Meet the local candidates: Les Madison

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Name: Les Madison

Commissioner District: 2

City or Township in which you reside: Larkin Township

Occupation: Minnesota Department of Agriculture; Farmer

What qualifications do you have for seeking a county board seat? I am qualified to be your commissioner based upon my past work experiences, education and community involvement. I was born and raised in Nobles County District 2 and have spent my whole life here. I have a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and in Accounting and am 80 percent done with my MBA in Business Management, all from Southwest Minnesota State University. I have over 17½ years experience with banking, financial and tax analysis preparing budgets, financial statements and cash flows. I am experienced with all aspects of grain and livestock production growing up on a dairy farm and operating my own farm.

I have been active with: Lions Club for 20 years, being President for the last 10 years; Knights of Columbus for 20 years, being Financial Secretary for the last 6 years and Past Grand Knight; District 511 Adrian school with my three children; 4-H club leader; 4-H County Board of Directors; Boy Scout leader; Girl Scouts; my church and other community organizations.

What is your top priority in county government? My top priority is to assure the residents of my district that their tax dollars are being used efficiently and that any tax increases are warranted. I want to serve the best interest of all of the residents of my district. I want to use my ability of problem solving during times of conflict and disagreement. I want to be able to assist in encouraging progress in Nobles County and District 2. I want to be able to analyze and correctly assist in deciding any controversial issues.

Explain ideas you have to address your top priority: I want to use my ability to analyze all financial decisions within Nobles County before forcing the taxpayers to pay more. I want to assure that any tax increases are in line with other counties throughout the state. I want to require a balanced budget and want justification prior to levy increases.

What would you like to see accomplished in the county in the next four years? I want to restore honesty and integrity to Nobles County. I want to see to it that our roads and bridges are maintained and kept on schedule and safe. I want to see the library issue solved in the near future possibly with an addition. Technology is a big factor and may change Nobles County residents needs for the library. I want to insure that District 2 residents are getting what their tax dollars are paying for. I want to monitor the shift of property tax burden from business and residential to agricultural to assure it is done properly and not excessively.

Additional comments: Nobles County is in need of a fresh new voice from my generation to properly influence the tough decisions we face today. I want to assist in our goal to leave Nobles County a better place than we found it. My education, community involvement, work experience and leadership skills will assure that I will do my best to fairly represent the residents of District 2 and Nobles County. Thank you.

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