Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Blaine County commissioner

Q&A

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1) What is one thing you would do during your term to boost the local economy?

2) How will you work with the other commissioners for the county’s best interests?

3) What one major change would you effect if elected?

4) What is your position on airport relocation, and how will you work with the Friedman Memorial Airport Authority to meet the airport’s current challenges?

5) What is the best way for the county to transition from county-subsidized skilled nursing at Blaine Manor to privately run skilled nursing?

Angenie McCleary (I)

Age: 35

Profession: County commissioner, former social worker and director of Youth Adult Konnections (YAK).

Education: Master’s degree in social work with a concentration in policy and administration from the University of Washington; bachelor of arts in psychology from Middlebury College.

Previous government experience: Blaine County commissioner since 2008. As commissioner, I have also served on the Friedman Memorial Airport Authority and other local and regional boards.

Why are you running for office? As a commissioner, I have made a difference in the community that I care about deeply; I want to continue serving my community and improving the health, safety, and welfare of its people. I have the experience, ability and character to continue being a productive commissioner. 

Party affiliation: Democrat.

1) As commissioner, I will enact and protect policies and programs that preserve and enhance the quality of life for all in Blaine County. I will cooperate with the cities in their efforts to attract visitors and new businesses to our community. 

2) I have a calm, collaborative and effective approach to serving in government. I am thoughtful in considering issues and making decisions. I work respectfully with the other commissioners and elected officials to tackle complex issues and represent the best interests of our community. 

3) I will work to create cost-effective solutions to mental health and substance-abuse issues. Blaine County is currently spending significant dollars on crisis intervention for people with severe mental health problems, but we need adequate state resources to effectively meet their needs. 

4) Airport relocation is likely our best long-term option. However, the high cost of a replacement airport makes relocation impossible now.  I will work to improve design and safety standards at the current site to enhance service and have the least impact on surrounding landowners. 

5) The county must continue to be open and encourage community involvement in its process to transition a county nursing home to a private facility. We need a solution that ensures fiscal stability and maintains safe and compassionate skilled nursing care for all socio-economic groups locally.  

 

Mickey Garcia

Age: 69

Profession: Semi-retired, former forester, wildland firefighter, electrical contractor, correctional officer and bus and shuttle driver.

Education: B.S. in forestry management, University of Montana; various tech schools.

Previous government experience: U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Air Force, Vietnam veteran (2 tours), California state government.

Why are you running for office? It’s my duty to offer an alternative to the dysfunctional one-party dictatorship in the Wood River Valley. 

Party affiliation: Independent.

1. Work with Sustain Blaine and other private economic development organizations to get annual detailed economic data, including Blaine County gross domestic product, in order to make better economic development decisions.

2. I would work with the other commissioners to reduce commissioners’ salaries from an unethical  $60,000 to $30,000 per annum.

3. I would organize the county commissioners as a county board of directors, concerned with establishing policy, and delegate the day-to-day management of the county to the county administrator. 

4. Short term, the airport does not need to be relocated. Long term, Blaine County and the Magic Valley need to cooperate to build a regional airport not more than 60 minutes from Sun Valley.

5. The future looks bright for low-income seniors in Blaine County. Private organizations with a proven track record are planning to open new facilities and services in Blaine County for low-income seniors. However, the county still needs to support the Senior Connection at the present time.