Q & A with the candidates for Eddy County Commission

With the upcoming primary elections just a few weeks away, it's time to begin hearing from local candidates about the issues that matter to residents of Eddy County.

This is the first in a series of articles the Transcript will be publishing ahead of the primary elections on Tuesday, June 11, and the New Rockford-Sheyenne School Board elections on Tuesday, June 4.

This week, three county commission candidates were asked to answer relevant questions about themselves, county government, and about how they'll govern if they're fortunate enough to be elected.

The top two candidates from this summer's primary will advance to the general election, where only one will take the open seat.

The candidates up for election to a 4-year term on the county commission are challengers Joanna Larson and David Schaefer as well as incumbent Glenda Collier.

Q: Introduce yourself to voters – what is your background and what experiences and/or skills have prepared you to be an effective county commissioner?

Larson: I grew up on the L bar B Ranch in Sheyenne and have returned home to farm and ranch. I have my bachelor's in agricultural and biosystems engineering and anticipate completing my master's in agricultural science in June. I have been integral in community development efforts for over 15 years, most recently as a board member for Sheyenne GRIT. I can offer collaboration, leadership, grant proposal writing and systems thinking skills to the county. Before going back to school, I worked as a test engineer for MacDon and later as an energy management engineer for a power company. I think outside the box and have experience managing capital projects with interdisciplinary teams.

Schaefer: My name is David Schaefer, I am a lifelong resident of New Rockford, N.D. I have been farming with my family in Eddy County since a very young age and am excited to announce my candidacy for Eddy County Commissioner.

Collier: I am Glenda Collier. I grew up on a farm east of New Rockford in Columbia Township. I now live just outside of New Rockford, still enjoying country living. I have worked as a hairstylist in New Rockford for 41 years. I taught at Beauty College for 10 years and managed the Rockford Theatre for 18 years. Over the years, I have served on many boards, from the Eddy 4-H council and advisory boards to church boards and Celebrations, Inc. I am currently serving on the Steam Threshers board, Lake Region Health Unit, East Central Prairie Human Service Zone, county zoning board and North Dakota County Commission Association. With serving on such a variety of boards and interacting with a wide variety of people, I believe it has prepared me to be an effective commissioner.

Q: Why have you decided to run for a seat on the Eddy County Commission?

Larson: My motivation to run is based on my excitement about the growth in our communities and opportunities that I see for younger people like myself to move back home. For the first time in my life, my hometown is growing! I want people from the Sheyenne area to have someone who lives in their community on the commission.

Schaefer: I feel I will be able to bring a lot of new insight and ideas to the people of Eddy County.

Collier: I'm running to make sure everyone has a voice and that all the residents are represented in Eddy County. As a current commissioner, there are many projects that I would like to see completed.

Q: What do you see as the most pressing needs for infrastructure or capital projects in the county?

Larson: When we talk about pressing needs, it is easy to think about the immediate future or current problems: roads, bridges, airports. The road Eddy Co 1 is a big one for me after it got extra use during the federal 281 highway work. But I'd like to draw attention to the need for some 20+ year longer-range planning that would involve cities and townships. The county can take a lead on organizing these conversations to figure out solutions to the more complicated issues, like the shortage of affordable housing and workforce needs. When some of the long range planning gets done, the door is then open to apply for grants and access other state resources.

Schaefer: At this time, road and bridge maintenance in the county are of highest importance for the safety of the people. As things arise in the future I will be anxious to help tackle any of those issues.

Collier: Our roads and bridges are a main priority. We have two paved county roads left to resurface – 10 and 1 – that are main priorities. County Road 10 has been in tough shape for awhile and something definitely needs to be done, as it is getting to the point of safety issues for residents who drive it. County Road 1 on the eastern part is also in dire need of assistance. Then there are many more miles of gravel county roads that always need gravel. The county shop in Sheyenne has been a priority for many years. It is a long overdue project that is finally coming to light.

Q: On the ballot this summer will be an initiative to raise taxes in Eddy County to fund the Brantford Road project. Do you support this initiative – why or why not?

Larson: I spent much of my childhood at my Grandma Anderson's farm near Brantford, so this road is very familiar to me. I will personally vote for the raise because part of the job of being on the commission is to equitably share in the responsibility to maintain infrastructure across the entire county. Just because someone doesn't live in town, doesn't mean that their school bus ride or commute should happen on a horrible rough road. In a case like this, traffic counts can help inform the level of use as well. The voters will decide, but going forward, I would like to explore grant money opportunities if funds cannot cover basic upkeep.

Schaefer: Yes, I personally support this initiative for two reasons. 1. My family travels the Brantford Highway multiple times during the day. 2. It has become a very dangerous road to travel due to its poor condition. I also realize it is a lot to ask of the people of Eddy County, therefore it will go to a vote and if it doesn't pass, other options will have to be explored.

Collier: Yes, County Road 10 has been in desperate need for many years. With our state funding resources not keeping up with the skyrocketing prices of road construction that we have seen in the past few years, it's left smaller counties in a difficult financial position to be able to complete projects like this one.

Q: What is the most important issue or challenge you anticipate tackling as an Eddy County commissioner in the next four years?

Larson: First, I want to learn from the experienced commissioners about what their vision is and what they see as the top priorities, because we have to work as a team. I'd like us to do more to help our young people get plugged into the opportunities available here. Whether that is transitioning into business ownership, or filling a need in our county's current job openings. I am also closely watching the wind project development and can leverage my energy background when the county needs experience in that area.

Schaefer: At this stage of my candidacy, I am looking forward to working with the other commissioners and the people of Eddy to serve their needs, whatever they may be, in order to achieve the best results for the county.

Collier: Money for road improvements – as the price of construction skyrockets and our state funding has not changed much since 10 years ago. When we could complete a 2-inch overlay on a 7-mile stretch of road it was no problem – now we can make it only a mile. If the measure for property tax reform passes, that will leave us with many things to figure out.

Q: Should any part of the county budget be shielded from cuts? And if so, which area?

Larson: It is tricky to throw out hypotheticals. The entire budget works as a system and I generally think getting innovative across the board is better than cutting an individual line item. I think of emergency and health services and the county employees as essential to maintain safety and smooth operations.

Schaefer: Yes, the Sheriff's Department/First Responders should never have to face cuts in order to keep the residents of any county or city safe.

Collier: No, I don't believe any one area should be shielded. There are many facets that factor into the county budget, and many needs of the county are always changing. So we need to be flexible and attentive to all areas of needs for our county.