Goodhue County Commissioner - District 4: Kevin Dather

Why are you running for county board?

As a resident landowner and taxpayer of District 4 in Goodhue County, I recognize the vital importance of our small towns, rural communities, farms, schools, and local services. With 28 years of experience in local, county, and state government, I understand how decisions made at the local level directly affect people in their everyday lives. Now that I am at a point in my life where I can dedicate the necessary time to serve effectively, I look forward to gathering input from District 4 residents and working to ensure our area remains a great place to live, work, raise a family, and operate a business.

What qualities or characteristics make you a good choice to represent your district and why?

For many years, I have closely followed the decisions made by our local city councils and county commissioners. Throughout this time, I have observed the impact of state-level mandates on our schools, cities, and counties as they work to implement them without creating undue hardship for residents.

I am ready to collaborate with everyone involved to achieve the best outcomes for District 4. To better serve our community, I have completed training through the League of Minnesota Cities, Minnesota Counties, and various other organizations. I believe this preparation, combined with my commitment to actively working with town boards, city councils, and local residents, will enable me to effectively represent District 4 as a county commissioner.

What is the biggest issue facing the county at the moment and how do you propose to address it?

One of the most significant challenges we face is managing unfunded state mandates while the cost of providing local services increases at a rate higher than anticipated. In a recent meeting between Minnesota county officials, administration representatives, and legislative candidates, there was widespread agreement that we all need to recognize how these mandates drive up local costs, making current funding levels unsustainable.

To address this issue, I will advocate for greater fiscal responsibility and seek stronger local input from our local cities and counties and work with our elected state representatives from our area.

What’s your vision for the county in four years and then in the long term?

I would like to keep Goodhue County and the surrounding areas sustainable, thriving communities where people can afford to live, raise their families, and send their children to local schools. I would like to see us continue supporting our local businesses, farms, and small towns so they can remain an important part of our communities. We need to maintain the services people depend on while keeping taxes and the cost of living affordable. My goal is to help make sure Goodhue County remains a place where families want to stay, young people can build a future, and new families and businesses want to come and be part of our communities.

How will you work to make that vision a reality?

I will continue listening to township boards, city councils, local businesses, farmers, and residents to better understand your needs and concerns.

I believe in working together when making decisions that affect our communities, while carefully evaluating long-term costs and benefits. My focus is on maintaining essential services, remaining responsible with taxpayer dollars, and keeping taxes and the cost of living affordable.

I’ll be available to talk or meet to discuss your concerns or questions.

How can people reach you for more information about your candidacy?

You may reach out to me, which several people have already done, through email at Datherforcomm4@Gmail.com, or by phone at 651-380-5761. If you see me at an event in one of the communities, I’ll be more than happy to talk to you about your concerns and answer any questions you may have.