Why do you want to be a county commissioner?

I have lived and worked in this community for 30 years.  I have seen the ups and downs, what works and what doesn’t.  I will bring leadership, knowledge, and experience to the Board.  I am retired but still young enough to bring new energy and a positive outlook to County Government.

What do you consider to be the highest priority of County Government?

The highest priority of government at any level and, in particular, at the county level, is the safety of its citizens and their property.  This being said, it is the responsibility of the citizens to adequately fund government so that necessary services can be provided on a stable, consistent basis over the long term.

What is wrong with County Government?

The county has for decades depended on timber receipts and/or federal payments as its primary source of income. The prevailing attitude has been “how much money do we get this year and how do we spend it?” There has been no long term planning and until recently, no thought given toward building reserves.  County Commissioners must devote more time to the big picture and get out of the day to day managing of the county.  Three bosses going off in different directions do not constitute effective leadership.

How will county services be funded in the future?

The county may receive some level of funding from the federal government and may receive some income from timber receipts but not anywhere close to historic levels. The burden of support will be on the shoulders of the citizens of the county as it is in 99.9% of the rest of the country. Local basic services paid for by local people.  Without a statewide or regional sales tax, the most likely taxing vehicle will be the property tax. 

Can the county operate without a manager or administrator?

The county has operated for its entire history without a manager or administrator. This does not mean that it has operated effectively and/or efficiently. Many costly mistakes have been made in recent years resulting in hundreds of thousands of dollars wasted---dollars that we cannot afford to lose.  We must move toward a more professional form of managing the county.

Do we really need a library?

One of the greatest advantages of growing up in this fantastic  country of ours is the fact that we all have equal opportunity.  We have educational systems that provide all citizens with the skills necessary to succeed in life.  Part of that educational system is the local library. The library is not only a collection of the greatest books ever written but a facility providing an up to date source of information using the latest methods and available to people of all ages and economic status. Our community must have its library open and operating at an acceptable level.