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DISTRICT 25

NAME: Terry Erickson

ADDRESS: 1925 Nakomis Avenue La Crosse 54603-1541

AGE: 58

NUMBER OF YEARS LIVED IN LA CROSSE COUNTY: 54

FAMILY: Wife, Susan. Children, Josh, Jacob, Jessica, Jenna, Jordana.

Grandchildren, Julian, Molly, Jackson, Aubrey, Sophie

EDUCATION: BS UW-LACROSSE

OCCUPATION (if retired, former occupation):

Executive Director, Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater La Crosse

ELECTED OFFICES HELD (include years served): None

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES AND MEMBERSHIPS:

Past President – Boys and Girls Clubs of Wisconsin

Tri-Quest Charities – Board Member

Western Technical College – District Board Member

Governor’s Council on Fitness and Health – State Board Member

Riverfront, Inc – Advisory Board Member

Lutheran Campus Ministry – Board Member

Juvenile Justice Commission – State of Wisconsin –

Board Member

Family and Schools Together – State of Wisconsin –

Board Member

Children’s Health Advisory of Wisconsin – Board Member

University of Wisconsin – La Crosse Alumni Assoc –

Past President and Board Member

Family Literacy Council – Board Member

La Crosse County Board Candidate Questionnaire

A. Why do you want to serve on the La Crosse County Board

As Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Clubs, I always thought of my role as being a “Community Servant.” As a member of the La Crosse County Board, that servanthood would continue. My experiences on both state and community boards brings a unique perspective to the position. As CEO of a large agency, my experiences in balancing a budget, prioritizing funds, collaborations, strategic planning and donor accountability should be an asset to the county.

B. What are the two most pressing issues facing La Crosse County, and what do you think La Crosse County government should do about them?

(1) Prioritizing Funds. (a) Review those services that may be a duplication. (b) Analyze cost related to manpower in all departments

(2) Review/analyze/update Comprehensive Plan as needs and priorities change.

(3) Monitor progress of Jail expansion

The next several questions will ask your feelings about past and future actions by the county board. Please answer by putting an “X” next to the statement that most closely reflects your view. Then, please explain your reasons in writing

1. Do you support or oppose reducing the size of the county board by half?

Strongly Support

Support (X)

No opinion

Oppose

Strongly Oppose

Reason: I am not convinced that it should be reduced by ½. However, it seems very worthwhile to study the advantages/disadvantages of a reduction to some degree

2. With the switch to a county administrator four years ago, how satisfied are you with the county board’s new role as a board of directors that makes policy decisions rather than operational decisions?

Very satisfied (X) Satisfied

No opinion

Unsatisfied

Very unsatisfied

Reason: This is a wise decision. The role of a County Board is not to micro-manage the day to day operations of the county and its departments. The board should provide a vision for the county, direct strategic planning, and develop policies and procedures

3. How satisfied are you with the county administrator's new four-year contract?

Very satisfied

Satisfied (X)

No opinion

Unsatisfied

Very unsatisfied

Reason: It is very apparent that the county is on stronger ground under his leadership. We need to be in the “market” ensuring that we receive quality leadership. It is obvious that he has been accountable to the board and to county residents.

4. How satisfied are you with the proposed “smart growth” comprehensive plan scheduled for county board approval in coming months?

Very satisfied

Satisfied (X)

No opinion

Unsatisfied

Very unsatisfied

Reason: It is apparent that a lot of work has been done in this plan that goes through 2027. Strategic planning is essential to ensure correct land use, housing growth, and population growth. La Crosse County is blessed with valuable resources. Preserving these resources and strengthening connections should be the number one goal.

5. Do you support or oppose having the county board hold a referendum before borrowing money for buildings or other capital projects?

Strongly Support

Support (X)

No opinion

Oppose

Strongly Oppose

Reason: We are not similar to state and federal government where deficits are the norm. We should be using restricted funds when appropriate and have a significant amount of reserves. For special projects, when taxes will be increased, a referendum seems appropriate.

6. Do you support or oppose La Crosse County being the main developer of its vacant Lakeview Farm property in West Salem?

Strongly Support (X)

Support

No opinion

Oppose

Strongly Oppose

Reason: Yes, this should be part of our commitment to “smart Growth”. We need to be sensitive to tax dollars and monitor that development as a county, rather that use a private developer…where often times simply a profit seems to be the main incentive.

7. Do you support or oppose La Crosse County's criminal justice philosophy, which includes finding alternatives to jail for offenders who are not a danger to the community?

Strongly Support

Support (X)

No opinion

Oppose

Strongly Oppose

Reason: We need to be a model for other counties regarding public safety. The cost is approximately $55 p/d to house a person in jail. Taxpayers should not have to absorb all of these costs. Many of these individuals can be on a monitoring device where they can contribute to the community with employment. Obviously, those that are a perceived danger to the community would be incarcerated.

8. Do you support or oppose spending more of the county's budget reserves to reduce the property tax levy?

Strongly Support

Support (X)

No opinion

Oppose

Strongly Oppose

Reason: The county needs a reserve “rainy day” fund. However, that can often be projected based on previous needs. We need to be very sensitive to increased property tax costs and look for creative ways to reduce without impacting delivery of services.

9. Do you support or oppose the state of Wisconsin's use of a "property tax cap" which limits La Crosse County's ability to raise property taxes by 2 percent, or the percentage of new construction growth, in 2009?

Strongly Support

Support (somewhat) (X)

No opinion

Oppose

Strongly Oppose

Reason: County Board members need to be held accountable to a cap. If additional dollars are needed by departments, those department heads need to be creative and resourceful to obtain those funds. The only draw-back is that La Crosse County has been very disciplined in its spending in recent years. It may allow for more spending by those counties that have did not limit and manage their budgets.

10. Do you support or oppose the county's plans for a $29.5 million jail expansion?

Strongly Support

Support (X)

No opinion

Oppose

Strongly Oppose

Reason: Jail expansion will meet the present needs of space for jail programming which includes GED, AA, and anger management classes and recreation space. It also allows for medical needs, special need prisoners, and female inmates. Moving female inmates to this facility will also improve and (possibility) reduce costs of departmental staffing.