Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Part IV of IV: Dave Gehrtz
This is the final segment of our four-part Q&A series, which has featured each of the Eddy County Commission candidates ahead of the upcoming elections.
This series was designed to arm Eddy County residents with knowledge they'll need about each candidate before they cast their ballot, because following the midterm elections, two of those four candidates will be voted onto the commission and will soon be making important decisions for the county.
In next week's edition, the Transcript will take a deeper look into this year's statewide ballot measures, which could also have an important impact on the state of North Dakota and its residents.
This week the Transcript is featuring Dave Gehrtz.
First elected in 2018, Gehrtz is the only candidate in this year's election for County Commissioner running as an incumbent.
His answers 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 have been a resident of Eddy County since 1965, first living in Sheyenne then moving to New Rockford. My wife and I raised four kids who grew up in New Rockford, two that have a combined 34 years of service to the U.S. military. I served the City of New Rockford as commissioner for 12 years before moving to Rosefield Township 10 years ago. After moving I could no longer serve as a commissioner because one must be a city resident. Four years ago, I felt I could bring my experience to Eddy County. I have served nine years on the Northern Canola Growers Assn., two terms on the Big Iron Farm Show, three years as chairman, Eagles Board, Golf Club Board, and have volunteered for many other services. This gives me a large amount of experience to bring to Eddy County. I have traveled the county and township roads of Eddy County for more than 50 years as a part of my job that gives me an edge on my experience to bring to the Eddy County Commission.
Q: Why do you think you would be a good commissioner for the residents of Eddy County?
A: I bring a lot of experience from the board that I have served on over the years. I feel our volunteers and employees that serve Eddy County are our mostvaluable asset and need to be taken care of. Two weeks ago I attended the N.D. Association of Counties and the number one problem facing our counties is finding employees to fill positions needed to maintain the counties. As of now Eddy County is well staffed. Let's keep it that way. We can have the best technology and equipment but if there aren't trained operators it is useless.
Q: What is the most important issue or challenge you anticipate tackling as an Eddy County commissioner?
A: Roads and bridges are at the top of the list. Over the last four years we have added equipment to our road crew, saving funds by our crew being able to make the repairs with county employees.
Q: What do you see as the most pressing needs for infrastructure or capital projects in the county?
A: The commission is working on building a new county shop in Sheyenne, as the road blades have outgrown the shop in Sheyenne. We purchased three new blades last fall on a five-year program that will be worth more in five years than their cost today under contract.
Q: If new resources were available, what one area of county services would you feel most needs additional support?
A: While all services can use additional funds, roads always come to light. The state has a program to help if funds come available called Prairie Dog Fund from oil tax. I save the county $800 a month in health insurance costs as I don't participate in that benefit offered by the county. That's a tax saving of about $38,000 to the county over a four-year term as commissioner.
Q: Should any part of the county budget be shielded from cuts? And if so, which area?
A: If we don't have a staff to implement services we're in trouble, so that's a priority to me.
Q: What element of the county's government is most effective, and why?
A: The county staff works as a team helping one another; that's a reason Eddy County is such a great place to work and live.
Q: Currently, are county taxes too high, about right or too low?
A: When it comes to taxes we don't have any choice to pay in some form. I have always looked at an expense as if I were spending my own funds before approving payment. Eddy County was able to keep at ½ mill increase for 2023, as many others had a lot more. This is in part by commissioners and staff keeping things up to date so as not to cause a major breakdown.
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: My cell phone number is posted on the Eddy County web page and given on my home phone. I'm working for the residents of Eddy County and never turn it off. When on an airplane I don't have a choice but to turn it off though.
