Dean Blum, Dist. 2 Cand., Republican

Name: Dean E. Blum
Address: 418 Rd S, McCool Junction, NE
Occupation: farrier, bovine hoof trimming
Spouse: Verla
Children: Kelli (Ken) Real, Dana (Chad) Chrisman
Grandchildren: Shelby and Clay Real, Kelsey, Kaylee and Jarren Chrisman

Q: Why did you decide to run for this particular office?
A: I want to represent the people of District II and York Co. (To be a strong voice for them)

Q: Have you ever held another public office, and if so, what was it?
A: No

Q: What in your background will benefit you in this capacity?
A: I have 10 years experience operating a motorgrader, building and maintaining county roads. I know what it takes to keep good roads. Also I am self-employed, so I will be able to adjust my schedule to allow me the time to spend representing the people of District II.

Q: Work experience?
A: Along with road experience, by business has given me the opportunity to work for a lot of different people, and travel county roads throughout the state.

Q: Political experience?
A: My political experience is simple — be a good listener, keep an open mind, and use common sense. Then be up front and honest with people.

Q: What do you hope to accomplish if elected?
A: My goal is to be a strong voice for District II and York County. I want a very efficient county government — one that will provide all the needed services at a minimal cost to the taxpayers. I want to do this in a manner that will maintain and build on the integrity and credibility of York County government.

Q: What do you think are the primary issues facing this office?
A: Property taxes
Economic growth
Increasing demand on sheriff dept.
Also zoning (that’s) fair to livestock people and their neighbors

Please rank the following issues by importance, with 1 being the most important — as it pertains to how you see priorities for the county:
• Keeping a tight budget
• Economic development
• Maintenance and new construction of roads
• Veterans affairs
• Cooperation with city of York and other municipalities
• Other
A: Anything related to the safety and well-being of the people is number one. This includes veterans affairs, sheriffs dept., fire departments, schools, public assistance cases, and the roads. Not only do the farmers use the roads, school buses and emergency vehicles like law enforcement, rescue units and fire truck use them. Our lives depend on these roads.
I believe if all parts of county government are efficient, the budget will be tight.
Economic development is important, with today’s economy I think we also need to do what we can to protect the businesses and jobs we already have.
Cooperation with the City of York and other municipalities — these are all part of York County and should not be singled out, we need to work together.