The Big Sandy Mountaineer -

There are three candidates running for one Chouteau County Commissioner seat in the June primary. Since all three are Republicans, it probably can be assumed that whoever wins the primary will be the new Chouteau County Commissioner.

The three candidates running for that office are Jim Olson from the Spring Station Road, Clay Riehl from the Bootlegger Trail and Dean Rominger from Floweree.

"The Mountaineer" asked a series of five questions of the candidates that were either county related or related to conditions in the Big Sandy area. Here are the questions and the answers of the three candidates.

How would you rate the condition of Chouteau County farm to market roads? Any suggestions?

Reihl: There is no doubt that the county roads need to be improved. I know for a fact that the commissioners would like to do more, but they are limited by the amount of funds available to them. As a commissioner. I would prioritize personnel, equipment and material such as gravel to our more heavily traveled roads to serve the greater good. I would also personally travel and survey our roads in order to free up the road foreman's time for equipment operations.

Olson: It would be difficult to rate roads in all parts of the county without a survey of all areas, and impractical to think I could do that in the few days available to answer this question. Rural roads are always going to be an issue, but I did make some calls in Dist. 2 and asked a few people how they would rate their roads and received varying responses. One farmer/ rancher said if I had asked him a year ago he would have said they sucked, but the road district has made a gallant effort to improve his road to market and it is much improved. Another informed me that things are not so good in his area, so in my mind when the request was made for help there was an improvement in one area and another is still waiting for improvement. It seems too often we hear the people with problems that make their complaints heard but the people that have been helped or their problem taken care of don't make that known.

I farmed some ground for 20 years that had an 18 mile gravel trip to market and understand the wear and tear and costs of maintenance to trucks and all vehicles traveling rural roads. I don't know the program in place now throughout the county for road inspection, so I will give my thoughts of what I would like to do if elected: I will, and when possible, with a road foreman or road district employee, try to drive and inspect every road in my district on a monthly basis to decide priority needs. I understand problems will come up that residents will see before county employees do, so, there will be those calls for help and a need for response to emergencies.

Rominger: Considering the tight budget constraints and the number of roads in the county, I would rate the condition of the farm to market roads as fair. Roads are the most visible of the commissioner's responsibilities and I believe that the road crews are doing their very best with what resources that are available. Roads from time to time can become quite poor due to heavy hauling and weather conditions. We can't do anything about the weather, but it would help to make some attempt to enforce weight limitations by perhaps using spot checks with portable scales. Overweight loads and high speeds do more damage to roads than any other factor.

I think that the commissioner should spend as much time as is possible overseeing the roads in person and helping the supervisors prioritize. The commissioner should also try to stay in touch and communicate more with the public.

Are area County fairs dying? If not, how do you see them getting funded in the future?

Reihl: There is no doubt in regards to the challenges faced with funding a county fair in this day age. But, I am very optimistic that our new fair board will come up with fresh ideas. Finding affordable shows and attractions that are popular will be important. County fairs have always been a popular event in rural communities, and I hope to see them continue.

Olson: 2 County fairs are struggling, but dying is too strong of a diagnosis in my mind. In my visiting with one fair board member, anemic may be a better diagnosis. I visited with two fair board members and an employee about the fair and was encouraged by the ideas and enthusiasm about possibilities to improve. One way would be to help fund the fair grounds and they mentioned using the buildings and grounds throughout the year for more than the fair by hosting events. Something I was unaware of is the possibility of applying for grants to help sponsor events and they are researching that at this time and have been in touch with someone that has been or is involved with that now.

I feel to let the county fair die or discontinue would be a mistake. Recently the schools in the county are co-oping sports, and it has been getting youth in the county connected, but for years the only real opportunity for county youth to get to know those from other towns was through 4H and the fair.

Let's support our fair board by supporting the ideas they put before us.

Rominger: Area county fairs are definitely struggling. To revive the fair, specifically Chouteau County's, we need to make it more of a priority. We need the entire county's participation. All communities from all corners of the county need to become involved. Appropriating more funds from the county budget is not an option at this time. The fair needs to generate more of its own revenue, perhaps Commissioner through increased gates receipts and county wide fund drives. We all like great entertainment and possibly more activities for the locals. The Demo Derby and Pig Wrestling are great examples of local participation! I also believe that it would help to move the fair date to the last weekend in August when more people can attend and harvest is done in most areas.

I would like to keep the Chouteau County fair a live and vibrant entity! I think that it is important to the community!

Do Commissioners need to spend more hours in being available at the Court House?

Reihl: If I am elected to the commissioner's office, I would avail as much time as necessary to the residents of Chouteau County. This is a job I would want to do, not just punch a time clock.

Olson: I have no problem with more hours or days in the court house. If elected this would be a full-time position for me and I would have nothing else competing for my time, so whether in the courthouse or on the roads in my district for inspection, I plan on giving this position fulltime consideration.

Rominger: After attending several commissioner meetings and seeing what can be accomplished, it is my opinion that the current 6- day a month schedule is adequate to take care of business. However, I do believe that there should be a County commissioner available at the courthouse for at least 2 hours every day for the public; that is outside of the 6- day schedule.

Why are you running for Chouteau County Commissioner?

Reihl: I am running for commissioner as I feel I am qualified for the job because: I have 35yrs experience balancing budgets in the public and private sector and 35 yrs in personnel management.

I have a background in heavy equipment and mechanics.

I have reached a point in my life where I want to give something back to my community.

Chouteau County has been home for my entire life and it's been a good life. I loved growing up here, raising my family on our family farm, and I continue to enjoy the life my wife and I have settled into. Friends and neighbors have been encouraging me run for 2 years now, and I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the future of our county.

Olson: For the past ten years or more I've been thinking I would like to do something besides farm before I retire, and when this opportunity came up to serve as a commissioner in the district I have lived and worked in all my life, I thought it was time to give back and serve the county. After the recommendation of several Chouteau county residents I filed on February 26th and if elected, I plan to give it my all, attending any and all training and seminars available to commissioners.

Rominger: I have thought about running for County Commissioner for the last several years. I feel that I can bring knowledge, enthusiasm and new ideas to the office. I believe that everyone in the community should give something back and get involved in any way in which they are able. The community is only as strong as the individuals within it.

Selling road construction products and real estate is how I made my living for 12 years of my life before moving back to the family farm 7 years ago. Working in these professions along with balancing tight budgets in our current thriving and expanding farm operation helps set me apart from the other candidates. I believe that I am bringing the experience that is needed for the office of County Commissioner.

Should Chouteau County Detention revenue be a part of the funds used to make up the Chouteau County Budget? Explain.

Jim Olson

Reihl: Yes. The Chouteau County Detention Center was financed by all the taxpayers in the county through a bond issue. Without the detention center revenue, the county budget could not have balanced for the last 2 years.

Olson: I believe those funds are being handled as they should be, after all those funds are coming from Chouteau county buildings, equipment and employees; and after visiting with our sheriff and commissioners it is the law that they be handled the way they are being handled now.

Rominger: Detention Center revenues from one year would be placed into the general fund and used to fund the detention center the following year. It should continue the same as it currently operates today.