The Herald provided the same questions to this year’s local political candidates. Here are their unedited answers:
LISA RULLER DIXON (D)
Background Information: I have a Bachelor of Science degree from Penn State. I have also received specialized training in Quickbooks accounting and project administration (reports management, federal and state regulations, and bookkeeping).
I worked for 25-plus years for the federal government, with the last 20 years directing the day-to-day operations of a 10-county nonprofit. In partnership with my husband Rick, we own and operate a dairy farm east of Houston and his auction business. We also have personally cared for someone under the public administrator’s care.
Why do you want to be Texas County Public Administrator?
During the last several years, while working with our current public administrator Theresa Campbell, I became knowledgeable about the position. I did not pursue it further until after my retirement and when Theresa, due to health reasons, decided not to run again. It was then that I gave it serious consideration, and, after discussing it with my family, I decided to seek the nomination. I know that I have the same level of compassion that Theresa has for those under her care, and can efficiently and accurately complete the necessary paperwork.
Why you would be a good Public Administrator?
I believe that to be a good Public Administrator two different skills are needed – on one hand you need to be efficient at paperwork and reporting, and on the other, compassionate with people. Through my career with the government, my responsibilities of our farm and business, and through my ability to care as shown at home and church, I believe I have these skills.
I am more than ready to take on the tasks of Social Security reports, Medicare paperwork, Medicaid reinvestigations, VA reports, and state mandated reports. I am also ready to find placement for hard-to-place wards and see to their needs, whether it be shopping for their clothing or trying to find funding to get their teeth fixed or remembering their birthday.
Identify two major issues related to the office you are seeking and how you plan to handle them.
1. Office computerization – I would like to see the office computerized. Many of the Social Security and other reports could be filled out on-line. In addition, it would be much easier to communicate with those offices by email. I would also explore whether the Court would allow accessing the ward’s bank accounts on-line, which would be a more efficient way to obtain records when needed for state – mandated reports. Computerization would also allow for reports, inventories, and payments to be completed in a timely manner. I would also increase accessibility by establishing a public email that people can reach me at, in addition to the normal channels of phone and office hours. This would be available when I am visiting someone under my care.
2. Funding shortfalls – I would like to explore using my grant writing skills to search for funding sources to provide when and where governmental programs do not cover all needs.
CONNIE THOMPSON (R)
Background Information: Education: Associate’s degree in nursing, pharmacology certification, project management certification, general business, accounting and bookkeeping
Work experience: 20-plus years nursing in ophthalmology, cardiology, pulmonary and internal medicine, computer accounting software systems, eye surgery center administrator, business owner, accounts payable coordinator, inventory controller, and project coordinator for disaster recovery jobs program as field coordinator for 13 work-sites with 60-plus workers under my direction.
Why do you want to be Texas County Administrator?
Why does anyone want to have a career in the field they work? I have always had a heart for those less fortunate than myself. After being a legal guardian for my uncle, I developed a desire to care for people who were in similar situations as my uncle. People who had nobody to look out for them, and people who had nobody to care about what happened to them. I want to use my knowledge and experience in a career that will fulfill my interests and desire to care for those who’s lives depend on someone with my experience and qualifications to represent them.
Why would you be a good administrator?
My uncle never married and had children of his own; there are so many people who out-live their families, or don’t have family members that are able to care for them when they get sick and unable to care or make decision for themselves. God has blessed me with a compassionate caring heart for others; I want to take that gift along with my life’s experience in business and nursing to care for these special individuals who truly need someone who possesses the heart, the desire and qualifications to be the best public administrator possible.
Identify two major issues related to the office you are seeking and how you plan to handle them.
I realize you ask for two issues, however there are several that have been issues in the Public Administrator’s office for some time. If I may indulge, I would like to name some of the most important issues at hand: A timely payment process, accountability, accessibility, timely reports, and conflict of interest. If elected I will run the public administrator’s office with complete honesty and transparency by: (1) Having a zero tolerance conflict of interest policy for such things as giving exclusive rights to any one business that is affiliated with the public administrator’s office by rotation process (2) Enforcing accountability for estate inventories, and having multi-level oversights with checks and balances. (3) Close estates and settle estate debts within a reasonable time. (4) Make certain caregivers and care facilities are paid in full and on time. (5) File reports to social services, the state auditor’s office and the circuit clerk’s office by state mandate within in the statute time-lines. (5) Maintain regular office hours and accessibility to the public. (6) Regular visits to those under the public administrator’s care to assure they are being cared for with dignity and kindness. (7) If any issue arises that may directly or indirectly benefit me in any way, I will petition the court to have myself removed from the situation in order to assure the upmost integrity.
•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