Darrin Witucki, Public Service

Library Board meeting tonight. Some routine stuff and a fair amount of facilities & capital planning to discuss - including some aging boilers that are causing angst.

This morning I stopped by Larry Bjork's place to congratulate him. Yesterday the voters of District 26 elected him to a 6th two-year term. I wish Larry well as our representative on the county board. While the results didn't go the way I had hoped, I very much admire and respect our democratic process. It wasn't for a lack of effort and my goodness - it wasn't from lack of support and encouragement by so many. Thank you. I need to get to a Transit Commission meeting on time. More thoughts later. Warm regards, Darrin.

Polls are still open until 8PM. Regardless of the outcome I still have a Dunn County Transit Comission meeting tomorrow morning.

It’s Election Day and the polls are open 7am-8pm. It is a journey that started in November. There are many people to thank and I will attempt to do that in the coming days. For now, I’ll just say, I would be humbled to earn your vote.

I was joined by my “assistant campaign manager” today for one last set of doors. A lot of folks weren’t home yet, but I did get to chat with a few people. If I didn’t get around to your door, I do regret that. Somewhere in this process, you realize you can’t knock on all of them. I’m hopeful all the various methods of outreach helped fill in the gaps. Election Day is tomorrow! I would be humbled to earn your vote. Witucki4Dunn26.

The seventh and final edition of the Sunday Evening Virtual Meet & Greet will be this Sunday, April 5th @7:30pm. I welcome the opportunity to chat and hope to earn your vote April 7.

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83993105820

Knocked out some more doors today! I met some nice people and few good boys 🐶 too. Some folks got an icy handshake. Sorry about that, I was chilled to the bone toward the end of the day. 🥶 ❄️

In other news, it looks like Spring Brook will have a plow truck up for auction soon. My ‘campaign manager’ says I don’t need a full sized plow truck. I guy can dream, right? 😉

A few weeks ago I was able to stop by The Red Cedar Watershed Conference for a few minutes. Tara Greiman of the Wisconsin Farmers Union was presenting on Farmer-Led Watershed Councils. She mentioned a 2022 survey of farmers in Dunn, Pierce, Polk, and St. Croix counties that sought input from farmers on the councils' efforts and direction. The survey statistics and findings caught my ear because they mirrored the answers and perspectives that I shared in a candidate questionaire for the Dunn County Farm Bureau.

I do not farm for my livelihood but I am deeply rooted in agriculture. From my family history, to my upbringing, and in my early employment opportunities - agriculture has always been a part of my core fabric. For those with a discerning eye, my campaign logo pays homage to those roots. Photos: Red Cedar Watershed Conference Sticker & Frank Hamachek Pea Combines (I worked 9 summers for the Jolly Green Guy in my youth).

As I said in the Farm Bureau Questionaire: "I believe I am well-positioned to listen to and understand farmers’ needs and issues. I think I am also well-positioned to be a bridge to those that don’t understand or appreciate the importance, lifestyle, and freedom agriculture represents."

For more insight and lengthy transparency. . .below are my answers (in their entirety) to the Dunn County Farm Bureau's Candidate Questionaire:

1. Land Use & Zoning:
How do you approach balancing the needs of agriculture with residential or other non-farm development in Dunn County? What factors guide your thinking when land-use conflicts arise?

I am not an expert in county zoning rules and procedures, but if elected to the board, you could count on me to be a quick study. A mastery of the rules and procedures helps me leverage constituent needs, combined with a philosophical approach, to achieve workable solutions.
As for my philosophical approach, I see agriculture as central to Dunn County’s economy, culture, and long-term vitality. I believe protecting productive farmland and maintaining viable farm operations must remain a core priority in county land-use decisions.
When balancing agriculture with residential or other development, I would start with the county’s comprehensive plan and the principle of directing growth toward areas where infrastructure already exists. This helps prevent unnecessary fragmentation of working farms while also being fiscally responsible with roads and emergency services.
When conflicts arise, I would look closely at soil quality, long-term farm viability, and the impact on neighboring operations. While District 26 is primarily farmland, it does have a significant number of residential developments. For the most part these developments appear in hilly and wooded areas and/or along rivers and creeks. In some cases, farmers make the decision to sell land for development. Often that decision is coupled with retirement or financial challenges. Regardless of the zoning outcome, I respect the decisions these landowners face. Farmers make multi-generational investments, and county policies should provide clarity, predictability, and fairness so those investments are protected.
I also strongly believe in collaboration. Farmers are the best experts on the realities of agriculture in Dunn County. If elected, I would welcome ongoing dialogue, farm visits, and input from Farm Bureau members to ensure county decisions reflect both responsible stewardship and a strong agricultural economy.

2. Infrastructure Supporting Agriculture:
What role do you see county roads, bridges, and transportation systems playing in supporting local farms, and how should those needs be considered in planning and budgeting decisions?

County roads, bridges, and transportation systems are essential infrastructure for agriculture. Farms rely on safe and reliable roads to move equipment between fields and to transport crops and livestock to market. When planning and budgeting for infrastructure, I believe we need to consider how today’s farm equipment and truck traffic use these roads. Weight limits, bridge conditions, and seasonal restrictions can have a real impact on farm efficiency and safety. Maintaining rural roads and bridges that support modern agricultural equipment should remain a priority. Our county road system is a significant part of the agricultural supply chain.

We all know that just maintaining our county road infrastructure is a heavy financial lift. Developing and enhancing our county road infrastructure adds another layer of financial challenge. I believe Dunn County has worked hard to address these challenges and has increased bonding to accelerate the pace of a serious uphill climb. We also know that county roads are not the only part of this equation. Township roads, like the one I live on, are just as important to county agriculture. Township budgets cannot keep pace with need. I believe all involved agree that we must lobby the state legislature for a renewed commitment to assist counties and townships with our roads infrastructure. County-wide agriculture needs to be a central talking point, “Agriculture is one of Dunn County’s strongest economic drivers, and our infrastructure planning should recognize that reality. Well-maintained rural roads and bridges help farm families operate efficiently, strengthen our local economy, and support the long-term vitality of our rural communities.”

3. Conservation & Practicality:
How do you view the balance between environmental stewardship and the economic
realities of farming, and how should that perspective influence county conservation
policies?

Farmers are among the most important stewards of Dunn County’s land and water resources. I have yet to meet a farmer that doesn’t have a land stewardship mindset. Their livelihoods depend on maintaining healthy soil, protecting water quality, and managing land responsibly for the long term. Because of that, conservation policies work best when they recognize the environmental goals we share and the economic realities farmers face.

County conservation efforts should focus on practical, workable solutions that support producers, seeking to minimize unnecessary burdens. Programs that encourage voluntary conservation practices, provide technical assistance, and help farmers adopt proven soil and water management strategies tend to produce the best long-term results.

When shaping conservation policy, I think it’s important to listen to the farmers who are implementing these practices daily or are trying something new. Collaboration between producers, conservation staff, and local government helps ensure policies are both environmentally responsible and economically sustainable.

Dunn County’s strength comes from healthy land, productive farms, and strong rural communities. Good conservation policy should, and can, support all three.

4. Agriculture in Economic Development:
What do you believe is the role of agriculture in the county’s economic growth? What do you see for the future of agriculture in your county?

Agriculture plays a central role in Dunn County’s economy. Beyond the farms themselves, agriculture supports a wide network of local businesses in direct and indirect industries. When agriculture is strong, it strengthens the broader rural economy and helps sustain our communities.

Because of that, agriculture should be viewed as a key component of the county’s economic development strategy. That includes protecting productive farmland, maintaining infrastructure that supports farm operations, and supporting policies that allow farms of different sizes and types to remain viable.

Looking ahead, I believe agriculture in Dunn County will continue to evolve. We will likely see a mix of traditional family farms, growth of larger operations, and emerging opportunities such as value-added products, specialty crops, local food markets, and Agri-tourism. County government should focus on creating a stable, predictable environment that allows producers to adapt and innovate while continuing to steward the land.

The future of agriculture in Dunn County is strong if we continue to recognize its importance, listen to producers, and make practical decisions that support both farm families and rural communities.

5. Engagement & Decision-Making Process:
How would you ensure that farmers and rural residents have a meaningful voice in decisions that affect agriculture and rural life in Dunn County?

First, I believe our 29-district county board structure provides a good foundation and starting point to having a meaningful voice. Farmers and rural residents need to have steady, prepared, and thoughtful representation on the board of supervisors. I believe I bring those qualities. A central theme of my campaign is for District 26 residents to “know me, know how to contact me, and hear from me regularly.”

Our farmers and rural residents also need a meaningful seat at the table when decisions affect agriculture and rural life in Dunn County. County committees and staff should actively seek input from agricultural stakeholders early in the process, not just after proposals are already developed. Bringing farmers, conservation staff, local officials, and key advocacy groups (Farm Bureau) together leads to better policies and fewer unintended consequences.

Many county policies — from land use to infrastructure and conservation — directly impact farm operations and rural communities. Good decision-making depends on practical insight from the people who work the land every day. Ensuring those voices are heard helps the county make more informed decisions and strengthens the partnership between local government and the agricultural community.

6. Agricultural Community:
What significance do you attribute to the agricultural community and its traditional way of life within your county? What measures would you take to protect this importance from being eroded by individuals who do not understand or appreciate the lifestyle and
freedom it represents?

Agriculture and the agricultural community are part of the core of who I am. I do not farm for a living and sometimes that pains me, but farming is deep within me. Eighteen years ago, the opportunity presented itself to live in rural Spring Brook and I jumped at the opportunity. My “town-raised” wife did not fully understand the draw but seemed to trust me that this was the environment that I wanted our kids to grow up in – enjoying the freedom and learning all the lessons that rural life brings.

My paternal grandfather was a dairy and hog farmer into the 1950’s. He was a machinist by day and cash-crop farmer by night throughout the 1960’s, 70’s and into the early 1980’s. I vividly remember his machinery auction and the sadness I felt when he decided to hang it up. He kept one tractor, an Oliver 1650 for snow removal, brush hogging, and loader work. He was very particular as to who he would trust to rent the tillable land going forward. Today, my brother lives on the farm homesite and the tillable land is rented to the son of that original renter. My brother is the fifth generation living at the farm. He still has that Oliver 1650 and his granddaughter became the fifth generation to climb up into the cab.

My maternal grandfather ran a cooperative livestock shipping association. In fact, it was the first livestock shipping cooperative in the state of Minnesota. I have indelible memories of riding the route with my grandfather in a GMC Crackerbox. We began early in the morning to pick up cattle and hogs throughout the countryside. Our destination was the South St. Paul Stockyards, an amazing mix of sights, sounds, and smells. My job was to sweep and hose out the stock trailer after unloading the livestock, as our next stop was picking up return trip freight for the local Coast-to-Coast Hardware store.

I grew up on a two-acre farm that was the former retirement home of my great-great grandparents on my grandmother’s side. My youth was spent working for the two neighboring dairy farmers. Throughout high school and beyond (funding my education), I worked for Green Giant for a total of nine summers. I was a pea combine operator, later a crew leader, and assistant combine mechanic.

So, a long story short, I get it. I understand its importance. No farmers, no food. I understand the way of life, the hard work, and the culture. I value it all. Farming is evolving, sometimes at a dizzying pace. Its importance to Dunn County is undeniable. Its importance to our nation and the world is also undeniable.

I am seeking to be the District 26 representative on the County Board. I believe I am well-positioned to listen to and understand farmers’ needs and issues. I think I am also well-positioned to be a bridge to those that don’t understand or appreciate the importance, lifestyle, and freedom agriculture represents. Returning briefly to your first question on zoning, I think there are some strategic advantages to the residential development we have in District 26 - - if we properly connect these neighbors! Neighbors tend to be supportive and protective of their neighbors when they know them and know their livelihoo

District 26 is sizable, about 48 square miles! Its residents occupy a variety of backgrounds, livelihoods, ages and stages of life. Mailing addresses can have three different zip codes. Two school district maps overlay District 26 and we have students attending at least five different districts due to proximity and open enrollment.

My focus has been on sharing my candidacy with District 26 residents. However, I do want to take a moment to mention one other candidate. Jay Edenborg is running for the Menomonie School Board. Jay was my next door neighbor for 10 years and I know him well. Jay is a smart guy. He's a good listener, communicator, and problem solver. He can build good working relationships, seeking and finding compromise. He doesn't take himself too seriously, but takes the work in front of him quite seriously. About 1/3 of District 26 is within the School District of the Menomonie Area (SDMA). For those voters, I would ask you to consider Jay's candidacy. I think he would be worthy of your vote.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1Mx9CiSuyw/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Jay Edenborg for School Board Hi, I’m Jay Edenborg, a Menomonie parent and community member running for School Board. I care deeply about our public schools, supporting educators, clear communication, and keeping the focus on students.

Agenda for the Library Facilities & Capital Planning Committee. On paper there are only 3 agenda items. In reality there is a ton to digest, sort out, and prioritize. I am hopeful we can bring forward a good plan to the full board.

As a former candidate for school board with a semi-dormant page and 196 remaining followers, I want to put this page to good use, informing others about a special school board meeting Wednesday, at 6:30pm in the high school auditorium. See picture.