Candidate Questionnaires: Allamakee County Board of Supervisors

Please provide some background information about yourself.

Bechtel: I’ve been married to Sandra for 12 years and she has been owner and operator of Mirror Images in Waukon for a number of years. We are parents of Hailey and Dekota, both in the Waukon school system. My parents are Dean and Sherry Bechtel and my grandparents are the late Lynn Halverson, Virginia Halverson of Waukon, the late Lloyd Bechtel and Neva Bechtel of Waukon.
I have one brother, Michael, who is a science teacher in LaCrosse, WI. My sisters are NiCole, an online teacher, and Angela, who lives in Waukon and works in Decorah. I was born and raised in Allamakee County on a dairy farm and am a lifetime member of Zion UCC of Waukon. I graduated from Waukon High School and have worked at a sawmill, concrete construction, went on thirds with my parents on the dairy farm and bought the family farm, making it a fourth generation farm. We rent out the crop land and raise different kinds of animals.
I’m a part-time bus driver and starting up a different kind of a business with my parents, Rainbow Quarry LLC. I am finding it an interesting learning experience. We bring animals up to Good Sam and to our church, Zion UCC, for Sunday School and church. I’m a member of the Northeast Iowa Bird & Animal Club that has three swaps a year at the Allamakee Fairgrounds. As a member of this club, we take animals to Lansing Fish Days and New Albin Days.
I’m a member of the Allamakee County Republicans Central Committee. I helped the Veterans who gave a big thank you to the Veterans last summer. Since I’m not a Veteran, I help with the set-up and clean-up, helping out my dad, my uncle Jerry Halverson, and Robert Kolsrud and Jim Magner, who are veterans. I will be helping them set up and clean up after the Korean Veteran thank you in July too. I attend Postville’s VFW when able for their fundraisers, chili suppers and Christmas party.

Koenig: I am a lifelong Postville area resident. I was born and raised on a farm in Winneshiek County, and have lived in Allamakee County since 1981. I am a 1971 graduate of Postville High School and served in the United States Army. I have been actively involved in farming as well as a seed dealer for over 30 years. I am the son of Ruby and the late Loren Koenig of Postville. I have been married to my wife, Sandy, for 38 years. We have two children, Misty and her children, Brett and Hailey, live in Cresco and Travis and his wife, Dawn, and daughter, Isabella, live in Decorah.
I served on the church council at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Postville for seven years, six as president. I was also a member of the Postville Community School District Board of Education for nine years and a six-year member of the board of Helping Services of Northeast Iowa, one year as president. I’m currently serving as a Post Township Trustee and chairperson of the finance committee at St. Paul Lutheran. In my spare time I enjoy cooking, spending time with family, golfing, hunting, fishing and traveling.

What motivated you to seek a seat on the County Board of Supervisors?

Koenig: I am a member of the Republican Party and I decided to run for Supervisor because I want to be a part of changing the culture in our county by improving the infrastructure, protecting agriculture and growing economic development for all of the residents of Allamakee County.

Bechtel: I believe that if you are not happy about the way things are, you should be willing to do the job to improve them. Help bring our local government back so the people feel like it is our government.

As a candidate for Allamakee County Supervisor, what do you feel would be your ultimate responsibility to the citizens of the county, if elected?

Bechtel: To be there for them, willing to sit at a table, listen and talk to them. Come up with an answer everyone can live with. Listen to their ideals. In other words, to be their voice.

Koenig: I want to be an advocate for the residents of the county and want to hear their thoughts and concerns. I want to know what they are thinking. I am available by cell phone: 563-419-6272, email: koenigforsupervisor@hotmail.com, facebook:  Dennis Koenig for Supervisor, and the coffee pot is always on at 334 Minert Rd., Postville. I will work hard for the residents of Allamakee County with integrity, honesty and common sense.

If elected, what would be your issues of highest priority in helping direct county government?

Koenig: Listening to the people. Finding synergies between city and county government that would eliminate wasteful spending and services that could potentially be combined. I believe county government should be run like an efficient, well-maintained business.  

Bechtel: Bring respect back to the government and let the people help come up with ideals. See if they have ideals for new jobs. Keep an open mind.

What are the current issues, good and bad, that you see facing Allamakee County, and what does your candidacy offer in addressing those issues?

Bechtel: Gravel roads, there are bad spots, let's fix them right the first time. Be willing to listen to the people on their terms. Understand most people can not make it to a meeting at 9:00 on Monday morning. I will be willing to meet when it works for them. Any rule being passed now I will be living with for the next 30 years, so why not get involved with making the rules and regulations. We are all going to have to live with these rules and regulations.

Koenig: Maintain the tax base by putting a moratorium on state-owned land or the ability to tax this land.
Infrastructure - Fuel tax is needed to keep our roads and bridges in good repair and it shouldn’t be spent elsewhere. I live on a gravel road. Within one mile of my home, there are two bridges built back in the horse/buggy days. They are too narrow for today’s farm equipment. The weight limit is exceeded with a tractor. These bridges aren’t getting fixed.
Economic development - I definitely feel the County should be highly concerned/involved in getting new industry in the county. I would encourage research to discover what companies are looking for in a location - workforce, incentives, tax relief, etc. - and work towards making Allamakee County that place.
Protecting agriculture - Allowing agriculture to grow but maintain quality of life for everyone in the county.
If elected, I believe my life experience and leadership roles on various boards will be an asset to me as a Supervisor.