3 vie for Distrct 2 post

There are three candidates for Moniteau County District 2 Associate County Commissioner in the Aug. 2 primary election. Incumbent Commissioner Kim Roll is unopposed on the Democratic ticket. There are two candidates on the Republican ticket - Mac Finley and Greg Robinson.

In the November election, Roll will face either Finley or Robinson.

Following are answers received to questions posed by the California Democrat from the three candidates.

The candidates answered the following questions - "Your experience as relates to the office sought", "Your view of the officeholder in relationship to the citizens and communities of Moniteau County", "The major issue of importance which can be addressed by this office," and "What you expect to achieve if elected to this office."

Kim Roll

Incumbent District 2 Associate County Commissioner Kim Roll is running unopposed on the Democratic Ticket in the Aug. 2 primary election

Incumbent Kim Roll has been married to Kathy for 39 years.

"I was sworn into office January 2001," Roll said. "I have served the people of Moniteau County helping to assure the growth, success and safety of our community. My participation in numerous issues relating to the State and Local Government programs helped support decisions on positive issues that benefited our county. We have improved county roads, replacing multiple unsafe major bridge structures, numerous pipes and culverts in District 2. I have searched and received available grant money to benefit our county. I have made myself accessible to the residents of Moniteau County so that issues can be resolved in a timely manner. I have served the people of Moniteau County helping to assure the growth, success and safety of our community. My participation in numerous issues relating to the State and Local Government programs helped support decisions on positive issues that benefited our county. We have improved county roads, replacing multiply unsafe major bridge structures, numerous pipes and culverts in District 2. I have searched and received available grant money to benefit our county. I have made myself accessible to the residents of Moniteau County so that issues can be resolved in a timely manner.

"The experience and knowledge that I have gained during my term as Associate Commissioner allows me to fulfill my duties and to meet and resolve daily issues with confidence. I have had the opportunity to meet and work with other officials in our State and Local Government offices to get a better understanding of our programs so that a proper and beneficial resolution for our county is made.

I want to continue to serve the residents of Moniteau County.

I want to be involved to help assure the growth, success and safety of our community.

I want to continue to identify and initiate opportunities for improvement within our county.

I want to utilize my experience and knowledge to help protect our county in this challenging period of economic and financial problems.

"County government provides many services for the taxpayer, many of these are state mandated passed onto counties without adequate funding such as law enforcement, road and bridges, tax collection and juvenile detention care. These are state programs that are required of counties, with the economy change's they have reached a critical level. This has an impact on our county's ability to provide necessary services. I am committed to working with state and local officials to help achieve positive results.

"My daily priority is to follow the National Association of Counties (NACO) code of ethics. These serve as a valuable guide for all those in whom the public has placed its trust and for a lot of decisions made by the county.

Properly administer the affairs of the county.

Promote decisions, which only benefit the public interest.

Actively promote public confidence in county government.

Keep safe all funds and other properties of the county.

Maintain a respectful attitude toward employees, other public officials, colleagues and associates.

Effectively and efficiently work with governmental agencies, political subdivisions and other organizations in order to further the interest of the county.

"My goals are to serve the residents of Moniteau County to the best of my ability, using my experience and knowledge gained in the last 4 elected terms to effectively help our county through the challenging economy changes. I will continue working with the elected officials, the county employees and the residents of Moniteau County to improve the county while fulfilling the duties of Associate Commissioner.

"I will continue to identify and act upon opportunities for improvement within the county. Bridges and culverts are still a big concern I will continue with these projects. I will continue to serve on the Mid Missouri Solid Waste Management Executive Board, and United Way Board for the Food and Shelter program I will continue to support the E-waste collections. I will continue to manage the county budget effectively always keeping in mind that every dollar counts. I will continue to identify and utilize grant opportunities. I want to utilize my experience and knowledge to help protect our county in this challenging period of economic and financial problems.

"I would appreciate your vote in the November General Election."

Mac Finley

Primary candidate Mac Finley, 58, has resided in Moniteau County for 22 years. "My wife Misty and I have 5 grown children; Josh Mickels (with wife Becca), Kelly Finley-Miller (with husband Brian), Katie Finley and Kristen Finley. In addition we have been blessed with five beautiful grandchildren., Finley said.

"Misty and I live in the Clarksburg area where we own and operate a small farm. I retired from MoDOT in 2010 after working over 30 years as an engineering technician, in both the public and private sectors. In addition, I'm a 1982 graduate of Linn Technical College, a Missouri Army National Guard veteran and a lifelong conservative Republican. During the course of my career I was involved in drafting, surveying, construction inspection, roadway and bridge design, bridge maintenance, bridge inspection, material quality control and roadside access issues. Several years of my career included supervisory responsibilities.

"District 2 encompasses the areas of the county west of Flag Springs Road and south of the Moreau, including the communities of Tipton, Clarksburg, Latham, Fortuna, Enon and Corticelli. The District 2 Associate Commissioner is elected to represent the residents of that area in matters of county government. One of the primary responsibilities of the Associate Commissioner is maintenance of the county roads in the district. The road system is the lifeline of our county. Ongoing maintenance and improvements to our roadways are important to encourage growth and facilitate safety. Our farm lies over two miles from the nearest paved road, so we experience the challenges of county road life on a daily basis.

"The budget will always be a limiting factor in maintaining and improving our roads. However, through active oversight and the setting of priorities, our roads can be maintained at a higher level than at present. If elected, I will work with the road crew to deal with ongoing problems and set priorities to improve the condition of our roads and bridges. I'll use my experience to find innovative and cost effective ways to make repairs and improvements. In addition, I'll frequently travel the roads in District 2 to monitor their condition. Law enforcement is another ever growing need in our county. As commissioner, I pledge to work within our budget to support the Sheriff's Department and provide it with necessary resources. If elected I will act as the county's representative and advocate for the citizens of District 2. In all issues, I will provide oversight to insure the efficient use of county funds and provide the best possible service. I'd like to put my experience to work for the residents of District 2. Thank you in advance, for your vote and support."

Greg Robinson

Primary candidate Greg Robinson has resided in Moniteau County for 37 years. "I live outside Clarksburg with my wife Shirley of 44 years. I have two daughters, Melissa and Sally.

"Life started for me in 1970 when I was drafted into the Army for two years," Robinson said. "Then I came back to the states as a motor-pool Sergeant. Upon my return, I opened a body shop and operated it for seven years. I sold it to Allis Chalmers tractor company. I moved to California MO, and bought California Lanes and operated it for 27 years. I sold California Lanes and went to work for Moniteau County Road and Bridge for eight years. I retired from Moniteau County and the last two years I have worked for three different excavation companies to learn more about road, bridges, waterways, along with operating many types of heavy equipment. I have employed numerous people over the years and understand employee supervision along with managing a budget."

"I believe, to be a good commissioner, you have to be able to manage a budget and employees; understand road and bridge conditions; operate any of the county equipment and listen to constituents.

"I would enjoy serving you and would appreciate your vote on Aug. 2."