When: Tuesday, April 5th, 2022; polls open 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Find your voting location at myvote.wi. All absentee ballots must be requested by March 31st, 2022 and turned in no later than 8:00 p.m. on April 5th either by mail or dropped off in-person. In-Person absentee voting will start Tuesday, March 22nd and end Friday, April 1st. You can vote early Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. If you plan to vote by mail, voters are strongly encouraged to mail their ballots as soon as possible to ensure their ballot is received by the deadline.

What it's about: The County Board has 29 members, with each member representing around 3,645 people. Each member represents one of the 29 districts and serves a two year term. All 29 seats are up for election this spring. The candidates for District 23 include:

• Robin Leary (Incumbent)
• Donald Zwicker

Who can vote: The election is open to all eligible voters who reside in District 23. Click here to find your district.

Where you vote and who is on your ballot:

• Go to myvote.wi.gov
• Enter your voting address to learn which races are on your ballot and where you vote.

Why this questionnaire: The Good Government Council (GGC) is a committee of the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce dedicated to encouraging voter participation and providing members of the business community with non-biased information about candidates’ positions on important issues. Although the Chamber is active in policy issues, it is non-partisan and does not endorse political candidates.

 

Candidate Responses

 

Unfortunately, we received no response from Donald Zwicker.

 

1.) What are your background and qualifications for this position, and what value will you bring to the County Board personally?

 

Robin Leary: I have served on the Eau Claire County Board as a supervisor from District 23 since 1996. As a graduate of UW-Eau Claire with a BA degree, I have the education that has helped me serve on the Budget and Finance, Planning and Development, County Housing Authority, Emergency Planning, and Land Conservation Committees.

 

2.) With a strong local economy and low unemployment, many employers report difficulty in filling positions. What is the role of Eau Claire County in attracting more people to the community, and ensuring that the County is an attractive place to live and work?

 

Robin Leary: A workforce is attracted to a community with good roads, transportation options, good places to live and educate their children, affordable amenities, and parks. Eau Claire County collaborates with area cities, townships and villages along with the Area Development Corp. to provide those amenities so workers and their families want to live and work here.

 

3.) The Chippewa Valley Housing Task Force found that the community is experiencing housing supply challenges at all income levels and housing types. What should the County’s role be in expanding housing supply within areas of its jurisdiction?

 

Robin Leary: Solid infrastructure, clean water, and broadband access go a long way in providing for housing. Businesses that pay good wages also provide housing resources so folks can rent or own their dwellings.

 

4.) The County is in the process of determining how to spend over $20 million in federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Over $4 million has already been committed to broadband and to assistance for non-profits and small businesses. What are your thoughts on the priorities for the deployment of the remaining $15 million of funds?

 

Robin Leary: The County has created a committee with broad representation in the community to review applications for needed funding. After they review the applications the CountyBoard will approve worthy projects. Small businesses, farms and front line workers who lost positions should be helped with these funds.

 

5.) If elected, what will be your top three priorities in your term as a County Board Member?

 

Robin Leary: Continue to pursue financial accountability with all County funds particularly with Human Services. Continue to improve roads, bridges, and other infrastructure. Water concerns with PFAS and beach closings due to bacteria levels need attention.

 

More Information

All 29 Eau Claire County Boards seats up for election

 

Posted by Danya Morman, Governmental Affairs Intern

morman@eauclairechamber.org