On today’s front page, we are presenting two candidates running for District 3 Commissioner. Both Kevin Beck and Larry Hindt are contending for this position Tuesday, August 13. Below is a Q&A to help you learn more about each candidate. Readers can also look for these Q & A write-ups on www.fillmorecountyjournal.com, where the conversation will continue.
Kevin Beck
Tell us about yourself
My name is Kevin Beck. I have been a resident of Fillmore County for the past 23+ years. I am 53 years old and have a wife named Kristin and two children — Jordan, who is 19, and Shelby, who is 15 years old. I have lived in Spring Valley my entire career and have recently retired from working for Fillmore County for the past 23+ years. I am a member of the Spring Valley Fire Department for 20 years and have been the fire relief association treasurer. I am a member of the Kingsland Athletic Booster Club and Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. In past careers I have also farmed and was a construction electrician.
Why are you running for office?
I’ve had the honor to work for Fillmore County for the past 23+ years. With my life knowledge, training and experience I believe I could be an asset to the citizens of Fillmore County. In the last number of years I have worked extensively with the county board on issues such as emergency management, the operation of the Fillmore County Jail, our emergency communications center/911 center and public health issues. My experience extended to working with the Fillmore County Highway Department and townships in regards to requesting and obtaining state reimbursement for federal funds when an emergency declaration was issued.
What do you hope to accomplish if you get elected?
I hope to make things better for Fillmore County. I still have a lot to learn, which will take time, but in the end the ultimate goal is to continue to make things better for the citizens of Fillmore County.
What are your thoughts on administering feedlot permits for larger livestock operations?
I believe we need to continue to monitor and issue or deny feedlot permits based on the criteria that we have in place. We need to watch out for the citizens of Fillmore County and be the caretakers so that things don’t get out of hand and that the farmers are following all the rules and regulations that we have put in place. The farmers are the ones that care about the land and surroundings, so they have a good start already and I believe they all want what’s best for their land and Fillmore County.
What are your thoughts on governing fracking mines in Fillmore County?
I really don’t know a lot about frack mining. I would have to listen to both sides and make a decisive decision based on the facts as they are presented to me. But my first thoughts would be that frack mining needs to be regulated in some way, so that would mean the government would have to get involved to help make the best decision for the citizens of Fillmore County.
What are your thoughts on investing in a new Fillmore County Jail?
Every option that I see is available will cost the Fillmore County citizens money. The county is in the process of looking at the different options and forming a committee to look at everything.
My least favorite way to go is to remodel the current jail, this will be just a band-aid.
The second is to house our inmates at other jails. This is not an option as it puts our deputies on the roads, which is a safety risk.
The third option would be to build a new jail that would carry us into the future for a long time.
What else would you like to share with voters?
My leadership style involves being able to listen to gather information from a variety of resources and to make an educated decision based on what is in the best interests of Fillmore County’s needs. I have a past history and proven practice of working in the collaborative effort that has resulted in a positive outcomes for Fillmore County.
I’m independent and not afraid to question or challenge a question, topic, or decision. I do this to insure that something is fully vetted, that it’s understood, that all the information is out there, and that the decision is made in the best interest of the citizens of our county.