered these financial swings very well because we have had steady growth in residential and commercial valuations. Due to the current real estate market conditions, we cannot rely on that tool again. Tough decisions will have to be made and with my years of experience I’m ready to meet the challenge.

What makes you the best candidate for this position. Why should people vote for you?

My experience, knowledge and leadership abilities will be valuable assets as Dakota County works to deliver the right services for the right cost. People want better and safer roads, improvements to county parks and broader library services. They also want more programs that provide services to senior citizens, the physically and mentally disabled, families and children. The demand for all these programs and many more has sharply increased. Balancing the checkbook isn’t always easy or popular, but it must be done. I take this responsibility of caring for your tax dollars very seriously. Dakota County’s property tax rate is the lowest of all 87 counties, and I would like to keep it that way. I’m asking for your support on the Sept. 9th Primary Election Day.

Doug Riles

Why did you decide to file for the Dakota County Commissioner race?

I decided to run for county commissioner because I felt it was time for a change in District 1.

What is your background information?

I served in the U.S. Navy during Vietnam and following my four years of service, I attended Winona State University and graduated in 1976 with a political science/history degree in education. I taught government and other social science classes at Alma High School, Alma, Wis., until 1985. My family and I then moved to Hastings, where I was a substitute teacher in a number of school districts, coached three sports, and taught driver education. In 1990, I began working for the U. S. Postal Service on the night shift and thus was able to continue as a substitute teacher and teach driver education.

What do you consider the major issues facing Dakota County in the next four years? How should they be addressed?

Some of the major issues facing Dakota County in the next four years are fiscal responsibility, safety and communication. As county officials, we must ensure that our tax dollars are spent wisely and require strict accountability for all spending. Our roads and bridges must be built and maintained with the safety of our citizens as our guide. People must be educated on new laws, changes in statutes, and re-educated on old laws. Through re-educating our communities on laws concerning automobiles, bicycles, scooters and other modes of transportation, we can make everyone safer at minimal cost. Finally, I further believe that we in District 1 need a more efficient way to share our concerns with our commissioner. I would accomplish this through a published e-mail address and Web site. This will improve communication between constituents and their representative.

What makes you the best candidate for this position. Why should people vote for you?

I feel that I’m the best candidate for county commissioner because of my training in political science, my experience in teaching government and my experience in the U. S. Navy as yeomen at the Pentagon. It was there that I experienced firsthand, how our government works from a military perspective. For many years, I have studied the actions of government at all levels and have voiced my views in the form of editorials. Now, I will have the time and energy to devote my relentless ambition and integrity to make our government work for the people as it was intended. I feel it is time for me to work within our county government in ways that will improve our constituents’ understanding of what county government does and how it improves their lives. I believe my honesty, innovative thinking, and organization will allow me to be a leader who can truly make county government work more effectively for the people of Dakota County.

Additional comments

We in Dakota County and the country as a whole must make some difficult decisions in the coming years concerning mass transit. I believe the Red Rock commuter rail to Hastings and beyond will be a strong positive step. However, in the future, there will be other issues and concerns regarding mass transit within Dakota County and surrounding counties. We will need to be vigilant on all transportation issues and be prepared to address them in such a way that would positively influence the lives of our citizens.

Tags: dakota county board, news, primary