Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Part II of IV: Jeff Pfau
With the Nov. 8 election on the horizon, it's becoming increasingly important to know who the candidates are for local elections, and what they stand for.
This cycle, there's just one contested election in Eddy County, as four candidates are vying for two positions on the Eddy County Commission.
The Transcript has invited all four to be featured and to answer a number of questions. Questions that anyone hoping to win a seat at the commissioners table should be able to answer.
This week, the Transcript is featuring Jeff Pfau.
Despite being a challenger this year, Pfau is the most experienced commissioner in this year's election, having first been elected to the Eddy County commission in 2006.
He went on to serve three full terms until he lost his seat to Dave Gehrtz in the 2018 general election. Four years later, he's hoping to return to the commission for his fourth term.
His responses to our questions are listed below.
Q: Introduce yourself to voters – what is your background and what experiences and/or skills have prepared you to serve as a county commissioner?
A: I was born and raised in New Rockford and have lived here the entire time but for two years. I raised two sons here. I have served on the Eddy County Commission in the past and understand local government and how it functions. I have been an active volunteer on the New Rockford Fire Department for 25 years and an active volunteer on the Community Ambulance Service for 42 years. I am still active on both. I have been a volunteer worker at the Rockford Theatre the past 26 years. I understand community service. Lastly, I took over and have been continuing the family business in New Rockford since 1980.
Q: Why do you think you would be a good commissioner for the residents of Eddy County?
A: I understand how local government works. I have ample experience solving problems and stretching the available funds.
Q: What is the most important issue or challenge you anticipate tackling as an Eddy County commissioner?
A: I believe Eddy County needs a dedicated grant writer. I feel the county is allowing grants and other sources to go untapped.
Q: What do you see as the most pressing needs for infrastructure or capital projects in the county?
A: The county always seems to have a road, bridge or other property that needs repair or rebuilding. Any possible new business cominginto the county is also welcome and would be supported.
Q: If new resources were available, what one area of county services would you feel most needs additional support?
A: Priorities change over time depending on what the latest and greatest need is. That priority needs to be assessed if and when new resources become available. Also in the past, some state and federal grants and funds have had restrictions on what they could be used for, which would have to be considered.
Q: Should any part of the county budget be shielded from cuts? And if so, which area?
A: I am not sure I like the term "shielded from cuts." All department budgets are examined by the commissioners once a year. If a reduction is reasonable it is made regardless of which department. In the past the department heads have been very good at ferreting out the unneeded items in their budgets for the commissioners to consider.
Q: What element of the county's government is most effective, and why?
A: The staff working for the county are the heart and soul of the county, whether they be hired or elected.
Q: Currently, are county taxes too high, about right or too low?
A: Everyone would like to pay lower (or no) property taxes. However all county- provided services require funding. I believe the county commission does a good job controlling the budget every year. The commission could cut repairs, maintenance and salaries to lower the taxes for a year or two. In the long run, that plan would damage the county and cost taxpayers much more.
Q: Government transparency is viewed as an urgent need by many in today's world. As a commissioner, how will you ensure the county commission is accessible to the community?
A: All meetings are open for the public to attend. All meeting minutes are published in the Transcript. Commissioner phone numbers are posted. In my case, I answer my business number 24 hours a day. Of course, I prefer not the early a.m. hours.
