1. Why do you want to win this position?

I am running for re election because I care about the future of our county and want to help it to grow and thrive and be a place our kids and grandkids can find good jobs and be able to stay in Barry County and prosper. We can do that by focusing on economic development updating vital infrastructure and maintaining strict fiscal responsibility with our tax dollars.

2. What are your qualifications to be Presiding Commissioner?

I can say that owning operating and managing a dairy farm and a cow calf beef operation, being the fire chief at Jenkins Fire Department for a couple of years, working in the construction field for a few years and being a squad leader when I was in the Marine Corps and serving as a reserve deputy sheriff have all helped me to be diversified in my knowledge. Serving as commissioner for the last 3 and a half years I have learned even more. I believe that being well rounded in your life experiences is one of the main qualifications.

3. What are the biggest financial challenges facing the county currently?

Right now the county is probably in the best financial shape we have ever been in so I would say our biggest challenge making sure we stay that way.

4. Do you believe the commission is currently spending taxpayer dollars efficiently? Why or why not?

Yes I do. We go over the budget very carefully every year with the other office holders and try to be very conservative with every dollar and we have came in under budget the last couple of years.

5. What areas of county spending would you prioritize, and where would you look for savings or cuts?

Since I have been in office I have made Law Enforcement one of my priorities as well as infrastructure such as bridges in the county. As I said in question 4 we go over our budget very close, I won’t say there is not room for improvement but between the treasurer clerk and the three commissioners we don’t have much wasteful spending. We are being Audited by the state auditor, just a routine audit we will see if they have any suggestions on where we can improve. I’m sure they will.

6. What role should the county play in future growth in Cassville, Monett, the lake area and other smaller towns in the county?

As the presiding commissioner I sat on the Missouri Association of Counties [ MAC] community and economic development steering committee last year and the cities of Cassville, Monett, Mt Vernon, Aurora and Barry and Lawrence counties are working on an  regional economic alliance plan to help all of our area grow economically . The county and cities And small communities have to work together to bring growth to our area.