VOTE411 Voter Guide

We are blessed that we have an excellent system of roads in Barton County. Maintaining those roads are a priority. In addition emergency services and our sheriff’s department need to be maintained also. Due to the erosion of the counties reserves over the past four years it will be mandatory to seek federal and state grant opportunities to delay any additional tax. I would favor a sales tax over a property tax increase.

In regard to the entire county, we can take an example from the Claflin area and operations like Clara Barton Hospital. Personal investment has made it encouraging for growth. The need to allocate county tax dollars is always going to be there. But investing those tax dollars needs to grow the valuation so each of our share of that burden goes down. A rising tide raises all ships. Let’s focus on growing our county while maintaining the infrastructure that we already have.

I don’t believe we can single out one element or department. I have been impressed with employees and services in all parts of the county structure. Leaders need to be servants first. Leaders need to be able to the ask hard questions. I believe it is easy and appropriate to focus on property taxes first. But closely behind that priority, a County Commissioner needs to elevate the importance of private Property Rights as well.