By Chris Vetter
Chippewa Falls News Bureau
CHIPPEWA FALLS - It's been a busy two years for the Chippewa Falls City Council.
Along with looking to cut costs, the council has discussed big issues such as combining dispatch centers with the Chippewa County Sheriff's Department, consolidating with Lake Hallie into a metro police department, upgrading the riverfront and banning smoking in restaurants and taverns.
That list doesn't include a controversial decision to work with a sand processing company, which plans to build a facility in the northeastern corner of the city.
Most, if not all, of the issues still will be facing the council after Tuesday's elections.
1st Ward
Incumbent Jack Covill said he wasn't initially opposed to Canadian Sand and Proppant's plans to construct a facility in his ward. Instead he saw it as a good way to expand the city's tax base.
However, Covill eventually voted against the plant after hearing concerns from a majority of people in his ward, and he said he fears it will have a negative impact on other city businesses.
Covill wants to continue his council work. "Issues keep popping up," Covill said. "And I feel if I wasn't there, I'd be upset I didn't have a vote on the issue."
Covill said his experience as a small-business owner and willingness to battle council members - both before elected and now with four years of experience on the council - are reasons he deserves to be re-elected.
Covill's challenger is Mike Dahlby, who works in the Chippewa County Land Conservation Department.
"My main motivation is community service," Dahlby said. "I just understand how valuable citizen participation is and how important representation is."
The sand processing plant is only one of the reasons Dahlby has chosen to run. "If given the opportunity to reconsider the matter, I'd ask the staff to clearly lay out the administrative and public input process.
"Even though (the city's process of approving the sand developer's agreement) was lawful, it was inadequate."
He added: "The predominant feedback I'm hearing is (residents in my ward) are not for it, and I have to represent the views of my ward."
Dahlby is looking to change the council. "I think it boils down to a fresh perspective, a good work ethic and a critical mind," Dahlby said.
3rd Ward
When incumbent council member Greg Dachel announced he wouldn't run for a third term, CW King and John McGillis decided to seek the vacant seat.
"I thought it would be a good opportunity to run," King said.
McGillis agreed, saying he's been interested in local government for a while.
"I've lived in this ward for 15 years, and I'm a lifelong resident of Chippewa Falls," McGillis said. "I know pretty much everyone within two or three blocks around me."
King worked for Chippewa County from 1972 until he retired in 1999. In 1995, he became director of the county's Human Services Department, and he believes it has prepared him to serve on the council.
"It's given me some experience in the area of budgeting in a government setting," King said. "First and foremost, (my goal) is to get a handle on city finances. They are in a little disarray in the city."
Both candidates have concerns about the sand plant, but neither is adamantly opposed to it.
"My major concern is the truck traffic," McGillis said. "But the city needs the industry. And the 25 jobs will be good."
King doubts the new council will have much say in the matter. "Whether people agree with it or not, from the city's perspective it's a dead issue," King said. "I just don't see anything the current council can do about it."
McGillis said his goals are to maintain the city's services without raising taxes.
King, who has about eight months of council experience, is touting his experience and budgeting skills.
"The more background and experience you have coming in, the better off you'll be," King said.
Vetter can be reached at 723-0303 or chris.vetter@ecpc.com.




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I think Jack has been great for his community and ward. He listens to the people in his ward, and makes rational decisions based on the peoples opinions. Not everyone will agree with his decisions, but I feel he brings fairness to the table. He does ask questions in the Council meetings when he has doubt. His experience shows that he should continue his tenure. I also believe Mr. King should be seated. He has vast experience dealing with city government and has been around the block quite a few times. He knows the ins and outs of the departments. He also knows the shortcuts that can be taken to make rational decisions. One of the bigger issues in out city is the Metro Police Department. Having served on the Police and Fire Commission gives him the experience this city needs to make a good decision on what should or could happen combining the services. All around I think he has the experience and I think we all can agree that is what we need with the major issues this city is struggling with. Both Jack Covill and C.W. King have the experience that is needed. Maybe when things settle down this city can afford a newcomer, but now we need experience!!!

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Posted by: faithful citizen
at: 4/2/2009 9:07:35 AM

 
04/02/09
CF council candidates face challenging issues