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 27 include:

• Trudy Grill
• Kyle Johnson

Who can vote: The election is open to all eligible voters who reside in District 27. 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 Kyle Johnson.

 

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

 

Trudy Grill: I have lived in Eau Claire most of my life and have lived in my district for 27 years. I am a retired Advertising Sales Rep and previous business owner. I was on Eau Claire County board for Dept.of Aging and W2 programs. With my diverse experience in many different area's along with common sense I feel I could be an integral part of the board.

 

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?

 

Trudy Grill: I think it's up to the board to decide what will be beneficial to all it's citizens within their allocated funds to make sure their communities are a safe place to live and work. Free of drugs, crime and prejudices.

 

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?

 

Trudy Grill: More housing has to be built to fit a person's income. Keeping in mind how the community will benefit because of it. So location must be a priority.

 

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?

 

Trudy Grill: As a board member I will be strict in the allocations of funds to benefit all communities and not one particular group . I would want these funds to be allocated to solve a problem we've had for years. Homelessness! I would move all non profit services out of downtown and put them under one roof beside a " small house" community with the bus system in their front door. With help, within a time limit, every homeless person could transition into jobs and perminate housing. I truly feel sorry for the businesses downtown trying to attract customers to their stores and truthfully I don't see how downtown will grow because of it.

 

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

 

Trudy Grill: Lowing the tax rate will become my focus

Allocating funds for what is needed for first responders

Being fiscally responsible on what is needed to make our county grow

 

More Information

All 29 Eau Claire County Boards seats up for election

 

Posted by Danya Morman, Governmental Affairs Intern

morman@eauclairechamber.org