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Nystrom, Samuelson square off in District 3 CROW WING COUNTY COMMISSION Staff Writer A former news reporter and former state senator squared off at Thursday's candidate forum, sharing their views on issues that ranged from all-terrain vehicle use, a potential countywide smoking ban and the future of the Brainerd Regional Human Services Center campus.
Rachel Reabe Nystrom and Don Samuelson, candidates for District 3 Crow Wing County commissioner, both cited their experience - Nystrom as a longtime news reporter who has extensively covered government happenings and Samuelson as a longtime legislator who was born and raised in Brainerd.
In her opening statement at Thursday's forum, Nystrom said this county board position was "not a retirement position," and she would bring a fresh perspective to the board. She said the county is lacking strong leadership and a vision that represents all communities in the county.
"We have the right and responsibility to say no when development threatens our quality of life," Nystrom said.
Samuelson said he is running for this office to make a difference, serving as an advocate for people in the county.
"Someone people can count on to speak up for them and for their rights," Samuelson explained. "I know where to go and who to see to get the job done."
How can we eliminate government waste?
Samuelson: "I think they're going to have to look at streamlining and holding down on new hirees for a time. I think they should also advocate very heartily to get the funds cut restored if there is a state surplus. It is one way for the county to pick up funds cut and hold down property taxes."
Nystrom: "I think the best way to cut government waste is to work together, to collaborate, thinking what is best for our citizens."
How can government protect our rivers and lakes?
Nystrom said one sign of progress is the developing county future land use plan that can protect environmentally sensitive areas in the county.
"Again, we can say no," Nystrom said of development that threatens groundwater and the environment. "We can't say you can't move here but we can say you can't develop here. ... Once it's polluted we can't go back."
Samuelson said the county should take the lead to work with cities and townships on a uniform planning and zoning policy. He cited his experience as author of a bill that established the Mississippi Headwaters Board that controls development on the river from Bemidji to Little Falls.
What is your position on regulation of use of ATVs?
Both candidates favored the development of ATV trails and an ATV park and said that ATV groups need to work with the county to develop these amenities and make sure that ATV use does not destroy the environment.
"Groups need to police themselves to put this thing together," Samuelson said of ATV parks and trails. "If they want trails, they have to initiate this."
"This is not a new battle," said Nystrom. "It's being played over again but it was the cross-country skiers and snowmobilers. We have to understand there is room in this country and this county for this. Do ATV'ers deserve trails? Yes. It is a growing sport and yet they need to do it responsibly and in a way that doesn't destroy the environment."
Would you support a countywide smoking ban?
Both candidates are nonsmokers but said they would not support a countywide smoking ban. They both said a countywide ban would place businesses in the county at an economic disadvantage with businesses in its neighboring counties. A smoking ban should be statewide, not accomplished on a county level, they said.
Do you have ideas on tenants for the BRHSC campus?
The candidates disagreed on what should be done at the state hospital.
Samuelson said the county has to fight the state to take part in services and costs of the institution, that the county shouldn't walk in and take control.
"There are ways the state can be involved and I want to continue to explore that," said Samuelson.
Nystrom said the Legislature has decided to close the facility and that fight is over. The state could be involved as a tenant, but Nystrom said the county has many opportunities for redevelopment at the facility.
"I think we waste our energy and focus when we face backwards," said Nystrom.
What areas of government cooperation would you promote as county commissioner?
Nystrom said the players need to be found and brought to the table to find the common areas of concern.
Samuelson said it takes initiative by the counties and local units of government, requiring more cooperation than there has been in the past, but this can happen.
JODIE TWEED can be reached at jodie.tweed@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5858.
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