Q&A with the Eddy County Commission Candidates

The 2022 mid-term primary election is two weeks away, and a field of five candidates, each vying for two seats on the county commission, must be whittled down to four.

Of the five candidates, only Dave Gehrtz is running as an incumbent looking to keep his position. Long-time county commissioner, Neal Rud, whose 4-year term is also coming to an end, has announced he won't be running for reelection.

The other four candidates are Jeff Pfau, Dale Rosenberg, Brady Richter and Jamie Allmaras.

To help undecided voters make an informed decision, the Transcript asked each candidate five questions about local government, county priorities and more.

As of press time, only Richter had not responded with his answers.

Why have you chosen to run for a seat on the county commission?

Pfau: I was a commissioner before and enjoyed the challenges. I have no personal agendas.

Rosenberg: It's something I have thought about for awhile, and now I have the time to learn why and how things are done and hopefully improve certain issues.

Allmaras: I made the decision to run for county commissioner because I feel the county needs farm representation. I have been farming for 27 years.

Gehrtz: To bring my experience to Eddy County having served on many boards over the last 50 years.

If elected, what would be your top three priorities for the county in the coming years?

Pfau: Control costs, maintain the roads, and retain services to the citizens of Eddy County.

Rosenberg: Road maintenance, service for the elderly, and home health. Jobs are available and we should try to understand why we can't fill positions in our county.

Allmaras: As of now, I look forward to hearing from the current commissioners and the community on what needs to be addressed.

Gehrtz: Holding taxes to a minimum and to the benefit of Eddy County, working with our road department to have the equipment needed to do their job in a safe manner along with benefiting the County, and to be a leader in the needs of Eddy County.

Currently, what do you believe is the biggest challenge for county government, and why?

Pfau: Controlling the tax burden while continuing the services the county provides. Costs rise each year to the county just as it does to the citizens. In an inflationary cycle, it is worse. Tough decisions might have to be made as to which improvements can be made now and which ones will have to wait.

Rosenberg: Communication to the county residents on the three issues mentioned in the previous question.

Allmaras: Everything starts at the local level to make a change.

Gehrtz: The cost of running the county and having a law enforcement department to serve Eddy County. Eddy County is part of the Devils Lake Law Enforcement and 911 system, and with the rules always changing and costs always on the rise, we have to keep our eye on this. I represent Eddy County on these two boards and have input.

Inflation has significantly increased costs for the county, whether it be construction projects or simple road maintenance. How might you address this issue if elected?

Pfau: Doing more with less has always been one of the goals of the county commissioners. One avenue we have used in the past is to check for and apply for all available grants. It does not always work but when it does, it helps.

Rosenberg: Work on researching cost-share and grants offered to the county to help with increased costs.

Allmaras: Everything starts at the local level to make a change.

Gehrtz: I spend funds as if they are my own, keeping a watch on costs. It's important to make sure funds are spent to benefit Eddy County.

Overall, what would make you an effective commissioner for Eddy County and its residents?

Pfau: Experience and common sense.

Rosenberg: Having the time and desire to have the opportunity to help the community.

Allmaras: I keep an open mind and address the concerns of the community and county employees the best I can.

Gehrtz: I have lived in Eddy County for 60 plus years. I travel the roads and see things that might need attention, and in the last four years of serving Eddy County I have missed only one commission meeting. I save the county the cost of health insurance as I do not take this benefit, and I have a passion to make Eddy County a great place to live.

The four candidates with the most votes in the June 14 primary will advance to the general election in November.