The Joplin Globe
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Voters in Jasper and Newton counties will be making decisions on several key positions on the local level. Among them are the presiding commissioner races in each of the two counties.
In Jasper County, the primary will decide the election. Incumbent John Bartosh, David Troyer, James Pendergraft and Jeff Hammons are seeking office. All are Republicans.
In Newton County, four Republican candidates are seeking the position that has been held by Jerry Carter, who has chosen not to run for another term. On the ballot are Marilyn Ruestman, Clarence Nowak, Rick McCully and Donald “Buzz” Ball. The winner will face a Democrat and a Libertarian in the November general election.
So how do you know who will make a good county commissioner? Party lines will do little to help you there. The job, done well, should have little to do with politics. The presiding commissioner oversees the county commission, which is in charge of what we call the three “B’s” — budget, buildings, bridges and roads. Contrary to what many think, the presiding commissioner does not have authority over other elected officeholders. But, we know there are times when issues arise where there perhaps is no clear authority. The person elected as presiding commissioner must possess “persuasive” management skills.
The person elected should treat the position as a full-time job. In Jasper County, a 1st Class county, the presiding commissioner makes $59,000 a year. In Newton County, a 2nd Class county, the job pays $40,070.
A county commissioner also has a lot of responsibility when it comes to the opening of bids, making sure that the county is always following the law in awarding those contracts.
We also know that both counties, like all government entities, will be facing belt-tightening. The best candidate for the job will be one who can be a careful steward of public funds.
Finally, we believe the people in the job should be just as concerned about the future of their county as they are about the day-to-day decisions.
Both counties need someone who will be a watchdog not just for the residents, but for the county itself. We need environmental stewards.
That, in our view, means choosing presiding commissioners who can implement a land-use plan in their respective counties.
These two races will be pivotal to the future of Southwest Missouri. We encourage you to vote accordingly.
