• Dixon, Long battle to become presiding county commissioner.
Why did you decide to run for the position?
I was born and raised in Texas County — I’ve never lived anywhere else. I’ve seen good times and bad times here, and in these trying times, I believe with my business and people skills that I can help make Texas County a better place to live and work.
Discuss your background and qualifications for presiding commissioner. What are your goals?
I was raised on a farm near Eunice and have been involved in agriculture my whole life.
I graduated from Summersville High School, Reisch World Wide College of Auctioneering and have taken college-level agriculture, business and computer courses over the years. I successfully owned and operated a dairy farm for 25 years, as well as Rick Dixon Auction Service since 1980. I served on the Raymondville R-VII School Board for 17 years, was chair of the Texas County Extension Council, and have served on the Missouri Professional Auctioneers Association board of directors.
Through my experiences, I have learned how to deal with federal and state regulations, work with people in all stages of life, conduct effective meetings and develop positive media relations.
My goals are to:
• Strengthen the county infrastructure — from internet access to safe roads and bridges
• Develop a long-range plan for the county with significant public input. What do we want Texas County to be in 10 years? What types of compatible businesses should we look to recruit? How can we help our hospital and schools? What areas need strengthening?
• Improve the public image of the county by bringing a sense of stability and unity
Communication with the citizens of Texas County is important as the top administrative official in government. How will you accomplish that?
My goal is to be as transparent as possible, and to communicate with all citizens. I plan on accomplishing this by:
• My phone number is 417-967-6604, and I return every call.
• I will have an open door policy. I anticipate having a morning or day in the office every week whereby citizens can come in and talk with me.
• I will have an email set up where people can send me messages.
• I will continue to promote communicating through the local newspapers and radio stations.
•I will, schedule permitting, be available to groups and organizations throughout the county.
What are the positive attributes of county government? What needs to be improved?
Our No. 1 attribute is our employees — from elected officials to maintenance staff. In all offices they are friendly, willing to help, and are genuinely interested in the welfare of the county. Hand in hand with this is another attribute – our accessibility. You can walk in and be met by a real person.
Areas of improvement include the sheriff’s office situation, trust perceptions and communication between the public and the commission.
Texas County has been engulfed in turmoil since the indictment and arrest of the former county sheriff and a deputy. Two civil lawsuits have already been filed. How will you restore trust concerning the operations of the jail, law enforcement and dispatch?
I believe the interim sheriff is doing a good job in restoring the trust of the people and has hired qualified deputies. To my knowledge, the dispatch is back to 911 and operating properly. I will work with the sheriff to look at positions, training and pay-scale, and to ensure that all areas of the county are responded to when needed. I will listen to recommendations from citizens, past sheriffs and employees, and other counties to see what can be done. My open door policy is not just for the public — it is for the sheriff, deputies and any county employee who wants to work together to strengthen our operations.
The Texas County Commission approves the yearly budget document for county government. How will you approach that role? What are your priorities?
First and foremost, the role is defined by state statute, and I will follow those regulations. This is where I believe my 38 years as an independent business owner is effective. I will look at the budget as a business – income in must equal or exceed expenses out. My priorities are to oversee the county real estate, county property and county operations.
Texas County’s last two audit reports – conducted by two different state auditors – proclaimed the county’s operations as poor. Do you agree?
As an outsider looking in, it seems to me that the county offices are being run as they should be by dedicated people. However, there’s always room for improvement and innovation. We need to look at the auditor’s recommendations, office by office, meet with the staff, and see where we can implement realistic comments.
The county’s 17 townships oversee road and bridge maintenance. Would you keep the current system in place, look to consolidate some townships, or work to eliminate it?
My mother was Ozark Township collector for 36 years, so I am very familiar with township government. I believe, if run properly, the township form of government will work. This is the system we have, and I will work closely with the townships. It is not up to the commissioners to eliminate townships — that is a decision and action of the citizens of the county. I believe in small government and that people should be involved at the local level.