Candidates: Allamakee County Board of Supervisors

Please provide some background information about yourself.
 
Lennie Burke: My name is Lennie Burke and I have been married to Linda for 39 years. We have four married children and 11 grandchildren. We have owned and operated Wings Supper Club in Dorchester for 11 years and are small family farmers. We are members of St. Patrick Parish family and have called Allamakee County home all of our lives.

Dennis 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 39 years. We have two children, Misty, and her children, Brett and Hailey, who live in Postville; and Travis and his wife, Dawn, and daughter, Isabella, who live in Decorah.
I served on the church council at St. Paul Lutheran Church in 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?
 
Dennis 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.

Lennie Burke: After much discussion with my wife, Linda, I decided to run for another term on the Board of Supervisors because of my experience and knowledge of the Board. In the past, I have had the privilege to serve with Bill Clark, Kathy Campbell, Dave Duncklee and Cloy Kuhse and presently serve with Larry Schellhammer and Sherry Strub. Over the years I have gained a great appreciation for the people of Allamakee County and have had the opportunity to work with many of the schools, the hospital, veterans groups, area farmers and businesses. I would love to continue to serve these people.

As a candidate for Allamakee County Supervisor, what do you feel would be your ultimate responsibility to the citizens of the county if elected?
 
Lennie Burke: My ultimate responsibility would be to make sure every tax dollar is spent wisely. Allamakee County isn’t in debt and I will help keep it that way.

Dennis 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; e-mail:  koenigforsupervisor@hotmail.com; facebook: Dennis Koenig for Supervisor; and the coffee pot is always on at 334 Minert Road, 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?
 
Dennis 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.

Lennie Burke: Infrastructure is the number-one priority, maintaining safe roads and bridges.

What are the current issues, good and bad, that you see facing Allamakee County, and what does your candidacy offer in addressing those issues?
 
Lennie Burke: The most pressing issue facing the county today is mental health. My experience on the Board offers the ability to work with other elected and non-elected officials to help address many of our local and state mental health issues.
Jobs are always needed in communities and I will continue to work to bring businesses to Allamakee County. Frac sand mining has moved to the forefront and we need to look at impacts to the environment, our air and water and our roads.

Dennis 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 Supervisor for Allamakee County.