Lake County Justifies Doubled Deficit to Fund LAIC

Elisa Sand appears to be as surprised as I am that the Lake County Commission gave the Lake Area Improvement Corporation a $25,000 handout on Tuesday. I'm further surprised that her surprise seems to evident: after all, she's a professional journalist!

Our cause for surprise is much greater than the increase of funding that I mentioned yesterday. As Sand points out, the county's gift to the LAIC doubles the county's deficit:

Faced with a provisional budget showing expenses still $27,749 above projected revenues, Lake County Commissioners made an unprecedented move on Tuesday that nearly doubles the deficit.

Lake Area Improvement Corporation Executive Director Dwaine Chapel appeared before commissioners to discuss a last-minute request of $25,000 for 2010 operational costs, which was approved [Elisa Sand, "County OKs $25,000 to LAIC," Madison Daily Leader, 2009.08.05].

According to Sand, Chapel teased commissioners with mention that the LAIC is "in the middle of negotiations with an agricultural business and has just started talking with a technology company." Of course, since the LAIC prefers to do everything behind closed doors, there's no way for us to verify such claims or see just how likely it is that our money will produce results in this direction.

But we can trust LAIC executive Dwaine Chapel, right? He understands the economy, right?
Well, when he tickles us with this counterfactual assertion, I'm not so sure:

"Gehl isn't going to close, in my opinion. They're still strong with good sales," he said [Sand, 2009.08.05].

Which Internet does Chapel read? Gehl owner Manitou Group reported a 50.7% drop in sales over the first six months of this year. The same article says equipment sales and industrial subcontracting dropped 59% due to slowdowns in the U.S. building and agricultural markets. This Russian article says Manitou's Q2 sales were actually up 15% from Q1. The Russian article also says Gehl's sales were down 73%. And Gehl's sales forecast is being revised downward for the second half of the year. Ugh.

Now the main mission of the LAIC is to create jobs. Lake County currently has one of the highest unemployment rates in the state. Nonetheless, Commissioner Chris Giles justified giving the LAIC some of our money by saying that the LAIC is helping us tread water:

"We would be in much worse shape without the job creation taking place," Giles said. "Without that, we would be down a couple hundred more" [Sand, 2009.08.05].

Even Giles wasn't ready at first to drop the full $25K the LAIC requested in Chapel's outstreched hand. From Sand's account, Giles seemed inclined to go with something closer to the county's historical average contribution to the LAIC of $16K. But Commissioner Bohl started the bidding at $25K and suggested the county ought to do even more.

The commission unanimously approved the $25K handout. No strings, no accountability, no expectation that LAIC report exactly how it used that money and identify the specific return on that investment. And for added budgetary interest, no such cash available in existing revenues. The LAIC's money will come either from budget cuts in other areas or spending rom cash reserves.

Now I usually don't go partisan on our county commissioners. Party politics have about as much to do with paving the roads and catching drunks as a screen door does with the effective operation of a submarine.

But do note the elements of this story:

1. A government doubles its deficit to throw money at an economic stimulus effort with unproven results.
2. An agency makes unaccountable, untransparent use of taxpayer dollars.
3. In the midst of the highest unemployment in decades, an economic development effort is praised for keeping us from being in worse shape than we are.

I think I hear some Republicans saying just those sorts of things as criticism of the Obama Administration. Yet at the local level, the main players mentioned in this LAIC story—Giles, Bohl, and Chapel—are all Republicans.

Now I haven't heard Giles, Bohl, or Chapel take positions on Obama and the federal economic recovery effort, so I won't accuse them of hypocrisy. But I will note that the county's reasoning on funding the LAIC and the LAIC's willingness to accept such handouts further demonstrate that Republicans in Lake County have very little ground on which they can criticize the policies of the Democrats in Washington.

Bohl and Giles Stand out in County Commission Candidates Forum

After Tuesday night's Chamber forum, one of the Lake County commission candidates said to me, "I hate this s---. I just want to do the job."

Note to all commissioners: this "stuff"—public forums, answering questions, taking the stage and laying out your ideas for the county—is a central part of doing the job. Tuesday night, Chris Giles and Dan Bohl showed they are the best at that part of the job. Of the five candidates, Giles and Bohl were clearly the most at ease at the podium. They offered the most thorough and most direct answers. Giles demonstrates solid confidence in the public spotlight. Bohl can be a bit of a screwball, cracking jokes regularly, but his humor shows he truly enjoys the business of campaigning and governing. And if I'm conducting interviews for a job (and that's what we're doing here), I'd like the interviewees to demonstrate confidence and a love of the job.

You can compare the candidates yourself by checking out the video of their opening and closing statements. In the Q&A, I found it telling that Hageman found a way in three of the four questions to say, one way or another, that he wasn't sure or didn't know or didn't have any thoughts on a given topic. Such Socratic wisdom isn't a great selling point for a candidate; voters generally prefer candidates to have at least some answers figured out before we vote for them.

On specifics, I do have to ding Bohl on his response to the question on health insurance for commissioners. He did answer directly—"No. For commissioners, no way." He said he would take the $3,600 the county gives commissioners who opt out of health coverage (good) and donate that money to the Madison Public Library (great!) and the Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber of Commerce?! Dan, Dan, Dan—you have money to give, money you can help people in need with, and you give it to an organization consisting of the wealthiest individuals in town? Let's talk about some alternatives....

I was surprised to hear unanimous support for creating a county building inspector. Anderson and Hageman tried really hard to throw a lifeline to country folks who might not want bureaucrats to come snooping around their property or tell them how to build a shed. Anderson said creating the new position might not be feasible within our budget, and Hageman agreed with him that maybe we should just have a part-time inspector (Hageman's favorite words seem to be maybe and could be). But Johannsen and Giles talked about specific ways to make the position happen (increasing fees, partnering with the city, combining the position with other duties), and Bohl said the position would pay for itself in the long-run. So get ready for one more government official to get involved with your building projects.

On government openness, I was pleased to hear Bohl say we should move meetings to the evening, as the city does to make it possible for more working folks to attend. Hageman fretted that we might not be able to cover everything in the evening, but I notice the city and the school board manage to cover their agendae just fine in the evening.

I was also very pleased to hear Giles say that we need to "reduce and minimize" the commission's use of executive session. Hear hear!

Bohl and Giles gave the best answers at the forum. Johannsen's commission experience helped him keep up, although I was disappointed to hear him say on the health insurance question that he would "go along with whatever the rest of the board wants to do" (folks who go along with the crowd don't generally make the top of my voting list). Neither Anderson and Hageman sounded like they were terribly excited to be interviewing for the job.

I know some of you are thinking, "Oh, but that Cory, he just like big talkers. After all, he is voting for Obama." Quite right: I like a good speech. But speaking well in public isn't just "stuff" to be gotten done with; it's a key part of the job. It's how a politician demonstrates the skills, ideas, and values he or she will bring to the job. And Tuesday night, Chris Giles and Dan Bohl showed their skills, ideas, and values the best.

Madison Chamber Candidates Forum: County Commission!

Round III of tonight's Madison Chamber Candidates Forum: our Lake County Commission candidates! Here's a rough approximation of what Republicans Chris Giles, Roger Hageman, and Dan Bohl and Democrats Craig Johannsen and Gene Anderson had to say in the Q&A:

Question 1: What past experiences make you the best candidate for the Lake County Commission?

• Johannsen: Serving 10 years as commission gives me good perspective.
• Giles: In my past experience as Lake County States Attorney, I worked with different departments to help solve their problems, advised and observed the commission. Many people don't realize how complex county government can be, since they don't come into contact with all the parts.
• Hageman: I have lots of experiences, but “I'm not sure any qualify me for the job" [kidding!] In farming, I know what it's like to have floor pulled from under you and have to pull things together to make things work. I'm on church boards, corn producers, soybean producers, other ag associations in county.
• Bohl: If there's a problem I will talk it to death. [joke!] I can communicate with almost anybody. Last year I subbed for elementary P.E.: having lived through that day, I believe I can be a county commissioner (or run an insane asylum or be president: anything is possible!). I have experience as city commissioner, plus 33 years as coach and teacher. Most importantly, I love people, love helping people. You know that I listen, I respond. “If you can put up with my gab, I will help.”
• Anderson: Last two years on Lake County Zoning board has been great experience. I know what commissioners deal with. I'm on church boards, cooperative boards. There are things we can work together on.

Question 2: Given county budget restraints, how feel about offering health insurance to elected county officials?

• Giles: Lake County was one of first to offer this coverage. Many more counties offer it now. It's nice to make it available if officials want to be part; I don't think we should allow candidates to opt out and take the cash. That wasn't an option when I was states attorney; very few counties offer that option. It's not illegal or improper, but commissioners shouldn't get that option as part-time employees.
• Hageman: “I don't know if I'm for or against it.” Having a larger group is good for premiums. If funds are available, I'd agree with going along with it.
• Bohl: No. For commissioners, no way. I pay for my own insurance, I can handle it. I've said previously that if the policy continues, I will donate my $3600 opt-out money to the Madison Public Library and the Chamber of Commerce.
• Anderson: Health is a big budget item. I'd have to say no, given the way the economy is. There are better ways to use our tax dollars. Commissioners can handle their own health insurance.
• Johannsen: I was paying for my own insurance before I got the job. It does cost. I'll go along with whatever the rest of the board wants to do.

Question 3: Would each of you support a county inspector to insure county guidelines and ordinances are enforced?

• Anderson: I have no problem having a county inspector. But is it feasible within our budget? How important is it? Maybe we should have a part-time inspector. I'm not sure we can afford full-time.
• Johannsen: Yes, it is a needed position. Maybe it's a good problem: growth means more building, means we need an inspector. We can't have buildings too close to right of way and such; better to catch problems right away rather than have to move a building. Funding: maybe create zoning/drainage/weed inspector, increase fees to pay.
• Giles: A building inspector is needed, especially for new construction and to look for existing violations. No one does that now; it's handled just on a complaint basis. We could make a combined position for building and zoning, maybe even do something in conjunction with the city. Partnering with the city could make a full-time position that can meet the needs of both entities. Funding is an issue; maybe we need to look at building permit fees.
• Hageman: I agree an inspector could be beneficial. Not everybody is aware of all the codes. Folks doing their own building can be problem. Maybe we should just have it be a part-time position.
• Bohl: Creating a buildig inspector position is like geothermal heating: very expensive at first, but it pays for itself after so many years. Sure, it'll be tough to pay for the position, but in a few years, an inspector would pay off by eliminating problems. Madison's experience shows it works and is very useful for city gov't. It would help the county, too.

Question 4: What do to make county government more open to county residents?

• Bohl: “I like this one.” Not a bad idea to change meeting time: people can't come to nine o'clock meetings. What's wrong with going to 5 or 5:30? Doing a cable broadcast costs, but lots of people watch the city commission broadcasts; might be an option for the county. We must always be aware of open meeting laws, people's right to hear and know, right to attend and to respond, to have open communication. We don't have all of the avenues open now.
• Hageman: [To Mayor Hexom's rephrasing of the question and asking if he has any thoughts on the issue]: “No I don't.” Meeting times: reading the minutes shows that meetings can go long. Unless we're going to hold extra meetings to make sure we cover the agenda, moving to the evenings is going to be difficult. Maybe it's o.k. to do special evening meetings. We could also maybe move meetings to different towns if town-specific items are on the agenda.
• Giles: Some flexibility in meeting time should be looked at. Maybe we don't need to move every meeting to evening. In the past, meetings have been set in evening when we anticipate lots of public input. Maybe do it once a month. It's important to make meetings open to media through radio or cable TV. Another issue: certain times and places require executive sessions, but we need to reduce and minimize them. People are more confident in open government.
• Johannsen: We definitely have to follow open meeting rules more stringently. Meeting times: we have done special meetings, and I have no problem with moving meetings to other towns. Radio curently gives good coverage.
  
• Anderson: The radio and paper cover it. Maybe the board needs to be more open to the public, maybe use less executive session.

Politicians Parade, Pitch Pops, Pencils, Platforms!

Madison's Main Street enjoyed its highest politico-population density rating of the year Saturday morning, as all sorts of candidates found their way to town for Dakota State University's "Trojan Days" homecoming parade (Trojans—you know, those bad dudes in the Iliad!).

Below are some photos of some local and visiting pols who marched Main Street. We had great marching bands, too—for video of the mighty Bulldog band plus musicians from Chester, Howard, and other area schools, see musical coverage at RealMadison.org.

Mom Power! Democratic District 8 Senate candidate Scott Parsley smiles and shows off his secret campaign weapon: his mother Mary! Behind them, Lake County Democratic Party chair Joan Stamm is also smiling, thanks to all the donations pouring into the Dems' cash box. (Look out, GOP—we're catching up!)

Democratic District 8 House veteran and candidate Gerry Lange has the Lake Herman blog vote locked down; can the rest of District 8 be far behind?

Here's Dan Bohl, city commissioner, new blogger, and candidate for Lake County Commissioner, making sure no child is left without high blood sugar. (Note also the cool Lego float by the Madison Community Hospital!)

Hotfoot GOP Senate candidate Joel Dykstra either ran out of candy or doesn't want to get caught in front of the new Lake County Democrat headquarters.

DSU Foundation President and Lake County Commission candidate Chris Giles—maybe at parades, we need to call them candy-dates...

Here's Colman-Egan English teacher Val Parsley, working the crowd for her husband Scott and few of our other favorite Dems. (And yes, kids, your homework is still due Monday morning.)

Matt McLarty, Democratic candidate for the Public Utilities Commission—when even the PUC candidate makes time for the parade, you know he's serious!

Mad about Madison— Democratic District 8 House candidate Mitch Fargen is having a great time at the parade (and he's going knocking on doors afterward!).

My favorite zoning officer, Deb Reinicke, isn't running for anything... She just looks really cool on that bike. You sure you want to make a fuss about that building permit, tough guy?

Republican District 8 House candidate Patricia Stricherz and her husband march the parade route. They're both Army—this Main Street march ain't nothin' for vets like them!

GOP District 8 Senate candidate Russell Olson stops by Dems HQ for some opposition research....

Hey! Jerry Johnson (GOP D-8 House candidate)! Toss some candy this way! (I know, I sound like a typical liberal, expecting treats from government... but those Tootsie Rolls are good!)

I know, it's not much better than that famous Roger Patterson film of Bigfoot, but really, off in the distance, that's the missing half of Chris Lien's face! (Inset: the Lien Machine!)

No politician here... but it's nice to see the automatic pilot from Airplane! has found a new career at East River.

Hey, there's Robb Graham's 160-mpg hybrid. (His mileage is improving!) But if you think that's impressive...

Now that's a hybrid! The engineer who came up with this idea should run for office! ;-)

City Commissioner Dan Bohl to Blog Local Government!

Madison City Commissioner Dan Bohl has taken up some civic blogging. Actually, Dan tells me he's been active for some time on various sports blogs, so he's familiar with the rough-and-tumble world of online commentary. Now he's ready to start blogging about city government. His first post on RealMadison.org discusses why he cast the sole vote in favor of changing the city electric bill Step-Up program from opt-in to opt-out. Commissioner Bohl says he was voting in alignment with the majority will expressed on the city's online poll and in the numerous comments from voters he talked with.

Interestingly, Commissioners Ericsson and Delzer were able to offer the same justification for their vote against changing the program. (Delzer said in Tuesday's MDL that two thirds of the people he talked to opposed the change; Ericsson said everyone he talked to opposed it.)

But hey, we have a real live city commissioner online! Yahoo! Talk about being "In Touch with the World!" (Oops, sorry—that's the old city slogan.) Head on over to RealMadison.org, leave Commissioner Bohl a comment, and make civic conversation blossom!

Now, let's see if we can get a school board member to start blogging....