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.
Larry Hindt
Tell us about yourself
My wife Joy and I have lived here in Fillmore County for the past 43 years, where we raised our four children: Chad (Andrea), Holly (Dan), Crystal (John), and Charity (Tim). I was initially employed by Community Memorial Hospital as a radiologic technologist as the department head until it later closed. After that, I was employed by Olmsted Medical Center in Radiology and Lab, where I continue to work. I am also the Branch Clinic Radiology Coordinator for Olmsted’s five southern branch clinics, overseeing the radiology personnel and the quality assurance of the images they produce. With that, I also have experience in small business ownership and management, along with experience in farming and residential property management and construction.
Why are you running for office?
I have lived here in Fillmore County for the past 43 years, so I am extremely invested in the future of Fillmore County. As I am winding down in my medical career, I feel I will have the time to devote to be a county commissioner. Also I believe my varied experience would be an asset to the position.
What do you hope to accomplish if you get elected?
I hope to be a fair and impartial voice for the people of District 3. I intend to listen to the concerns of the residents and see what, if anything, we can do as a board to address any issues they may have. Also I hope to update, improve and maintain the county’s infrastructure as economically feasible.
What are your thoughts on administering feedlot permits for larger livestock operations?
I believe feedlot permits should be administered on a case by case basis, taking into account the feedlot’s location and environmental impact the feedlot may have on the surrounding area. All permits and applications should be completed and in order before a final permit is granted or conditional use permit is granted.
What are your thoughts on governing fracking mines in Fillmore County?
I was under the impression that Fillmore County sand was not the right size or quality for the petroleum industry according to local geologists, but it would work great for use as bedding in the ag. industry. Either way, depending on the location of the sand mines and whether Fillmore County’s infrastructure, roads and bridges could handle the increase in truck traffic and whether there were any environmental issues related to the mines, would determine my thoughts on the subject.
What are your thoughts on investing in a new Fillmore County Jail?
I believe the current jail and sheriff’s office is in dire need of replacement before the Department of Corrections steps in and decertifies the facility forcing the county to expedite plans, if any, to replace the current structure.
Like the surrounding counties, both Houston and Winona, we need to decide how big of a facility we need here in Fillmore County, how we are going to staff it and how we are going to fund it.