Name: Kevin Vickerman
Occupation: I have lived in Murray County all my life of 49 years and married to wife Michelle for 25 years. I farm north of Currie where I raise corn, soybeans, wheat and Berkshire hogs. It is a Century farm of 135 years so I have a big interest in what happens to the future of Murray County. I have been your commissioner of District 1 for 8 years and feel that the current board has done a good job of managing services and their cost with the taxpayer in mind. This has been a hard thing to do in today's funding environment but I think we can show a good return on your investment. I ask for your support to continue working for Murray County's future.
What prompted you to run for county commissioner? The reason that I would like to continue to be a Murray County Commissioner is that I finally have enough years in to become an important chair for the State's Counties. In this position I'm able to influence change in the way we deliver services. I believe that we can deliver services in a more practical and cost-effective way. I agree that more money won't solve the problem but the services are highly needed also. Smarter thinking and new technology in service delivery are a few of the answers.
Do you have experience in leadership or local government? I feel that I'm qualified in many ways: I have been through many leadership courses. I'm a current commissioner with two terms of handling difficult issues. I have a wide knowledge of the county from its past to its future. I chair or sit on many boards for the county. The one I have made the biggest impact in is chairing the Health and Human Services for the Statewide Counties. Here we deal with all human services, from childhood protection to nursing homes.
What do you think is the most important issue in your county? There are always issues facing the area and their importance change with time. Short term; jobs are a concern, but Murray County has a low unemployment rate compared to the rest of the state. Roads have become a topic of future concerns. Finding the funding to repair or expand the road system is and will be a bigger challenge in the future. But as I look to the future, I find that health care will be the biggest need for an aging population of the County. I think it is very important to have a High Quality health care system in Murray Co. We are planning for an increase use of health care services and want to keep it local as much as possible. This will make it easier for appointments; love ones to visit and less road travel.
