Three seeking District 1 commissioner's post

Travis Benfield, Timothy Shelby and Kenny Trentham are all seeking the Bollinger County District 1 commissioner spot as Republican candidates. Voting will be Tuesday, Aug. 6.

Each candidate was sent a questionnaire by email Friday, July 28. The following is the candidate responses. Efforts to contact Trentham before presstime were not successful.

What makes you qualified for this position?

Shelby: I feel it is my responsibility to take care of the county and its finances within the budget to the best of my ability. Then at the same time improving the county’s financial position, when looking at our future needs. The experience I have in working with heavy equipment helps in understanding the road improvement requirements.

Benfield: I was born and raised in Bollinger County, Mo. My roots are planted in this county with my wonderful wife and I raising four daughters on a beef farm. My father worked for the county for a long time and I’ve seen the ups and downs this county has went through. It feel it’s in my best interest to do my part fo the county where my family and friends reside and experience the same hardships we do. And I will do the best I can to help the county.

What would your top priority as commissioner be?

Shelby: To make sure we find the best solution for both our county employees and the public, to be safe, while in the courthouse and hail, while staying within financial budget.

Benfield: To serve the people I represent so I can manage and prioritize the county’s needs. Dedicating my time and effort reaching out for grants is a priority for the county’s finances. The road and bridge department is the backbone to our infrastructure and I want to help make the Bollinger County Road and Bridge Department a desirable place to work. We have to be able to keep experience and knowledge here for future generations and careers.

What is the biggest issue the county faces, and what would you do to fix it?

Shelby: I feel the biggest issue currently is the Courthouse situation. There is an engineering firm working closely with us on exactly what our options will be. The options at this point will be either major construction improvement of the current buildings or building a new building for both the courthouse and jail. The construction of either option would have to be done, while staying within the county’s budget.

Benfield: Right now the biggest issue is the courthouse situation and bridge and road repairs. The county finances are going to have to be closely managed during the decision-making process for the courthouse. I want to work closely with the existing commissioners in a team effort to do what’s best for people.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

Shelby: Working through the issues the county has faced in the past. These issues included, but are not limited to, Covid, the tornado, the flood, the courthouse structural problems, the Sheriff’s Department needs and road maintenance. The three of us county commissioners worked together well through the county disasters, giving both our own time and personal equipment. Fixing these issues for our county citizens, while staying with the county budget. Working to received additional funding from other government agencies for the improvement of the county.

Benfield: I spent many years around the road and bridge department growing up. I’ve seen a lot of decisions that have worked and many that have failed by commissioners. Repeated failed ideas is a waste of the county’s resources and we cannot afford to not be efficient. I’m very open-minded to ideas and listening to people. My dedication to the county will be unmatched because my friends and family reside here.

Road maintenance is an often-cited concern. How would you assess the county’s road budget and road department’s operation/plan?

Shelby: The purchase of our own road grader equipment, instead of renting as it previously was, has provided the county additional funding to be used toward road maintenance. The rent of one grader was approximately $50,000 per year. The price of renting the seven road graders that the county now owns would be a cost of approximately $350,000 per year. The county did pass a quarter cent tax increase for the road maintenance department. The rock quarries increased the rock purchase price soon after the tax increase which offset additional funding for the rock needed for the county roads. Most roads in Bollinger County need to be completely rebuilt. The road and bridge department needs more employees, equipment and funding. We are always looking to secure additional funding through different government agencies. The county is working hard to finance these needs without asking for a tax increase.

Benfield: People have to want to work for their company before it will prosper. The county is not different. We need to be competitive with our pay scale and create an environment that encourages employment with employees staying for years. Knowledge has to be passed down for future generations. We have a lot of roads and a very small budget efficiency is a must and will come with time. I will do my best to reach out for grants that will help our road and bridge department serve the peope.

How will you ensure transparency in county government operations so the public is aware of what its elected leaders are doing in their name?

Shelby: We have an open-door policy to our Monday morning meetings at the courthouse. The public is always welcome to attend. They can also contact me personally.

Benfield: Having a good relationship with the community and listening to people will help ensure transparency with the public. Being honest with the people of the county is a must and will be done. I want residents to see results first hand whether it is their daily commute to work or a stroll across the county. And everyone that knows me knows I like to talk a lot if you have a question just ask. I encourage everyone to read the local paper and view whats being addressed about the county.