Merv Ocken, Dist. 2 Cand., Republican

Name: Merv Ocken
Address: 2216 Road 18, Waco, NE 68460
Occupation: Retired
Spouse: Donna Ocken
Children: Marsha (Tom) Towle, Kathy (Doug) Wyatt, Mike (Mignon Underwood) Ocken, Amy (Mickey) Burrus.

Q: Why did you decide to run for this particular office?
A: Encouragement from peers, understanding for the need of a strong voice and good listener for the Veterans as well as the general public. Relay needs from constituents to other board members.

Q: Have you ever held another public office, and if so, what was it?
A: 4-H Council, President NE seed trade association, York Co. Red Cross, Commander Legion Post 49

Q: What in your background will benefit you in this capacity?
A: Management in seed business as well as other organizations
Commander Legion Post 49
Working with 4-H youth and leaders
Living in York County for my entire life and understanding lifelong problems. Have always been good people person.

Q: Work experience?
A: Prior to seed business sold barn equipment in York and Seward County. Living in District II for forty years, Korean War Veteran. Retired from Wilson Company as regional manager for 20 years. Management area included 8 districts and 500 regional dealers, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Eastern Colorado and Texas. Duties also included budgeting for the region. Due to retirement I have time to devote to being full time in a part time job. I will always be available.

Q: Political experience?
A: Several youth organizations
Working with several veteran organizations
Frequent jury duty
Attending commission meeting since filing

Q: What do you hope to accomplish if elected?
A: If I am elected I will be your voice to York County Government. I will listen to your needs. I’ve learned to be a strong voice for veterans as well as my experience in the seed corn business. I know that road repair is on the minds of many and will be a liaison for regarding this subject.

Q: What do you think are the primary issues facing this office?
A: Veterans affairs
Roads work
Seed business experience liaison between Monsanto and other seed companies with county board

Please rank the following issues by importance, with 1 being the most important — as it pertains to how you see priorities for the county:
1. Veterans affairs
2. Maintenance and new construction of roads
3. Economic development
4. Keeping a tight budget
5. Cooperation with city of York and other municipalities
All of these issues will have there importance at certain times