ELECTION GUIDE
GLEN ROSE REPORTER & YOURGLENROSETX.COM | Thursday, February 13, 2014 | PAGE C7
Member of county’s first family ready to retire GRR Staff Report
Somervell County roots don’t run any deeper than those of Commissioner James Barnard, Pct. 4. A descendent of the area’s first family, for Barnard, service to local residents came naturally.
At the end of his current term in December, Barnard will have held the office for 12 years. When he first made the announcement of his retirement, Barnard was at least a little uncertain about his departure. He said serving citizens was all he had known for
sometime, but stepping down means he will have time for two things he values greatly — his land and his family. At the same time, four men with vastly different backgrounds stepped up to campaign for the office. While each might not have the roots that run
all the way to Barnard’s Mill, and their ancestors might not be honored with a bronze sculpture on the courthouse square, each candidate has something in common with the incumbent — the desire to serve the citizens of Somervell County.
James Barnard
MEET THE CANDIDATES - Commissioner, Pct. 4 MBA, was vice president of First Financial Bank in Glen Rose and was the chief operating officer of Hamilton County Hospital. I feel certain that the business is in capable hands and will be operated just fine in my absence.
Mike Daniels, 42 27-year resident FAMILY • Wife, Kim (Brown) Daniels • Daughter, Ashley Daniels, 16 EDUCATION • Glen Rose High School graduate • Tarrant County Junior College, for a short time • Continuing Education Division, Tarleton State University Basic County Corrections, completed ADMINISTRATIVE EXPERIENCE • Owned and operated business, 15 years • Co-owner/operator of Champion Auto Sales FUTURE CAREER PLANS I will remain co-owner of Champion Auto Sales. Two years ago, I was extremely blessed with a business partner who bought 50 percent of my business. He has an
Rick Clark, 63 14-year resident FAMILY • Wife, Christie • Step-daughter, Shawnea • Four grandchildren • One great-grandchild EDUCATION • Business Education Degree, Troy State University • OSHA, annual training while employed with Sysco ADMINISTRATIVE EXPERIENCE • Operational Food Service, 15 years • Food service director at Jacksonville State University Fed 1,000 individuals three times daily. I was there six years, managed 43 full-time and 33 parttime employees. I was safety director for the district, which required my travel to six other accounts to conduct safety audits. CURRENT CAREER • Co-manager, Arlington Plaza
PREVIOUS WORK EXPERIENCE Being self employed has given me experience in all aspects of business. I started from scratch and have personally addressed every single issue that has come my way over the last 15 years. SERVICE AS ELECTED OFFICIAL • None, but hoping this is the first. PREVIOUS APPOINTMENTS • None CURRENT MEMBERSHIPS • None VOLUNTEER SERVICE • None
Daniels Q&A Q: What are the duties of county commissioner? A: To serve alongside the county judge in making county policies and administering the business of the county;
Arlington Plaza is an independent living community with 79 residents, 11 full-time and eight part-time employees. We are responsible for the care of the of the residents, as well as serving them three meals per day. We oversee maintenance of the building and day-today operation. FUTURE CAREER PLANS • If elected, I will be a full-time county commissioner. PREVIOUS WORK EXPERIENCE • Sysco Food Service, account executive, 20 years I had a district of 85 healthcare communities. I had total responsibility for $18 million in annual sales. SERVICE AS ELECTED OFFICIAL • None PREVIOUS APPOINTMENTS • Vice president, Anniston Area Chamber of Commerce, 1978-79 • Board member, Lubbock State School Volunteer Council, 1995-99 Finance chair, Glen Rose United Methodist Church, 2006-09 • Finance Chair, St. Johns United Methodist Church, 1995-99 CURRENT MEMBERSHIPS • Friends of the Brazos
to help prepare and approve the county’s annual budget for every department and facility; evaluate and vote on the property tax rate to fund the budget; and approve and monitor the construction and maintenance of county roads. Commissioners also determine employee pay scales, benefits and employment policies along with calling and canvassing county elections.
What adjustments do you feel could make the greatest difference (cost savings) for the county?
While these duties are statutory, I personally think the most important duty is to maintain an open relationship with every citizen so they can access me as a commissioner, and so I can always be in a position to offer assistance when necessary.
Another focus would be to evaluate the facilities and services that are a financial burden. The county is required to provide certain services; however, other optional services would need to be evaluated to see how we could reduce costs while avoiding as much impact on our residents as possible.
Q: What are the most pressing challenges currently facing Somervell County? A: I feel that the most challenging issue is the continuing devaluation of the power plant and how those decreases in tax revenue will affect our ability to maintain the services and facilities that Somervell County residents have come to expect and enjoy. Q: You are faced with a need to cut expenses.
• Economic Development Steering Committee & Council • United Methodist Church • Christmas in Action VOLUNTEER SERVICE • Christmas in Action • Glen Rose United Methodist Church Lord’s Acre • Senior High Mission Trips • Friends of the Brazos
Clark Q&A Q: What are the duties of county commissioner? A: The major duties of the commissioner’s court involve overseeing the budgetary and policy making functions of county government. In many counties, commissioners have extensive responsibilities related to the building and maintenance of county roads. A commissioner must submit a budget and act upon the approved budget in a financially efficient manner to assure the best service at the least cost to the taxpayers. Q: What are the most pressing challenges currently facing Somervell County? A: The budget is our most pressing challenge due to devaluation of the nuclear plant.
A: One of the biggest adjustments would be in the purchasing of new equipment and other big ticket items. I believe each request should be thoroughly evaluated to determine need and to ensure that all other options have been considered.
Q: If the only option is to cut services, which are those that should first be addressed? A: Some of the services of our county, such as the sheriff’s office and fire department are held to a higher standard, by law, due to the power plant, but I am certain that there are areas in these departments where cuts can be made without the loss of any personnel or quality of service.
The expo center is a different story. I believe the facility needs to be re-evaluated and restructured immediately to reduce the almost $1 million of taxpayer funds used to subsidize it each year. If elected, I will meet with every department head and ask each budget be prepared on a “needs only” basis so the county can replenish the general fund account over the next few years. My goal would be to build up our reserve balance so the county would be financially secure for a reasonable amount of time should we find ourselves in another situation like the one we have experienced the last few months. Q: How do you feel about the current condition of roads and bridges within your precinct? A: I feel that roads and bridges within my precinct are great, and I am not aware of any areas that need to be addressed at this time. With that being said, I currently have not traveled every road in precinct 4, but I intend to do so. If there are any issues that I come across or that are brought to my attention, I will gladly
address them, if elected. Q: What makes you the best candidate? A: Having owned and operated my own business for the last 15 years has taught me a great deal about how to budget and taught me even more about how to stand firm and stick to the budget. The ability to understand what is economically profitable and logical is definitely something that has been a huge part of my business surviving the economic downfall. My ability to communicate well is definitely a strong point. I really enjoy meeting and visiting with people, which makes me very approachable for discussions on any matter ranging from finances to roads. Whether you know me well or are just meeting me for the first time, you will always know where I stand on any situation that we are discussing. I am not afraid to ask questions, and I will always do the necessary research in order to make the best decisions for the citizens of this county. I will stand firm in my decisions and not be easily influenced or swayed.
We currently have a balanced budget, but with further devaluation, this challenge will remain. This creates a challenge to confront it with a solution.
A: Expenses have already been cut by this court. We have a balanced budget. To speculate on further cuts at this time could only increase concern and stress.
A: This is one of those questions where the “only option” is “no” option. Cut expenses? Yes. Cut services? No! Our problem is revenue. Expenses have been cut.
The solution is to create more revenue through economic development that will increase our tax base and add to our overall economy. The challenge of reducing our dependency on the nuclear plant from 80 percent of our tax revenue to a manageable figure must be a priority. Challenges exist in the maintenance and operation of all countyowned facilities. These must be met with sound business and financial decisions that include the safety and well being of citizens, county employees and the general public. Since tourism is so fundamental and many attractions are either owned by or within the county, a challenge exists in helping to make this an even greater contributor to our economy.
The solution is to increase efficiency and productivity across the board. These adjustments can make a greater contribution to financial stability than predicting additional cost-cutting measures. For example, a small expenditure to substantially increase revenue at an incomeproducing facility is a better solution. We must increase revenue and maintain our high level of services. The next budget will be set by the current commissioners court. That budget will remain in effect for the greater part of 2015.
Our high level of services to the citizens of Somervell County must be maintained and increased when called for. Cutting expenses can help to balance the budget, but it does not resolve the problem. Increased revenue will.
Many challenges exist. None are insurmountable. They must be met with resolve, commitment, determination, as well as sound financial and compassionate decisions. Q: You are faced with a need to cut expenses. What adjustments do you feel could make the greatest difference (cost savings) for the county?
As a commissioner in 2015, I will address cost savings and improving efficiency in every department and present them to the court, which will contain a majority of those who set this budget. I will not speculate nor second guess this court on the job that it has done. When called upon, I will put everything on the table, based on the conditions at that time. I will judiciously address all issues in each department. Q: If the only option is to cut services, which are those that should first be addressed?
Q: How do you feel about the current condition of roads and bridges within your precinct? A: I have talked to many residents of precinct 4 and have had only one concern raised about roads and bridges — on FM 199, which is a state road and not maintained by the county. Our commissioners are doing a great job maintaining county roads and bridges. In respect to FM 199, when elected, I will contact TxDOT and our state representative to see it is corrected. Q: What makes you the best candidate? A: People skills. Over the last 40 years, I have learned to listen to people, retain what I hear, document it, research it, respond in a timely manner and follow up to assure that a situation is resolved properly and expeditiously. This see CLARK, C9