Primary race shapes up

Talk about it

WORTHINGTON — Just one of the two Nobles County Commissioners up for re-election this year will be on the ballot in the Sept. 9 primary election, as more than two candidates are vying for the post.

Commissioner Diane Thier, who has served the residents in District 2 for the past eight years, faces challengers Frank Wieneke of Adrian and Daryl Behrends of Wilmont. District 2 serves the cities of Adrian, Lismore and Wilmont, and the townships of Bloom, Larkin, Leota, Lismore, Olney, Seward, Westside and Wilmont.

The Daily Globe asked each of the commissioner candidates the same four questions. Included below are those questions and the candidate responses.

Diane Thier, incumbent

Why are you running for Nobles County Commissioner?

“I am running for re-election for Commissioner in District 2 because I feel I am the most qualified for the job. It takes a few years to understand all the parts of this job and during the past eight years I think I have consistently handled problems and had the courage to stand up for doing the right thing. I also happen to love the work that I am doing.”

Tell us about yourself.

“I graduated from St. Adrian High School. I married Bernard Thier and we have five children and 15 grandchildren. I live in Adrian. I don’t have much time for hobbies, but I am an avid reader. I love to knit, sew and garden. I also like to write poetry and I have had two poems published.”

Explain the experiences or qualifications you possess that make you a good candidate for this position.

“I believe my experience of a commissioner for the past eight years has given me the qualifications that I need to run again. I feel I understand numbers and budgets. I serve on the Ag Task Force and the Environment and Natural Resource committees at the Association of Minnesota Counties.

“During these past years I have always encouraged people to contact me with any problem they might have. I get many calls, and not always from my district, but throughout Nobles County. I don’t always have an answer right away, but I always get back to people when I find out the answer to their question, and I feel that is important. People need to know that you care about them and their problems and will help them if you can. I always tell people, my number is in the book. Before I became a commissioner, I worked at the Worthington YMCA for 16 years as their bookkeeper and office manager. I continue to do all the payroll and bookkeeping for our farm and feedlot.”

What would you say is the most important issue in Nobles County at this time?

“I think the biggest issue facing Nobles County at this time is not having enough money to do all the things that people expect from the County, and at the same time keeping property taxes down so people can afford to stay living in their homes. We need to let our legislatures know that the counties are tired of being treated like a second-class citizen. They continue to take money away from the counties, while at the same time keep handing down mandates that we need to follow.”

Daryl Behrends

Why are you running for Nobles County Commissioner?

“My desire is to see Nobles County flourish as a strong, economically sound and safe community; one that adequately meets the needs of all those who live here. I believe in conservative, sensible and progressive government action. It is time for a change and I have the time and experience to devote to this position.”

Tell us about yourself.

“I am 67 years old and live in Wilmont. I am a retired Nobles County Sheriff’s deputy. My wife, Maebelle, and I have been blessed with four daughters and five grandchildren. I am an active member of my church. My enjoyment of history has lead me into the business of firearms sales and trades along with collecting. My hobbies include gardening and hunting.”

Explain the experiences or qualifications you possess that make you a good candidate for this position.

“My experiences listed below have groomed me to be a good candidate for county commissioner. I enjoy interacting with people and helping where I can,” he said.

Behrends served six years as mayor of the City of Wilmont, was a Nobles County deputy for 4½ years and worked in police and maintenance for the City of Wilmont for 22 years, gaining experience in water and wastewater management. He retired from a 13-year stint in farming in 1995, and has owned the home-based business, L&L Sporting, for more than 30 years.

What would you say is the most important issue in Nobles County at this time?

“A very important issue is how to adequately finance the mandated costs of the county without bankrupting the taxpayers.

“Our commissioners must take a firm hand in managing our county. I have no special interests or agendas to push. I will work for you, the people.

“Good communication between the county and the public as well as its employees is an initial factor on good governance.”

Frank Wieneke

Why are you running for Nobles County Commissioner?

“I (have) given a lot of thought to running for county commissioner and to the tax payers in our district. My goal is to make sure that the tax payer’s money is being wisely used to better our county and our communities. I want to work to create a climate that will encourage economic development for all Nobles County. I want to go the extra mile to get our state officials in St. Paul and Washington to realize that they need to stop writing laws and setting policies without the funding to back them. I believe we need a commissioner who is concerned about all areas of the county departments and is able to work with those department heads. I want to see Nobles County grow.” 

Tell us about yourself.

“I was born and raised in Nobles County. I am 56 years old and with help of my wife Deb of 37 years of marriage, we have raised three children, and have three grandchildren, who also live in Nobles County. Deb and I are involved in livestock production. We own and manage rental properties and I drive school bus for Hoffenkamp Bus Services. Each of our three children attended school in Adrian, have graduated from college and all are doing well with their lives. I enjoy spending time with my family, attending school activities and hunting.”

Explain the experiences or qualifications you possess that make you a good candidate for this position.

“I am a private business owner and a livestock producer. I understand business and the need to balance spending with income. My experiences allow me to understand what this district is about. I understand and can work with all businesses in Nobles County. We have to create an environment of growth for our communities and main street business. I would work very hard to make this happen.”

What would you say is the most important issue in Nobles County at this time?

“I believe the most important issues are economic development and fair taxation. We have to act quickly to use tax money available to stimulate business growth. My concern is that our main streets will be a sad sight if we do not change the way our money is being spent. I want my children and grandchildren to have the opportunity to stay in Nobles County.”

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