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Anderson, Veerkamp face off in District 5 Commissioner race

Lynn Anderson (left) and Jeffrey Veerkamp, candidates for Brown County Fifth Commissioner's District.

BROWN COUNTY — Primary Election survivors Lynn Anderson and Jeffrey Veerkamp face off for the Brown County Board of Commissioners District 5 seat in the Tuesday, Nov. 6 General Election.

Anderson, of rural Springfield, got 471 votes (39.25%) and Veerkamp of Comfrey had 404 votes (33.67%) in the primary election. Challengers Jack Vogel of rural Comfrey got 173 votes and Derek Tonn of Springfield 152 votes.

The commissioner seat became open when incumbent Dennis Potter of rural Springfield said he would not run for office after more than a decade of county board service.

Anderson said during his campaign he attended many township board and city council meetings to ask questions and listen to concerns.

“Many would say I was the first guest that has been to their meetings in years,” Anderson said. “For some, I know it may feel at times like one’s thoughts, concerns or ideas are not heard by those in office or those running for office.”

Anderson, 52, a fifth-generation Brown County resident, has spent his entire life as a farmer, welder and small business owner. He has owned a regional trucking company for the past 25 years.

He believes his blue collar background and experience as a father, small business owner and community volunteer mirrors the profile of many in his district.

Anderson said the most common issues he heard about are spending and taxes, defending agriculture, road and bridge infrastructure, child care shortages, the ability to attract and retain quality jobs and broadband (Internet) access. At meetings, concerns he heard the most were landfill waste management, ditch mowing rules and zoning practices.

“My belief that county budgets not growing faster than working family budgets resonates with nearly everyone,” Anderson said. “For people in agriculture, the decline of commodity prices and futures is an immediate concern not just to farms, but communities as a whole. With commodities trading where they are today, countless individuals have conveyed to me that we must make sure our property taxes are kept in check. I agree.”

For nearly 25 years, Anderson’s wife Nancy has operated a home daycare.

“I’ve had a first-hand experience at just how drastic the home care shortage has become. Brown County is a wonderful place to raise a family. We must take drastic steps to immediately serve those parents today and so parents may move here for employment in the future,” Anderson said.

“Families may leave our community or choose not to move here if they are unable to find daycare services,” Anderson said. “This results in one less home purchased, one less family spending money in our businesses, one less family in our school system, and one less family filling jobs of our employers.”

Anderson said many farmers are looking for someone who will defend them in making sure county and township ditch mowing regulations don’t happen in the future.

“As someone who has spent countless hours on a hay rack, I share and understand their concerns on this,” Anderson said.

In addition, he said agriculture plays an important role in our communities and is vital to the county.

“It’s important to me that farmers know I will work to defend their way of life as a county commissioner. Our county, state, country and world relies on Brown County farm production. I will work to make sure their thoughts, ideas and concerns are heard,” Anderson said.

Veerkamp, 53, has owned the Comfrey C (convenience) store for 18 years. Prior to that, he worked road construction. He’s been on the Comfrey Economic Development Authority (EDA) for eight years and serves on the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) board and has been on the Comfrey Fire Department for 23 years.

“Overall, I think Brown County does a wonderful job. I want to make sure that continues. I’ve lived here my whole life. I feel Brown County is better than most counties,” Veerkamp said.

Regarding daycare, Veerkamp said two of them in Comfrey have openings.

He feels county roads and bridges are all in pretty good shape because they do a “wonderful job maintaining them.”

“I’ve heard a few complaints about thistles getting out of hand in ditches. Farmers normally cut ditches. This year, it was so muddy, lots of guys let them go. Now they’re out there cutting them for winter,” Veerkamp said.

He doesn’t like the idea of MnDOT (Minnesota Department of Transportation), counties and townships requiring ditch mowing permits.

“I see where MnDOT is coming from with ditch mowing permits. It’s about safety concerns. I don’t think it’s necessary.” Veerkamp said.

fbusch@nujournal.com

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