Candidate Wade Hermansen (R) Southern Commissioner
July 29, 2020
Wade Hermansen (R)
What do you think is the biggest concern Barry County faces, and how would you fix it?
Barry County leaders need to increase focus on the responsibility of the county’s economic improvement. The traditional responsibilities of budgets, roads and bridges will have to be expanded to include economic improvement. I will begin the work of establishing partnerships, relationships and developing strategies that allow the county commission to find resources from Jeff City and elsewhere that could benefit Barry County communities, organizations and businesses.
What is your opinion of the present budget and what changes, if any, would you make if (re)elected?
I am concerned over the Sheriff’s Department’s ability to adequately staff and retain a dedicated work force, that meets the county’s law enforcement needs, due to budget limitations. Every successful business, organization or department is built on the dedication and talent of its people and its ability to meet their needs. Efforts toward county economic improvement could be a long-term solution to the Sheriff’s budget. But I feel increased funding considerations may have to be made in the short term to address the county’s law enforcement needs.
If (re)elected, how will you be sure you’re hearing the concerns of all demographics of Barry County citizens?
My family, church family and business community engagement supply a good communication base to hear and understand concerns. There are locations in the southern district where I will engage to improve communication channels. As commissioner I plan to continue my participation in the community and surrounding area. I feel those informal conversations and meetings keep me in tune to the issues my southern district faces.
What changes, if any, would you make to the office?
Increased focus of participation in developing the county’s economic future. Making sure the necessary work needed gets done to set those foundations for our economic future.
What is your plan for your first 90 days in office, if (re)elected?
The first 90 days will be to learn as much as possible about the traditional responsibilities of a commissioner. To experience and understand the components and workings of the county budget process. Listen to how the budget decisions affect the different county offices and services. Meet and visit with the southern road district commissioners to understand road maintenance needs and issues. Learn as much as possible.
Barry County leaders need to increase focus on the responsibility of the county’s economic improvement. The traditional responsibilities of budgets, roads and bridges will have to be expanded to include economic improvement. I will begin the work of establishing partnerships, relationships and developing strategies that allow the county commission to find resources from Jeff City and elsewhere that could benefit Barry County communities, organizations and businesses.
What is your opinion of the present budget and what changes, if any, would you make if (re)elected?
I am concerned over the Sheriff’s Department’s ability to adequately staff and retain a dedicated work force, that meets the county’s law enforcement needs, due to budget limitations. Every successful business, organization or department is built on the dedication and talent of its people and its ability to meet their needs. Efforts toward county economic improvement could be a long-term solution to the Sheriff’s budget. But I feel increased funding considerations may have to be made in the short term to address the county’s law enforcement needs.
If (re)elected, how will you be sure you’re hearing the concerns of all demographics of Barry County citizens?
My family, church family and business community engagement supply a good communication base to hear and understand concerns. There are locations in the southern district where I will engage to improve communication channels. As commissioner I plan to continue my participation in the community and surrounding area. I feel those informal conversations and meetings keep me in tune to the issues my southern district faces.
What changes, if any, would you make to the office?
Increased focus of participation in developing the county’s economic future. Making sure the necessary work needed gets done to set those foundations for our economic future.
What is your plan for your first 90 days in office, if (re)elected?
The first 90 days will be to learn as much as possible about the traditional responsibilities of a commissioner. To experience and understand the components and workings of the county budget process. Listen to how the budget decisions affect the different county offices and services. Meet and visit with the southern road district commissioners to understand road maintenance needs and issues. Learn as much as possible.
