ELECTION GUIDE
GLEN ROSE REPORTER & YOURGLENROSETX.COM | Thursday, February 13, 2014 | PAGE C9
MEET THE CANDIDATES - Commissioner, Pct. 4 (cont.) full-time commissioner.
precincts.
PREVIOUS WORK EXPERIENCE • Bell Helicopter in Hurst, leadership capacity for several years
Q: What are the most pressing challenges currently facing Somervell County?
• Owned and operated Bar 7-K Ranch, in Jefferson
Don Kranz , 80 6.5-year resident FAMILY • Wife of 58 years, Norma • Five children, David, a petroleum/ chemical engineer; Vickie, an x-ray technician; Tammy, a registered nurse; Teresa, an accounting assistant; and Tony, a merchandising account manager • Eight grandchildren • Three greatgrandchildren and two on the way EDUCATION • High school graduate • Chicago Technological College, tool and die and jig and fixture design • Texas State Certification School for County Commissioners, Austin • More than 80 hours of continuing education over three years, as required by Texas Association of Counties ADMINISTRATIVE EXPERIENCE • Marion County commissioner supervised road and bridge personnel, scrutinized budgets, acquired grants for special projects and worked with other officials to relocate industry to the county and make it work. • Managed three successful ranching operations CURRENT CAREER • Retired We moved to Somervell County to have the best of both worlds – to be closer to our children in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, while still being in the country and near a small town with friendly people having community spirit. We have not been disappointed. I will be a
• Managed Blue Oak Ranch, Vanderpool in the Texas Hill Country • Owned and operated a pecan ranch in San Saba, with 635 irrigated hybrid pecan trees with water rights from Colorado River SERVICE AS ELECTED OFFICIAL • Marion County Commissioner, 1993-96 APPOINTMENTS • President, Marion County Cattleman’s Assoc., 1992-96 • President, Texas Farm Bureau, Marion County, 1993-96 CURRENT MEMBERSHIPS • Grace Baptist Church, active member VOLUNTEER SERVICE • Cub Scouts, secretary and treasurer • Volunteer fireman for Gray Fire Department, Jefferson • Tri-Cities Baseball Program, head coach for 17 years with 14 years of championship teams
Kranz Q&A Q: What are the duties of county commissioner? A: Working as a team with other county commissioners and county judge and setting policy to provide the best services to county residents while staying within the budget. Commissioners’ responsibilities include adopting a budget and setting a tax rate, setting compensation for county employees and determining the number of employees needed, providing health and welfare services to county citizens, monitoring and controlling jail and law enforcement facilities, applying for grants, approving and monitoring roads, authorizing contracts and aligning voting
A: Lack of revenue from the re-evaluation of Comanche Peak and the struggle to maintain necessary services to the county without raising taxes; decisions concerning getting a handle on the four white elephants sucking up the tax income from the poor decisions made in the past; and bringing industry into the county – it will be hard work, but can be done as a comprehensive team effort with all other entities in the county being involved. 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? A: Addressing the four facilities draining the county: The Promise – the county is now committed to a 10-year lease, so unless the lease is broken, the county’s hands are tied. Golf courses – I’ve been told they will be in the black next year. Time will tell. I am not sure we need two 18-hole courses. I would possibly consider selling one course for development in order to get the property back on the tax roll. A small percentage of our county residents use the facilities, but all county residents are indirectly taxed on it. Expo Center – I would closely scrutinize this facility, whether it is lack of use or poor management, new decisions need to be made in order to keep it viable. Hospital — This is the one and only facility necessary to the health and well being of all citizens. Past management decisions and over remodeling has placed it in the mix. But to insure health services to the county, it must be worked out! Q: If the only option is to cut services, which are those that should first be addressed? A: Turning one 18-hole golf course over to development in order
Don Kranz, former Marion County commissioner, discusses his bid for office.
MUECK
Continued from C8 I have dealt with the public for more than 30 years and issues involving quality of work, cost, supply, administration, mentoring and
education. Being able to communicate effectively can defuse uncomfortable situations and allow parties to work together to solve the issue at hand.
I will always have a plan on how I want to approach the job. From the smallest issue to the largest, I consider time, cost and what I want the end result to be.
Another attribute of mine is my organizational and planning skills. When I set out to do something,
As a commissioner, I will look at what can help us now, but also where will this get us in the future.
to get it back on the tax roll, bringing in monies instead of monies going out to keep it afloat. I would closely examine other options for the operation of the expo center. I would propose putting a freeze on elected officials’ salaries. I will not vote to raise taxes. Q: How do you feel about the current condition of roads and bridges within your precinct? A: Somervell County has the best roads of any county in Texas I have been in. And, as evidenced by the way they are holding up, they were put down with a solid base. I feel I am a pretty good judge, having served as county commissioner and supervised road construction. I have driven all the roads in my precinct and do not see any specific projects needed at this time. Some of these budgeted funds could be better utilized in other areas. Q: What makes you the best candidate? A: Through experience as a county commissioner, I feel I have viable negotiating skills having worked in a partnership with all county entities to relocate International Paper to Marion County. My management skills in the operation of three types of ranching operations are also beneficial.
Rick Clark, candidate for commissioner precinct 4, introduces himself to a crowd at a recent Republican forum.
CLARK
Continued from C7 acquired trait has helped me to effectively serve on boards and organizations that require teamwork and cooperation. Self starter. I believe
in developing an idea or concept into a plan of action that, upon execution, produces the desired results. I know how to lead and/ or follow, and I believe in taking the initiative to apply my best effort in order to accomplish the intended goal.