Constituent Question

Original question posted under "Benton County Commisssioner Candidate Forum"

Anonymous said...
What is going to happen to us as citizens of benton county if the board decides to disobey the state mandate for hiring new staff at the correctional facility?

I assume your question is in response to a comment made by a candidate in regard to to this subject at our recent forum. I did not make the comment and would try other ways to handle unfunded mandates such as using the Association of Minn. Counties to exert pressure on the legislature and of course keeping in constant touch with our area legislatures and seek their help in dealing with an issue like this. In regard to your specific question I would refer you to another elected official the County Attorney and he could probably tell you what any penalties would be and how they may affect the citizens. The current county board did negotiate with the state and they did agree to do a phase in of these positions to lessen the immediate impact on the budget and I support their action. I would never take any action of disobedience that would negatively impact our citizens.

Spencer Buerkle - Candidate for Benton County Commissioner in District #4
http://SpencerBuerkle.Blogspot.com