Fox to take on Allen for county commissioner

At least one of the three Goodhue County commissioners up for re-election in November will have an opponent.

Welch resident Darwin Fox filed last week and will run against incumbent District 1 Commissioner Ron Allen.

District 1 includes Welch Township and a large part of Red Wing.

Fox, 52, is currently a Welch Township supervisor. He works at Ferrell Gas in Hastings and also runs his own business, Fox Express Trucking.

Fox said he considered making a run for commissioner four years ago. Now, with 13 years of town board experience under his belt, he said he’s ready for the next level.

“I think I can do a better job at county commissioner than Mr. Allen,” Fox said. “I’ve worked very close with a lot of county officials. I understand how the county process works very well.”

If elected, Fox said he will focus on limiting the fiscal strain he says the county’s 800 Mhz radio system will put on taxpayers.

The 800 Mhz system is going to raise taxes unless people in the county can work together or find more funding, Fox said, adding that more grants need to be sought out.

“There are hidden expenses there people aren’t even aware of.”

Fox said infrastructure and roads should also continue to be a major concern at the county level.

While those projects are important, Fox said, funding needs to be carefully examined.

“We need to provide the best service for constituents while controlling taxes,” Fox said.

Fox also noted a “slide” in the relationship between the county, townships and Prairie Island Indian Community — a partnership Fox would like to mend.

Fox has lived in Welch Township for 32 years. He’s served on the town board for 14 years, the Goodhue County Board of Adjustment for six years, and is also a retired Miesville firefighter.

He and his wife, Cheryl, have three boys, Reggie, Jesse and Jamie.

Tags: news, allen, fox