District 8 candidate questionnaire

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Name: Dave Culpepper

Background: I’ve spent the past 15 years serving the broader public in varying capacities between both pubic- and private- sectors, to include administration, operations, human resources, criminal justice and finance.  Raised in a strong blue-collar family, I learned the value of a hard day’s work and the sweat-equity required to support the quality of life my wife and I pursue for our family. 

Why are you running for county board supervisor? The last two years have proven quite an eye-opener for government and political activities nationwide- including the attack on hard working, law-abiding Americans rights and freedoms, time and time again.  I’m running for county board supervisor to advocate for and ensure the freedoms and liberties of the peoples of Angelo and Lafayette Townships, to support the restraint of the government therein, and to posture the county in preparing for the long-term needs of the community.

Why do you believe you are qualified? I believe I’m qualified for county board supervisor as I would bring an objective approach to county issues.  While my financial background may not be as robust as others, I believe I would benefit the county board by focusing on the peoples’ checkbook as if it were my own.  More, my background in operations has instilled a keen eye on planning for the long-term – a focus I fear is desperately needed on the county board.

What are the most pressing issues (no more than three), you think the county needs to address and why? Long-term financial strategy.  I feel the current board has set their sights too narrow for the long-term suitability and sustainability of the county and its citizens.  Recent agenda items (e.g. Resolution 02-22-01) aptly demonstrate this loss of long-term focus, specifically as it relates to tertiary funding priorities identified.

Balance of power.  I was deeply troubled to learn of the conversations held this past fall between our county health department and local school boards regarding the imposition of masks on our children.  While we’ve got some passionate candidates running for school board, I was compelled to run for county board supervisor to support the balance of power between the two boards.

How would you address the issues you described? In terms of long-term financial strategy, I would prioritize efforts to encourage, if not require, financial decisions demonstrate their viability within the larger, long-term plan for the county.  Regarding maintaining the balance of power between separate and distinct levels of government, I’m motivated to advocate for the rights of the individual, and to challenge the scope of county office’s (and their officers’) power when not expressly afforded them by law.

Name: Zachariah Zebell

Background: I moved to Sparta in the first grade. I graduated form SHS in 2006, I married my wife, Tess, on July 4th 2015, I have two boys that are ages two and four. I am currently employed with a construction company out of Lacrosse, WI.

Why are you running for county board supervisor? We sit here and see our tax dollars being spent on big multimillion dollar construction projects. Being in the profession that I am I believe that some of our tax dollars are being wasted. I believe that with my experience we could save a good amount of our taxpayer dollars and be able to spend that money on other areas that might be at a shortfall.

Why do you believe you are qualified? Monroe county is growing and building which is great.  With my sixteen years of experience, I believe I can bring a viewpoint to construction projects that are being funded with our taxpayer dollars. From planning to completion, I can foresee things in the building process that the average person cannot see. I have spent the last years of my career being involved from the bidding and planning to completion of construction projects. I will bring the knowledge that I have acquired over the last sixteen years and promise to save all of us taxpayer’s money on county funded projects.

What are the most pressing issues (no more than three), you think the county needs to address and why?

  • Wasteful spending on construction projects
  • Keeping the highway department funded to operate efficiently and effectively
  • Support the county growth while protecting the rural way of life that so many people love about this area

How would you address the issues you described?

  • With my experience, I would be able to foresee the extra costs that may occur above the projected scope of work
  • I want to make sure that we have enough trucks to clear the roads after a snowstorm so people can safely get their kids off to school and commute to work.
  • I would look at ways to support county growth while utilizing our downtown areas and repurposing the old buildings. Let’s make better use of the footprint we have now instead of making a bigger one on this beautiful driftless region.

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