5 seeking District I commissioner post

The winner of the Republican Primary for Moniteau County District I Associate County Commissioner on Aug. 2 will run unopposed in November. The candidates seek to fill the position held by Tony Barry.
Following are answers received from candidates who responded to questions posed by the California Democrat.
The candidates who responded 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."
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Johnnie Elliott
Candidate Johnnie Elliott, 73, has resided in Moniteau County more than 45 years. He was born and grew up in Prairie Home and Cooper County. Married to Ann Perry, he has a son Johnnie Elliott, daughter-in-law Roberta, and two grandsons Brent (wife Daley) and Brandon.
"I have over 40 years of experience in the road and bridge construction industry, having served in a variety of roles, including General Superintendent of construction of a major road construction company," Elliott said. "I am familiar with all phases of road and bridge construction, and have worked to build, or to oversee the construction and maintenance of, gravel roads, concrete roads, bridges, and asphalt paving. I have estimated job costs on roadway construction jobs costing up to millions of dollars. I have budgeted manpower, equipment and materials on jobs large and small. I have supervisory experience, having supervised crews and teams for many years. I have worked with local government, cities and counties, and with the State, and on Federal jobs. I understand governmental contracting, and I am familiar with grant funding requirements. I currently work with individuals to help them learn the skills to work in the heavy highway, HVAC, and construction industries , and serve as a liaison to place those individuals in jobs.
"The County Commissioner is charged with, among other duties, the care and management of the assets of the County," Elliott. "These assets include, among other things, the buildings, vehicles, and roadways of the County. The County Commission is charged with the responsibility of managing the County's budget, expending funds wisely to provide the most benefit to the citizens in the most prudent manner, and maintaining the assets of the County for the use of the residents. The Office of County Commissioner is an important one, and the decisions made in that office relate to and impact roads and bridges, safety and law enforcement, building maintenance, personnel management, and economic growth. These decisions
impact all residents of the County. It is important for the Commissioner to be familiar with the County, its needs, the budgetary process, and the restraints imposed by funding limits.
"Over the next four years, the Commission will have to maintain the County's assets, including its roads and bridges, within the budget constraints facing the County. The safety and well-being of our County's residents depends in part on the decisions made at the budgetary level. It is very important that the Commission act prudently to address safety concerns and to maintain the properties.
"I believe that my experience prepares me to manage the County's resources to best benefit the residents of the County. I want to put that experience to work, for the citizens of the County."
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Steven Pate
Candidate Steven Pate, 44, is a life-long resident of Moniteau County. His family consists of Walter and Alice, Jimmy, Bert, Carl and Betty.
"I've worked for Moniteau County Road and Bridge for a year and a half," Pate said. "I've been a firefighter for California Rural fire District for 14 years and have served on the board for the last three years.
During the time I've worked for Moniteau County Road and Bridge, I've learned many things about how to build roads and how to maintain them, even in severe weather.
"I feel that the Commission needs to treat this as a full time job and that is what I'll do if elected. The public needs to know that, in my opinion, this office is 24/7, not something to do when you have time.
"The office holder also needs to get out, speak to the public, find out what the concerns are and move forward to fix the issues. My plans if elected are to fix these tired roads, build them back up and make the public proud of their community."
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Noland Porter
Candidate Noland Porter, 57, is a Republican Candidate running for District 1 Commissioner in Moniteau County. He and his wife Lisa are lifelong residents of Moniteau County and live in Jamestown. He has two children, Dana (Greg) and Darin (Alyssa) along with three grandchildren Kane, Karson and Sophie who also reside in Moniteau County. Porter is the youngest of 10 children born to the late Raymond and Wanda Porter. He has owned and operated Porter's Painting & Wallpapering for the past 25+ years. He is an active member of St. Paul's Evangelical Church and has served as a church deacon in the past. He graduated from Jamestown C-1 High School.
"As a small business owner, I know the challenges that small businesses face," Porter said. "Small businesses must be more resourceful and work harder to be successful. The same is true of rural communities. If elected District 1 Commissioner, I will use these same small business skills and work ethic when handling the county's affairs. Having been born and raised on the family farm and living my entire life in Moniteau County, along with working in numerous homes, businesses and churches; I have had the opportunity to travel from one end of the county to the other. I am very familiar with Moniteau County, especially the 1st District.
"An elected office whether at the local, state or federal level is a public servant and as such, works for the people. If elected, I would like open communication and input from county residents. My door will always be open. I will work hard to represent the residents of Moniteau County the best that I can, with the resources that are available.
"There are several major issues of importance but Economic Development is key to growth in the county and we must continually work to attract businesses and plan for the future. Maintaining county services, facilities, structures, roads and bridges as well as county equipment will help promote our county and hopefully appeal to new businesses.
"If elected, I will take the necessary time needed to learn the issues that the county faces and I'll work to fix the problems in the most practical, economical way. Moniteau County has been good to me and is a great place to live, work and raise a family. We are blessed to live in such a caring community. I pray the Lord will continue to bless us with good fortune. It would be an honor and privilege to serve as your next District 1 Commissioner. I would appreciate your support on Aug. 2. Please exercise your right to vote.
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No response was received by the deadline from candidates Jeff Wingate or Chris Baker.