The Herald provided the same questions to this year’s local political candidates. Here are their unedited answers:
ROSE WARD (D)
Background information: I am a proud graduate of Houston High School. After high school, I completed Draughon’s Business College. After raising three daughters, I have various educational experiences in the university of hard-knocks. Over the years I have continued to attend education courses in the field of accounting and tax preparation. As the last township collector for Piney Township, I worked with the county collector and county clerk in the collection of taxes for Piney Township. As a township collector, I worked with the county assessor in making necessary adjustments to the tax assessments/tax books. My father was the township assessor for Piney Township, therefore I understand a little about that office operation. I have been politically active my entire life, which has afforded me the opportunity to understand how our county government works by visiting with candidates and officeholders for county offices, past and present.
Why do you want to be a commissioner?
With the encouragement of many friends and without anyone coming forward, I decided I would offer myself as a candidate for county commissioner. I feel we need to have all of the people of Texas County represented on the county commission. We need to have more than just one political party represented on the county commission, as is the case at the present time. While I might agree with the other two commissioners most of the time, I will not hesitate to oppose issues that I feel are not in the best interest of all the people of the county. I, like my opponent, consider myself as a fiscal conservative. The majority of the people in our county are. I do not agree with the east coast and west coast liberals within my political party. I am sure my opponent does not agree with all of his party’s platform and the stands some of his party’s candidates are supporting. I am a Christian and a member of the Clara Baptist Church. However, I do believe in the separation of church and sate that our founding fathers demanded. I am a strong supporter of the 2nd amendment and will take on anyone with my shooting abilities. As to property rights, I support a common sense approach to this issue. I will take a firm stand against any issue that would destroy our property rights. I do believe it is our responsibility as property owners to leave our property better than it was before we had the property to insure future generations will love the Missouri Ozarks like our generation does.
I believe the first priority of any commissioner is to maintain a balance budget. The residents and federal/state laws establish the revenues we receive. It is up to the county commission to take this revenue and work with county officials and others on how it will be expended. I believe a rainy day fund is a necessity as events will always occur that were not know at the time the budget was drafted.
I believe the most important issue for residents living in the rural area of the county is our roads and bridges. This issue has caused much concern of late. I will work hard to insure our roads are maintained within the revenue provided. The construction and repairs of our county bridges and crossings must insure the safety of our citizens. If we need to pay more to insure this, then I will support this approach. I am not an engineer or a construction person. I am a listener and will do my best in understanding the needs of safe structures. With all issues presented to the commission, I will take all requests seriously, review the facts and make a decision. You may not like my decision, but I can assure you I will take every matter seriously. I realize that priorities change and I am willing to face the changes with a responsible action.
Why would you be a good commissioner?
I am a good listener. I know there are no stupid questions. People need a timely answer or they would not have asked it. They may not like the answer I give them, but I will not use the position of commissioner for private or political gain.
Identify two major issues related to the office you are seeking and how you plan to handle them.
As I stated previously a balanced budget is a must. Other issues at the present time are safe roads and bridges, a financially secured 911 operation, safety of our county employees and a wage and benefit package that will keep dedicated employees working for us. The county must stop being the training station for employees so they can get their training and a little experience then leave for higher paying jobs.
JOHN CASEY (R)
Background information: In addition to serving the last four years as a full-time commissioner of Texas County, I have 36 years of farming experience and successfully managed businesses such as my light bulb business. Serving two terms as President of the township road board and serving as Cabool Fire Chief as well as communications operator for the Cabool Police Department has given me broad experiences to draw on as your commissioner for the last four years.
Along with my experience, I have an associate degree in criminology from Drury University and I am a certified arson investigator.
Community involvement is very important to me. I am a member of the Cabool Chamber of Commerce, Houston Chamber of Commerce, Farm Bureau, NRA, Cattlemen’s Association, Lions Club, Shriners, University of Missouri Extension Council, 911 Board, Gentry Center and secretary of South Central County Commissioners Association, among others.
Why do you want to be a commissioner?
Texas County needs informed decision-making by its government at all levels as our county grows and faces future needs. I am best qualified to serve as commissioner to advance the needs and issues of the county. I am proud of the many accomplishments and projects in the county but feel there is more to be done. They need to be done right, they need to be done responsibly, and they need to take into account the desires of our county residents.
Why would you be a good commissioner?
My experiences and continuing education gives me a good perspective of the proper way county government works and what needs to be done to keep it working right. A good part of the job is listening to county residents about issues and questions they have. Staying in touch and listening are crucial for the office and for the best government for Texas County. It is also important for the citizens to be able to trust their officials and to know that their concerns will be handled with integrity and honesty. I have welcomed comments, questions and input. I have an open door policy and appreciate those who take the time to stop in or call.
Identify two major issues related to the office you are seeking and how you plan to handle them.
There are always financial concerns. Of great concern is the potential short fall caused by House Bill #1329 that could mean a $70,000 loss to the county, I’m hopeful legislation will fix this problem after January 1st. Other areas of concern are the 911’s loss of income caused by the increase use of cell phones and another is unfunded mandates passed down by the state. I will represent the county in problem-solving these and other issues that may arise.
An important part of being a commissioner is understanding the laws that pertain to the operation of our county. Our decisions must be based on the law and regulations. Sometimes it’s difficult for people to understand especially when the decision is one they don’t agree with.
Our county is at its best when all offices and departments are working together for the good of the citizens of the county. I feel that by working together and emphasizing our positive traits and efforts, our county is responsive to everyone. I’d like that process to continue into the future.
•Texas County sheriff: Melissa Dunn, D, vs. James Sigman, R
•Texas County commissioner District 1: Rose Ward, D, vs. John Casey, R
•Texas County commissioner District 2: Ron Kramer, D, vs. Linda Garrett, R
•Texas County public administrator: Lisa Ruller Dixon, D, vs. Connie Thompson, R
•Texas County collector-treasurer: Tammy Cantrell, D, vs. Jack Hines, R