Ken Stuhr, Dist. 2 Cand., Republican

Name: Kenneth D. Stuhr
Address: 1406 Road U, Waco, NE 68460. Phone 363-1615
Occupation: York County Commissioner, Farm Management, Independent Business Owner
Spouse: Janice
Children: Scott and Tammy Stuhr, Autumn and Kip Reeves, Travis Stuhr
Grandchildren: Katie Stuhr, McKinsie and Sydnie Reeves

Q: Why did you decide to run for this particular office?
A: There are many issues in government that may be controversial and that are difficult for some citizens  to endorse. However, your elected official must be accountable and diligent in making appropriate decisions that follow the law and regulations. Commissioners must be prepared to take a hard-line regarding political pressures and special interest groups that may impact their decision making. I stand on my integrity and voting record, as your County Commissioner in representing you, the taxpayers, in a lawful, informed and unbiased manner. I offer experience, hard work and dedication towards our County’s continued growth and economic development. There is a need to develop plans to put into place, resources and alternatives that offer solutions which will be beneficial to those of us that have chosen to call York County home, now and in the future.

Q: Have you ever held another public office, and if so, what was it?
A: Incumbent — Currently serving as York County Commissioner, District 2.

Q: What in your background will benefit you in this capacity?
A: Experience in working with others involved at various levels of governmental entities to find solutions that will affect taxpayers’ dollars and services. Experience in negotiations, mediation and management. Experience in numerous testimonies before the State Legislature regarding a number of issues that affect our state, counties and communities. Experience in the policies, protocols and procedures of conducting County Government business.

Q: Work experience?
A: Middle management in the workforce. Owner and farm management for over 30 years. Owner and management of independent business.

Q: Political experience?
A: York County Commissioner — 4 terms.
Board of the Nebraska Association of County Officials — 4 years.
Numerous board appointments locally and by past governor appointments.

Q: What do you hope to accomplish if elected?
A: Moving forward in the standards for improvements of this County’s road maintenance. Controlling the budget as much as feasible. Utilizing bond funding for bridges and/or hard-surfacing of roads within York County. (It should be noted, however, that the amount of new construction for hardtop roads or new bridges is often dictated by the amount of Federal and State funds available to Counties).
Focus and determination in achieving effectiveness in Economic Development. York County needs growth in industry and workforce to spread out the tax burden.
Maintaining a reasonable yet conservative budget. Any affects of a possible recession that could possibly lower the price of commodities and reduce the value of farmland — which is over half the total valuation of York County — could raise the mill levy substantially. That would become a definite burden for the taxpayers and the agricultural community of York County.
I hope to encourage York County’s citizens in becoming informed on the various levels of authority that make up government rules and regulations at the Federal, State and County levels which determines how your taxes are allocated and disbursed. Any office, service or organization, funded by a county’s tax dollars requires that County Commissioners not have, nor be influenced by, personal or political ties that could be determined to be a conflict of interest. Attend meetings and voice your concerns or opinions on how your hard earned tax dollars are being spent and on any other matters that affect our County.
Cooperating with York County’s municipalities — is a must. The County Board has and will continue to work with the cities, towns and villages in York County. Being proactive in assisting our communities in determining what is feasible and finding productive resources that could be available for upgrading and improving our communities’ needs and future growth equals a more stable and progressive County as a whole.

Please rank the following issues by importance, with 1 being the most important — as it pertains to how you see priorities in the county:
• Keeping a tight budget — Rank: 1
• Economic development — Rank: 1
• Maintenance and new construction of roads: Rank: 1
• Veterans affairs — Rank: 1
• Cooperation with the city of York and other municipalities — Rank: 1
• Other — Rank: 1
Any “issue” before the County Board should be considered to be important and a priority.