Occupation, work experience: Currently, I am self-employed, farming. I also work for Loretel Systems on a seasonal construction crew.
I have experience as a heavy equipment operator, and worked on road construction for a local contractor. I worked for two seasons as an apprentice electrician. I was a school bus driver for a number of years.
Brief Biography: I am a lifelong resident of Otter Tail County. I graduated from Pelican Rapids High School in 1974. I am one of seven children, and am actively engaged in farming my family farm land in Pelican Township.
I have been involved as a volunteer with the Pelican Rapids Chamber of Commerce Art in the Park event for 17 years. I was also a volunteer at the Pelican Rapids elementary school in the special education program, where I worked with students with learning disabilities and emotional behavioral disorders.
I have been a Pelican Rapids Chamber of Commerce Member, and a Lion's Club member and past president. I am currently the chairman of the Pelican Townboard, and have been a supervisor for successive terms.
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What do you feel are the county's top priorities or objectives at this time?
Taxes are on everyone's mind these days. We need to make sure that we are thinking ahead and making sure we are carefully planning for necessary services we all want and need in Otter Tail County.
With our growing population, we need to manage and balance our needs for our lake area residents and tourism with our agricultural businesses and farms. We need to plan and work together to protect our environment for future generations.
New economic development opportunities need to be encouraged and supported within our county. I believe Otter Tail County has the capacity to plan for continued growth and development. Along with continued growth, we need to be creative with our existing systems for managing our infrastructure issues such as solid waste handling and road maintenance.
We have excellent law enforcement, social services, and public health services in our county. I strongly believe we need to support and strengthen our existing services. I want to continue to get the best services possible for our tax dollars.
What, if any, concerns do you have with the county now, and what ideas would you bring to the table as a county commissioner?
I fully support our present county commissioners. Otter Tail County is moving in a forward direction. Having owned and operated our farm since 1980, I have seen both good and bad economic times in agriculture. Our county commissioners have acted responsibly in these tough economic times. I believe that with educated decisions, good judgement and common sense, our county will continue to move forward in a progressive manner. If I am elected as Otter Tail County Commissioner, I will work hard to keep our county moving in that forward direction.
