Pietsch challenged by Kidd for supervisor spot

David Kidd

How should taxes and services be balanced in Paynesville Township?
Taxes are designed to provide a community with services necessary for operation. Tax levies supply monies for many luxury services and have no purpose but to run an unbalanced budget. Keeping up with the Joneses is a good way to spend money you don't have.

Do you support township participation in the proposed community pool project?
The pool proposal is a lot of money for a project which can be used only during our short summer seasons. We have a beautiful 3,000-acre lake with community access to two recreational parks and many public water accesses; Lake Koronis is a vast "water park" with free services to all who wish to use it.

I believe this is a time for economic recovery, not a time to raise taxes for projects.

Do you support the Lake Koronis Recreational Trail? If not, why not? If so, what township resources would you be willing to use to continue this project?
The trail/road project turned out looking very nice. I'm sure all the summer residents will much appreciate the trails as well as the full-time residents. However, I believe the $347,000 already spent on the project is enough for now, especially during this time of economic recovery.

What role should the township play in deciding the future route of Highway 23?
When the Highway 23 route is being debated, it is the duty of the supervisors to keep the residents informed and to relay their opinions at the meetings. The people must be heard on this issue as it will affect us all.

What proposed route for Highway 23 do you feel is best for Paynesville Township? 23?
In my personal opinion, the Highway 23 project should go around the city, preserving the serenity and safety of the town residents; however, I do realize there are many difficult decisions ahead that will need to be made.

Don Pietsch

How should taxes and services be balanced in Paynesville Township?
We know there is a direct relationship between services and taxes. It is our duty to determine how many and which services are important and will be supported by the residents of Paynesville Township.

I believe we should support the services that make Paynesville Township a desirable place to raise a family, work, and play. In cases where services and taxes are a questionable balance, it may be necessary to ask people through a referendum to accept or reject a project.

Do you support township participation in the proposed community pool project?
Being the chairman of the Paynesville Township board, I believe this must be a joint venture between the city and the township if this project is to become a reality. I have served on the board that helped set up the pool committee.

They have studied the project in great detail. I have confidence that they have put the best pool recommendation together for the Paynesville community. I believe the city and the township have worked out a good, fair plan to share the cost of this facility.

I personally have put a high priority on health, fitness, recreation, and education, and support a project that helps achieve these goals. However, the 'services versus taxes equation' has to be addressed by the residents, and they must weigh the value of this project on April 20. Please get out and vote.

Do you support the Lake Koronis Recreational Trail? If so, what township resources would you be willing to use to continue this project?
Being on the board for the past six years, I feel my record favors recreational trails. We are presently working to secure state and federal funding for recreation trails.

I believe we as a township must continue our efforts and spend our monies wisely to address the safety and recreational needs of our community. I do believe that in some instances, where it qualifies under the law, monies from road and bridges can and should be used to contribute to the health and safety of our residents. Roads and bridges should be used by more than just motorized vehicles.

What role should the township play in deciding the future route of Highway 23?
I also serve on the Highway 23 Task Force and feel we must give as much input as possible. If the discussion is to bypass Paynesville, we must be prepared to deal with issues of annexation, access to the bypass, and affects of the bypass on our present businesses and residents. If the city chooses to have Highway 23 bypass Paynesville, it will be important to work with the city to deal with these issues.

What proposed route for Highway 23 do you feel is best for Paynesville Township?
In looking at the proposed routes, there are advantages and disadvantages. Regardless of which route is selected, they will pose some problems that must be addressed and dealt with by the township board.

It is my feeling in reviewing the studies and working on the task force that the final route recommendation will be determined by a process of elimination based on the pluses and minuses that affect the Paynesville community. This decision should be made on studies and facts and not personal choices of individuals. My personal choice will be the one that makes the best sense for the Paynesville community and has the least negative effects on Paynesville Township.