WORTHINGTON -- While voters in Nobles County District 2 have already voted once for the candidate of their choice for county commissioner -- during the primary election in September -- voters in Nobles County's Fifth District won't cast a ballot for county commissioner until the general election on Nov. 4. At that time, they will choose whether to re-elect incumbent Commissioner Vern Leistico or give the nod to his challenger, Lee McAllister.
Following are the candidate responses to a series of four questions that have been used regularly throughout this election season to introduce the candidates and their viewpoints. Both the District 2 and District 5 commissioner candidates will come together for a candidates forum at 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Worthington Senior High School Media Center, where they will further discuss their position on the issues.
Vern Leistico
Why are you running for county commissioner?
"I am running for a second term as County Commissioner from the 5th District. I have been a life-long resident of Nobles County and this area has been good to me. I believe Worthington and Nobles County is a great place to live and with my knowledge of the area, I would like to continue to assist in the decisions that are being made regarding the county plus contribute additional ideas to keep this the great county that it is."
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Tell us about yourself.
"I am married, have a daughter, two sons, a stepson and twogranddaughters. My wife and I enjoy traveling with our RV, golfing and reading. I have worked in private business for over 45 years, the last 20 years as owner of Vern Leistico's Doors and More. You know 45 years affords one a lot of experience and education concerning the dos and don'ts of good business practices. This experience has served me well in the position as County Commissioner."
Explain the experience and qualifications you have to make you a good commissioner.
"I have worked with business owners and home owners. I have been involved with the Boy Scout program for 35 years. I have served on various church boards and committees. I have learned over the years that it is beneficial to listen to both sides of a situation before making a decision. With this background and knowledge of the area, I believe that I can assist in the decisions that are to be made."
What are the most important issues facing county government?
"The biggest issues in the county are the unfunded mandates that the state gives us. This helps the state budget -- but makes the county scramble to find money to pay for them. For example, at one point to balance the Minnesota budget, legislators and the governor agreed to require counties to house some prisoners in county jails. Those prisoners, who have less than six months to serve on felony sentences, are a state responsibility, but the state never has fully compensated counties for the expense. Where does the money come from? Taxes paid by local property owners. There needs to be more meetings between state and county officials to address various funding problems.
"The people of Nobles County are an important part of my life. If I am re-elected, I am willing to meet with anyone with county concerns and would try to answer their questions to the best of my knowledge."
Lee McAllister
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Why are you running for county commissioner?
"I am running for county commissioner because I would like to be involved in what will be a number of challenging years for county government and also believe that we should all do our part to help our communities to continue to grow and prosper for future generations. I feel I have some very good experience as a department head in county government to draw upon, and would like to use that experience to make Nobles County a better and more effective provider of services to the citizens in a fiscally responsible way.
"My campaign flyer talks about responsible and responsive local government and that will be my goal if elected. We need to be more responsible in how we approach spending, but also need to be responsive to the needs of the county whether it is in the area of economic development or in some particular service need for the citizens of the county. In order to accomplish this balancing of being both responsible and responsive, I would work to encourage the county board to initiate more input from county citizens and county staff regarding issues about which they are informed and concerned."
Tell us about yourself.
"I am 62 years old and married to Betty Anne McAllister, a former teacher and administrator for District 518. We have resided in Worthington for the last 23 years. We have two grown daughters -- Anne, who resides in Worthington and teaches at Worthington Middle School, and Carolynne, who resides in the Twin Cities and teaches at Mounds View High School. I was the Family Services Director in Nobles County during the 23 years we have lived in Worthington. I have been a member of Noon Kiwanis during these years and am a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church. My hobbies include biking, reading and traveling."
Explain the experience and qualifications you have to make you a good commissioner.
"Nearly 23 years of experience in the largest department in Nobles County government has given me the opportunity to work closely with the county board on numerous projects and initiatives. Through this experience I have a very good understanding of the role of county commissioners, and the important role they play in providing overall leadership and direction for county policy as well as how board decisions can impact day-to-day county operations. Through my work as the Family Services Director, I have become very knowledgeable in the human service needs and would like to broaden that into other areas involved in county government. In addition, I have a BA degree from Mankato State and a master's degree from Saint Louis University."
What are the most important issues facing county government?
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"I think the most important issue facing county government is the fiscal crisis that is facing the state of Minnesota during the next legislative session. Although it is still early, current forecasts project the state will have at least a several billion dollar deficit, and this projection was prior to the recent collapse of the national and international financial markets. Since counties rely heavily on state revenues in various areas, this will undoubtedly lead to strong financial pressures on county government over the next several years. It will be important to approach the fiscal crisis with an open mind on how the county will be able to provide needed services in perhaps new and different ways than have previously been done. Although this will be very difficult, I look forward to having the opportunity to be involved in helping to meet this challenge if I am elected. I also feel that economic development is strongly needed in our area to create jobs that provide incomes to individuals and families that will afford them the ability to become homeowners with a vested interest in the local community."
