Candidates vie for Commission seats

Candidates for Vernon County Commissioner were provided with questionnaires outlining their qualifications and positions. Their answers follow:

Northern Commissioner Candidates

Neal Gerster

What are your priorities for the commission?

The employees mainly, their health insurance and to try to keep their pay scale at a level they can live on. We recognize its not as much as the competition so we appreciate our employees very much.

With the new jail underway, what project should the commission concentrate on?

The roads and bridges. We're limited as to what we can do but with the recent weather there are a lot of problems with the condition of the roads and bridges we need to work on.

What experience do you bring to the commission?

This is my third term, I've been on the commission for 12 years. I was on the Walker School Board three years and I was on two different park boards. I've owned and operated my own business for years.

How would you perform your duties differently from your opponents?

I'd keep doing what I've been doing, serving Vernon County with pride. I appreciate everybody's support in the past and hope for it in the future.

Bill Handly

What are your priorities for the commission?

There are many priorities of the County Commission, however, the immediate top priorities are to develop an efficient means to provide more resources to the individual townships to enable them to have more capabilities to address their specific needs. Recently, the large amounts of rain have greatly impacted the townships, which need support to effectively manage the situations. Additionally in a more long-term approach, the Commission should work with all city leaders to attract and gain new industries into Vernon County as a whole. The sum of the priorities of the commission are to do everything they can to ensure the growth of the county while at the same time ensuring the fiscal budgetary resourcefulness to maintain and support that growth.

With the new jail under way, what project should the commission concentrate on?

First of all, there is still much work and oversight needed for the Commission in regard to the new jail; therefore, the commission must remain involved and keep a line of sight on this project through its completion. A close eye should be kept on the volume of sales tax revenue being received earmarked for the new jail project. However, due to the extensive volume of rain during the spring and early summer, immediate attention needs to be given to the condition of the county roads and bridges. The heavy rains have damaged some roads to the point of being almost impassable and local residents are being forced to make their own repairs as they feel the townships and county are not responding adequately. More needs to be done to assist the townships in these repairs in terms of resources, funds, and possible training to handle the extent of the damage. Being on a township board, I understand first hand the struggles of the townships.

What experience do you bring to the commission?

I am currently serving as the trustee on the Metz Township board, which has given me great insight into the daily functions and challenges of the township business. Additionally, I have owned and operated my own successful farming operation over the past 10 years. Both of which extremely stretch one's ability to manage and operate under tight budget constraints on a daily basis and develop the ability to be flexible under tough and changing conditions. I have additional leadership experience through my involvement with Farm Credit Advisory Board, Murphy-Brown Advisory Council and volunteering through the Nevada Youth Recreational Baseball Board and coaching.

How would you perform duties differently from your opponents?

While I commend the current commissioners for all their efforts and successes they have had while in office, I see that a new perspective on the challenges being faced by the county is needed. Having new viewpoints on the budgetary challenges, creation of new opportunities within the county, and review of existing township resources are vital to keep the county moving forward in the right direction for the growth of the county. I would be able to bring that new viewpoint into the commission. My years of experience in owning and operating my own business, along with being the trustee of Metz Township, has brought with it the experience of making those very difficult decisions when needed as well as gaining the experience of preparing for the future.

Why should the voters choose you over your opponents?

I was born and raised in Vernon County, then moved away for a few years, yet was drawn back to this area to raise my family and build my business. I have long roots in the county and want to ensure that the county is prosperous for those generations to come. Having the ability to serve the community in the Northern Commissioner role would allow me to be a part of ensuring the growth of the county for my family and yours. I have a strong commitment to the county and would bring my experiences to the position providing new viewpoints and hard work to help grow and build Vernon County for the future of our youth. That would be my commitment to the county if given the opportunity as their Vernon County Northern Commissioner.

Chris Hendren

What are your priorities for the commission?

I would like to see Vernon County focus on utilizing our location to draw business and industry to our area, thus, creating more opportunities of employment while lowering the percentage of people on government assistance in our area. Also, I want to focus on maintenance of roads and bridges while staying within our county budget. I would like to continue a positive environment in the courthouse that encourages involvement from the community. I want to challenge Vernon County to operate more efficiently.

With the new jail under way, what project should the commission concentrate on?

We need to concentrate on roads within the county and how the county and townships coexist. Most of our townships can't afford to properly maintain roads, ditches and culverts. At the same time we should not forget there is still much work to do with the new jail and the completion of the 911 addressing system.

What experience do you bring to the commission?

I have been a successful business owner and have managed employees, finance, budget and customers for the past 12 years. I have worked on and managed many small and large construction projects throughout the four-state area. I have served on city councils, township boards, school board, and have experience in being a 4-H project leader. My construction business also has allowed me to acquire a very large networking group for advice and feedback when needed.

How would you perform duties differently from your opponents?

I've known my opponents for several years and still could not judge them on how they handle duties and decisions. They are obviously both capable, however, I can only say how I perform day-to-day duties. I am a decision-maker and a leader. I am someone who whole-heartedly believes in team work and that you are only as good as the people you place around you.

Why should the voters choose you over your opponents?

I hope the voters choose me because I am a very hard working, dependable and honest person. I am very approachable and can communicate easily with others. I feel my leadership skills, experience and ideas can help boost Vernon County.

David Souza

What are your priorities for the commission?

One of the main priorities would be budgeting the monies fairly for all projects and different departments.

With the new jail under way, what project should the commission concentrate on?

We still need to stay focused on the jail as well as all of the concerns that are put on the table.

What experience do you bring to the commission?

The experience that I would bring is I have worked on roads for over 25 years -- I have been treasurer on the Schell City School Board. One of my main concerns was to build two classrooms with no cost for labor which was successful and still in use.

Currently, I am trustee on the Rockville United Methodist Church with a building project under way. My thought is this -- it should look better behind you than it did when you start any position.

How would you perform you duties differently than your opponents?

I feel that I have the experience, knowledge and common sense to spend your money as I spend my own. I do run in the black.

Southern Commissioner Candidates

Kennon Shaw

What are your priorities for the commission; and with the new jail under way, what project should the commission concentrate on?

These two questions are in direct relation to one another. The jail is continuing to be a priority requiring a great deal of time in the completion. The weather has caused our county roads to be almost impassable in some areas; the township will need help restructuring, this will be a benefit to us all. Joint communication with the city, county and ambulance barn needs to be completed. We need to work together in a joint effort to care for all the people of the county.

What experience do you bring to the commission?

It has taken two years in office to learn the laws and business laws that are different from my 25 years teaching in the school district, and there are still many things to learn. My experience has been colorful and varied; I was with Crane Company in the startup, hiring the crew and helping get it operational. When the vocational school started, I assisted in the planning of the lessons, equipment purchases, etc. The years on the Moundville Township Board provided me with a working relationship to the problems in the townships.

I continue to serve as president of the rural volunteer Fire Department Board of Directors. I had four years as test engineer in Kansas City, and have continued to run my own plumbing, heating and refrigeration business throughout the majority of that time. The experience of being in the office of commissioner has been valuable in this and I might add, very interesting and challenging. It has been a pleasure to serve in this capacity.

How would you perform duties differently from your opponents?

I can only judge myself and attempt to treat everyone else as I would like to be treated.

Why should the voters choose you over your opponents?

The county has invested time in my previous two years as commissioner. There have been trips to the various sites of learning, other commissioners from other areas allowing for fresh input, the pleasure and assistance I have received from working with the present commissioners. They have been invaluable in this process of learning. It would be to my edification to continue in this endeavor. Thank you very much for considering me as a continuing commissioner.

Paul Sprenkle

What are your priorities for the commission?

To complete the 911 addresses for the county. It is very hard for rural Vernon Countians to procure necessary services, have home deliveries made or even obtain credit without a 911 address.

With the new jail underway what project should the commission concentrate on?

The new jail is a major undertaking for Vernon County and will continue to consume much of the commission's time. Beyond this project the commission must continue their day to day activities. In addition to the 911 addresses the commission will need to be flexible as other needs arise.

What experience do you bring to the commission?

As an educator and business owner I have been a member of or chaired numerous educational and community committees and projects. I am able to work as a team member with problem solving skills and a persistence in finding an equitable solution. A unique qualification is being able to speak Spanish and having computer hardware and software skills.

How would you perform duties differently from your opponents?

The duties of the commissioners are very broad and ever-changing. Nothing needs changed just for change sake. I look forward to the collaborative nature of the commission and would perform the duties in a fair, equitable, and professional manner.

Why should the voters choose you over your opponents?

I believe my education, background, and work experience in banking, farming, business and education give me a broad base of knowledge to be a good commissioner for the citizens of the southern district.

A questionnaire was sent to all candidates. No questionnaires were receive back from David Shaw and Ron Sloan, both candidates for southern commissioner.