Town of Springfield candidate: Fayerweather

TOWN OF SPRINGFIELD  —  Two candidates will be on the ballot for the April 7 election for chair in the Town of Springfield.

Bill Reusch, incumbent town chair, will face challenger Dean Fayerweather.

Fayerweather, 49, is married to his wife, Shannon. They have a son, Bryce, 13, a daughter Delanie, 12, and another son, Blake, 8.

In May, Fayerweather will have served with the St. Croix County sheriff’s office for 19 years. He was hired as a corrections deputy in 1996, was promoted to patrol deputy in 1999 and was promoted to the investigation bureau in 2007.

The Tribune Press Reporter sent out questionnaires to the candidates.

Here are Fayerweather’s answers to the Tribune Press Reporter’s questionnaire:

• Where have you lived other than the Town of Springfield?

I was born and raised in Pepin. My wife and I lived in Baldwin for two years prior to moving to Springfield Township where we now live on her grandparent’s farm.

• What is your educational background?

High school diploma; four years in the United States Air Force; a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice; certified law enforcement officer and several disciplines within the law enforcement field.

• Why did you decide to accept the nomination for chair of the Springfield Town Board?

I served on the Springfield Township Board for two terms from April 2009 to April 2013. I stepped away because I had too many irons in the fire as a volunteer in the community. I miss the interaction with people and politics so I decided to run for township chairman.

• What about your background makes you particularly suited to serve on the town board?

I feel I can bring knowledge and credibility to the Board and also accountability to the tax payers. I have knowledge in State Statutes from the criminal and civil aspect. As an elected official, we serve the public and not just our own beliefs.

• What do you believe to be the biggest challenges or issues facing the Town of Springfield?

I believe the community will always be worried about non-metallic mining. I was on the Springfield Board when the Downing mining started and the Wilson Mine was opened for non-metallic mining also. I heard the concerns and went to seminars pertaining to non-metallic mining. Property taxes are always going to play a part in politics, but I am for keeping taxes low and still maintaining quality roads and the maintenance of the roads.

• What ideas do you have for increasing revenue or decreasing spending?

There is not much revenue if any in Springfield Township. As quick as the taxes are deposited into an account, the money is spent on fire, ambulance and schools. I believe there are five school districts in Springfield Township, so money is dispersed amongst them and then the rest is budgeted towards maintaining roadways.

• Why are you the best candidate for chair of the Springfield Town Board? 

Being a past Springfield Town Board member, I believe I can bring credibility and accountability to the board. I do not believe in hasty decisions. I like listen to people, get the facts, table the discussion and do my own research before coming to a conclusion. I am a people person and will listen and not automatically dismiss a problem or concern.

• Other comments?

I am a volunteer coach in the Glenwood City School system and the Glenwood City Summer rec. program. I believe in guiding young people in the right direction as they are our future.