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Lots of signs, CJC dominate local commissioner’s race
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By Tom Murphy
Caledonia Argus
You have seen lots of signs for county commissioner candidates Bob Augedahl and Dick Kleist in the Caledonia area. But one issue dominates the race, the proposed Houston County Criminal Justice Center (CJC).
Two candidates seek election to the Third Commissioner District for Houston County, which includes the city of Caledonia, Mayville and Caledonia townships. Incumbent Ann Thompson is not seeking re-election. Augedahl and Kleist finished on top of a six person field in the September primary.
“My issue is the Criminal Justice Center,” said Augedahl. “It’s been hanging out there for years and we need to fix it. We can do that if we get the right players together and get on with it. I believe we need a new jail located in the courthouse block.”
Kleist said he thought the primary issue was the location of the CJC. Now, he believes the location next to the courthouse “can be worked out. I think it can be done without hurting too many people’s feelings.”
The candidates both talked of their concerns about the impact of the cost of the facility on fixed income residents. Kleist said, “It’s a matter of wants versus needs” when one considers the overall size of the project. “I’m wondering what people with limited incomes might have to sacrifice if property taxes go up.” Augedahl said he has the same worry about what increased property taxes might do to budgets. “I feel badly for those on fixed incomes. All of us, citizens and government, will have to tighten our belts when it comes to spending.”
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