Kandiyohi County voters in District 1 and 3 will have their County Board races on the ballot on Nov. 4. Commissioner Jim Butterfield is seeking re-election unopposed in District 1, while Commissioner Dean Shuck is being challenged by Rollie Nissen in District 3.
Dist. 3: Re-elect Shuck
Incumbent Commissioner Shuck is seeking re-election for the fourth time in District 3. A Sunburg farmer, Shuck enjoys the service aspect of being a commissioner far more than the campaign aspect. A fiscal conservative, Shuck believes in the importance of a non-partisan County Board. He also believe the county should continue its partnership with the city of Willmar on economic development, pointing to the development of MinnWest Technology Campus and Bushmills Ethanol as two success examples.
In his current role as board vice chairman, he has played a significant role in the county’s structural redesign, with a goal of streamlining and increasing efficiencies. He understands the importance of county roads as well as broadband access improvement in the county and is looking for workable solutions for both. He understands the importance of decision-making for the betterment of the entire county as well as the challenge of balancing state mandates and constituents’ demands.
Shuck is concerned about aquatic invasive species and the possible decline for farmland values in the county, both of which could have impact. His community service includes Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg School Board, Arctander Town Board, Central Community Transit (formerly Kandiyohi Area Transit) Board and other community group boards.
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Challenger Rollie Nissen has campaigned hard during this campaign. He believes three terms by his opponent is long enough on the Kandiyohi County Board. A retired retail manager living in WIllmar, he wants to give back to the county by serving. His community service includes Willmar Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, Kandiyohi County United Way and Kandiyohi County Republicans.
Nissen agrees that the county does many things well and that county staff are hard-working and dedicated. He believes the county should continue its partnership with the city of Willmar on economic development. He is concerned that the County Board does not give enough direction in the area of permitting and believes the county sometimes “throws money” at issues as a solution.
Nissen is enthusiastic and promises to be a quick study if elected. However, Shuck has a strong record and experience on the County Board, which is beneficial in the complex issues facing the county. Shuck also is a leader within the county’s redesign effort which will continue into 2015.
The West Central Tribune endorses Dean Shuck for re-election on Nov. 4 to the District 3 seat on the Kandiyohi County Board.
