County Dist. 3: Lee

Published Friday, October 31, 2008

Tom Lee

Elizabeth

County Board

District 3 candidate

Occupation: Humana Health Care sales representative

1. Views on lakeshore development:

Lakes in Otter Tail County are the envy of the world. We’ve done a very good job of keeping them (the lakes) clean. Lake Lizzie, for example, where I spent much of my youth, is much cleaner than it was 30 to 40 years ago. With more and more people utilizing our lakes the pressure on them will increase.

Some cluster developments are inevitable. Otter Tail County has a very strong Shoreland Management Ordinance which tries to balance the rights of landowners with the need to protect our natural resources. I will work to make certain it’s administered on a fair and even basis.

Tourism is extremely important to Otter Tail County, and resorts are an important part of the tourism industry. We must actively promote tourism and keep property taxes low so that resorts can continue to operate. When elected, I’ll work to ensure that future generations have the same opportunity that my family and I have had.

2. Views on county zoning:

The State of Minnesota requires zoning within 1,000 feet of lakes and within 300 feet of rivers, but outside that area zoning is not required. Counties and townships may implement zoning. I’m opposed to county-wide zoning.

Having served on the Oscar Township Zoning Commission, I know how contentious this issue can be. I didn’t support the junkyard ordnance. Feedlots are already heavily regulated and I’ve not decided whether a county feedlot officer position is necessary.

3. View on county finances:

As for the county budget, it’s probably the area that will be the most challenging over the next several years. No matter who wins the national elections, there will be enormous pressures from Washington and St. Paul that will continue to unfairly shift burdens to counties for them to resolve.

The weak real estate market should mean lower property valuations and that could lead to lower tax revenue. All areas of county spending must be examined.

Schools, towns, townships, counties, and the state and federal government are all vying for dollars. Otter Tail County families work very hard for the money they pay in taxes and commissioners must be frugal with every dollar spent.

A well-educated workforce means more high paying jobs. Access to top quality healthcare is also vital. We really can have it all in Otter Tail County.