David Brauer wrote:
I was just looking over my ballot for Tuesday (thanks, Hennepin County
cyber-dudes!), and I noticed a contested race I know nothing about. OK, OK,
it's the Soil Water district race -- but darn it, I like to cast informed
votes!
The contestants are:
Leigh Harrod
Gregory M. Chock
Bonus points if you tell me what the Soil and Water board really does.
I claim bonus the points...can they get me a reprieve from the commercials?
Hennepin County Conservation District (HCD) is a county wide unit of
government that exists in every county to promote good farmer conservation
practices. Conservation Districts were started in the Dust Bowl era to teach
farmers about soil erosion, tillage, etc. I realize many of you may be
wondering how many farmers we have in Hennepin County (not many) and where
HCD gets its funding (Hennepin County property tax levy). As the numbers of
farmers have dwindled in Ramsey and Hennepin., those Conservation Districts
have moved into other areas to find things to do which promote conservation.
Mike Opat had a Task Force several years ago to look at the role of all such
organizations because he was concerned that there was too much overlap in
various agencies but they are still in business. They are considered units
of govt. under the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BSWR). Leigh Herrod is
a former employee who left under less than favorable circumstances; Greg
Chock is the old, white guy incumbent. In Ramsey County, several years ago,
a perennial crank candidate (one of the Anderson's (?) actually finally got
elected in a Soil and Water Supervisor seat there). There are a total of 5
elected seats on each board. In outstate MN they are hotly contested, highly
desirable seats--I've seen many lawn signs!
For more info: http://www.bwsr.state.mn.us/govt/swcds.html
Pam Blixt
12th Ward
Nokomis East: Minnehaha Neighborhood
