During the annual meeting on August 5, 2023, there will first be a vote to expand the Tainter Lake Board of Commissioners from the current three elected positions to five elected positions (in addition to the two appointed positions filled by the Town of Tainter and Dunn County). If that motion passes, there will then be an election for five positions on the Board of Commissioners. Potential candidates were asked to obtain five signatures from Lake District residents, as well as answer two questions about why they want to serve on the board. The following candidates submitted their nomination papers with signature and answers to the questions prior to the deadline to be included on the ballot. PLEASE NOTE: Nominations for Board Commissioners can also be made from the floor during the annual meeting.
CANDIDATE FOR THE BOARD
Commissioner Candidate: Al Brown
Question 1: Why would I like to be a Tainter Lake District Commissioner?
As residents and property owners on Tainter Lake, we have a vested interest in the current and future quality of the lake as an important natural resource. Water quality and natural resources are our legacy to our children and future generations.
I have four goals if elected commissioner to the Tainter Lake Rehabilitation District. These goals are: 1) improve the water quality of Tainter Lake; 2) provide positive and sustained management of Tainter Lake habitat and resources; 3) contribute to the effective operation of the lake district board; 4) manage effective communication with lake district constituents and cooperating agencies.
Question 2: What talents do I possess that would make me a good commissioner?
I bring over 27 years of local public governmental leadership and administrative experience which includes grant writing, managing construction projects and working with other agencies on a number of initiatives.
As one of three initially appointed commissioners, I have been meeting with county and state personnel and community members to familiarize myself with the issues of Tainter Lake, but also to build relationships in order to connect with other conservation groups.
I believe that my administrative skills and experience plus the desire to build a strong lake community will serve the Tainter Lake Rehabilitation District well in the future.
CANDIDATE FOR THE BOARD
Commissioner Candidate: Jerry Porter
Question 1: Why would I like to be a Tainter Lake District Commissioner?
I was appointed by the Dunn County Board of Supervisors to the initial board when the district was created in 2023 and have attended every meeting of the board to date.
Question 2: What talents do I possess that would make me a good commissioner?
I believe that the Tainter Lake District can be a good thing for our lake without costing the members of the district financial pain. I have worked to keep costs to a minimum. and to move the district forward. I am a retired electrical engineer and have lived on Upper Tainter Lake for over 25 years. Please vote to keep me on the board.
CANDIDATE FOR THE BOARD
Commissioner Candidate: Grant Peissig
Question 1: Why would I like to be a Tainter Lake District Commissioner?
I believe that we can make positive changes to Tainter Lake with a well run Lake District. I know that forming the district has been a controversial topic and I want to be part of finding solutions that work for the majority of residents on Tainter Lake. Outside of trying to reduce the algae bloom, I think it is important to address other issues that we have. Dredging areas that are filling in with sand, strategic weed harvesting, preventing shoreline erosion and improving fish & wildlife habitat are all very tangible goals that other Lake District’s have been able to accomplish.
Question 2: What talents do I possess that would make me a good commissioner?
My professional background has given me plenty of experience in using science and technology to solve complex problems. As a business owner I have also become accustomed to leading large groups of people and dealing with internal disagreements that naturally come with trying to get a group to pull in the same direction. One thing we all have in common is that our properties will go up in value if we are able to have success as a Lake District. My hope is that the idea of increasing the value of most people’s largest asset is enough to unite us.
CANDIDATE FOR THE BOARD
Commissioner Candidate: Peter D. Heimdahl
Question 1: Why would I like to be a Tainter Lake District Commissioner?
I have lived on Tainter Lake for 30 years. It is a beautiful lake except for the severe annual cyanobacteria blooms and the sedimentation at the mouths of the Hay and Red Cedar Rivers. It is my mission to solve both problems. I was a charter member and founding president of the Friends of the Red Cedar Basin which was formed to do just that. Our most significant accomplishment was the formation of the Lake District which is the ultimate organization to tackle our lake issues. I believe strongly in the potential of the District and would be honored to take part in its leadership.
Question 2: What talents do I possess that would make me a good commissioner?
My entire professional life as a 31-year Army officer and UW- Stout Associate Dean and engineering professor has provided me with ample opportunity to sharpen my skill at solving complicated problems. I planned, organized, and developed all documentation for the successful Lake District petition drive, a monumental project. The challenges presented by Lake Tainter pose a similar situation. We must first determine the root causes of its afflictions by a comprehensive scientific analysis. Having done that, we must match the numerous existing remedial methods available to our unique lake and do whatever is necessary to fix it. As a problem solver, I look forward to contributing enthusiastically as a team member on the Board.
CANDIDATE FOR THE BOARD
Commissioner Candidate: Chuck Tack
Question 1: Why would I like to be a Tainter Lake District Commissioner?
I believe in Tainter Lake. I know we can improve the water conditions by working together.
I have 3 children and 6 grandchildren. I would like them to be able to use our lake in August every year. It’s not often in life that we get a chance to make a difference. This is one of those opportunities for me.
Question 2: What talents do I possess that would make me a good commissioner?
I have lived on Upper Tainter for 14 years. I have been your DNR assigned water tester for 4 years. Since 2018 I have kept a daily Excel spreadsheet on water conditions at our dock/bay/lake.
I think I know Tainter Lake pretty well. I have past experience on boards. I understand projects and budgets. I am fiscally conservative.