Who ya gonna
call when ‘there
oughtta be a law’?
Now that the dust has settled after the elections, it’s time to sit back and see if our politicians keep their campaign promises, right?
Actually, no.
Now’s the time to pay attention and make sure those promises are kept.
We’ve heard the grand plans and warm, fuzzy election speeches, but when it comes down to it, our elected officials are only as good as the standards we hold them to.
We can hope, at the very least, that they’ll keep their promises, but a campaign platform typically covers only a small part of overall public responsibilities.
State legislators may promise lower taxes, but when tax statements come in with smaller amounts as promised, who’s keeping track of the resulting cuts in services and how those decisions are made?
Beyond the narrow scope of keeping a promise or two, direction for the rest of public business needs to come from responsible constituents — presumably the ones our officials work for.
They have taken sworn oaths to represent our interests, and in most cases, are paid, albeit modestly, to do it.
Rock County Commissioners receive a base pay of $12,000 per year for roughly two regular meetings per month, plus more for special meetings.
The Luverne mayor receives $5,100 per year, and Luverne City Council members are compensated $4,200 per year for regular twice monthly council meetings. They receive $20 for meetings shorter than a half day, and $40 for longer ones.
Luverne School Board members receive $50 for regular meetings (roughly two a month) and $30 for special meetings.
Following is a list of elected officials to keep in mind when concerns of public interest arise.
Clip it, attach it to the refrigerator, and call one of them the next time you hear yourself saying, "There oughtta be a law!" Also, don’t forget to call them with an "atta boy" when those occasions arise.
Keep in mind our elected officials are just ordinary citizens concerned enough about public process to get involved in leadership capacities. Their jobs are demanding, most of them deserve our respect — as well as our constructive criticisms.
Congratulations, winners of the 2002 elections! Let’s see what you can do for us, working with us.
* * *
The list of Luverne School Board members will remain unchanged in January, with all four incumbents re-elected to four-year terms. Luverne School Board members are:
Don Bryan, 669-2181
Colleen Deutsch, 283-9265
Dan Kop, 283-4733
Cary Radisewitz, 283-4372
Bill Stegemann, 283-8144
Steve Tofteland, 283-4503
Becky Walgrave, 283-4042.
For lists of school board members in other Rock County districts, call 483-2232 for Adrian, 967-2242 for Ellsworth and 962-3240, for Hills-Beaver Creek.
Luverne City Council will see two new faces after the first of the year. Pat Baustian, 283-4180, and Bob Kaczrowski, 283-9261, will replace Keith Erickson, 283-2497, and Jim Kirchhofer, 283-2415, respectively.
Tom Martius, 283-4679, and David Hauge, 283-2065, are the other two council members.
Mayor Glen Gust, who was re-elected to another two-year term, can be reached at 283-8761.
Members of the Rock County Board of Commissioners include:
Kenneth Hoime, 442-4913
Wendell Erickson, 962-3785
Ron Boyenga, 967-2104
Bob Jarchow, 283-2469
Jane Wildung, 283-4691.
97-6378, will replace Erickson, who did not seek re-election. Bakken ran uncontested for the seat.
As Rock County’s new representatives at the state and Congressional level take office in January, the Star Herald will publish their contact information as well.
That information, as well as the school, city and county contacts, can be found on the Star Herald Web site, www.star-herald.com. Click on the button, "Your elected officials," on the home page.