Skip to content

Dunn County Board candidate: Ralph Follendorf

MENOMONIE — Two candidates have filed nomination papers for the April 1 election to serve as supervisor for the Dunn County Board’s District No. 1: Ralph Sam Follendorf, Colfax, and Carol Anderson, Sand Creek.

The Colfax Messenger sent out a questionnaire to both Dunn County Board candidates.

Follendorf returned the first Dunn County Board candidate questionnaire.

Follendorf is retired from farming and from the Kell Container Corporation.

He moved to Dunn County in 1995 when he purchased his farm and took a job with Kell Container. He has lived in Appleton, Neenah, Oshkosh, Prairie Du Sac and now Colfax.

He earned a BBA from UW-Oshkosh.

1. Why did you decide to run for the Dunn County Board? I believe it is important to give back to the community. With the support of many in my district I felt this was the best way to serve the people. This position would afford me the opportunity to return service to all of those who supported me by their service throughout my life.

2. What about your background makes you particularly suited to serve on the Dunn County Board? Budgeting is one of the main functions of this position. I have had extensive budgeting experience in my past both with the farm and in business. I have been the church treasurer for six years. One of the primary duties of the treasurer is budgeting. Communication also is important and having spent many years in sales, I am able to listen to people and understand their needs. Decision making is a process of listening, researching, discussing and reviewing. Any decision I made would be one that best fits the needs of the people I am serving, taking all things relevant into consideration.

3. What issues do you see as being important for the Dunn County Board to address and why? Many have expressed their concern over mining as an issue. The challenges with mining are determining a delicate balance between preserving our land, the environment and creating work and economic opportunity for the residents of Dunn County.

Another issue would be Dunn County remaining economically stable. This is accomplished through the budgeting process and wise use of funds granted to each department. Because funds come from the taxes paid by the residents of Dunn County it is the duty of the board to be fiscally responsible in the handling of those funds so that tax increases can be avoided. No one likes or can afford increases in taxes.

4. Other comments? As a member of the Board of Supervisors I would pledge my support to the residents of Dunn County in resolving relevant issues, be fiscally responsible in handling their funds, and be diligent in carrying out the duties of the position as understood by me. I look forward to working for Dunn County, keeping it safe and beautiful as well as financially strong.