By JIM LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
Though the event was held at the New Richland Sportsmen’s Club, no guns were fired and nothing was shot.
Instead, Waseca County Commissioner candidates Jim Peterson and Jody Wynnemer squared off in a battle of words at a forum hosted by the Waseca County Corn and Soybean Growers Association Tuesday, Sept. 11.
Who won? Neither candidate, because no scores were kept. The winners were the people who showed up to learn more about the men running for office. It was far short of the number expected, but there was a reason.
“We didn’t know this was going to be in the middle of harvest,” said Leon Schoenrock, one of the event organizers.
Peterson and Wynnemer alternated answering questions asked by Soybean Growers Association Chairperson Tammy Haley, some prepared in advance and some taken from the audience. A couple farmers showed up with lists in hand.
The candidates agreed on most answers — especially those involving agriculture regulations in the county — though there was some lively commentary along the way. Incumbent Peterson’s knowledge of county and state regulations, especially agriculturally, was evident throughout the evening, with challenger Wynnemer promising, if elected, “It won’t be politics as usual.”The highlights:
Experience
Wynnemer, a native of Waseca, was a career Navy man, returning to Minnesota in 1999 and graduating from college in 2002. He’s been a member of the New Richland City Council since 2008.
Peterson, a lifelong resident of Waseca County, is a 16-year county commissioner, also serving several years on the school board, township board and in other leadership positions.
Expenditure cuts/increases
“Expenditure increases? That’s a wish list,” said Peterson. “Over the last few years, the county board has been very frugal with department heads in cutting costs. The board is looking at how to survive the next few years.”
Wynnemer suggested eliminating health insurance for county commissioners, a move that would save the county $80,000 a year.
“I don’t know of any part-time jobs that offer health insurance,” said Wynnemer. “That $80,000 could be spent on a couple new jobs for the county.”
Schoenrock piped in at this point, asking, “Jody, you’re going on record as saying that if elected county commissioner, you would recommend that health insurance be stopped?”
“Yes,” said Wynnemer.
Peterson reminded Wynnemer that a commissioner’s job is not part time, and said it’s mandatory for commissioners to carry the county’s health insurance, which he’s also required to carry at his place of employment.
Improvement needed in Waseca County
“It would have to be the county attorney’s office,” said Wynnemer. “There have been too many cases were the police have provided evidence and all the proper paperwork, and the county attorney’s office has decided not to prosecute. They carry a salary of $600,000. In my opinion, that department could use some improvement.”
Term limits
“How long is too long to be a county commissioner?” asked Haley.
“I’ve always said most politicians should serve two terms,” said Wynnemer. “One in office and one in prison.”
Peterson was more serious.
“I believe when you lose interest in being a county commissioner, it’s obvious, and you should back off,” he said. “I really do.”
Higher office
Both candidates were asked if they would seek higher office if elected commissioner.
That’s something Peterson has already did, challenging Tony Cornish for state representative in 2008.
“I really enjoyed the experience,” said Peterson. “But I don’t think I would do it again.”
“Not at this point,” said Wynnemer. “I can let you know more after November 6th.”