Trish Giordano and Brad Roether are seeking election to the 1st District seat on the Geary County Commission. They both touched on a number of topics during a candidate forum in Junction City Thursday night.
One topic involved their views on a proposed slaughterhouse.
--Brad Roether: "This is all we've heard, transparency. Now I realize city officials can't say what's going on but there again let's give the people, the voters a chance to say what they want in their community. We shouldn't do this stuff behind closed doors. " Roether added that he was aware that Colby, Hays and Abilene didn't want the project. "Why did they come to Junction City? Did we reach out to them or did they come to us?
--Trish Giordano: Giordano noted that when she first learned about the proposed project she was informed that there would not be any smell, there would be new technology, it would be all enclosed, and bring 300 jobs at $25 an hour. Giordano noted that she was excited. "Well, there have been many, many rumors out there and I've also heard that it's not going to be closed. They weren't using biodome technology. "Giordano added now until she sees something in writing, as an elected official she will not be for or against something until she sees all the information and can make an educated decision.
--Trish Giordano: She has pushed successfully for the hiring of a county finance director, and defended the decision. She pointed to the health of the $42 million budget. "Our budget has too many intricacies not to have someone dedicated to it fulltime." She also cited the cost effectiveness of having a single department to manage contracts and expenses.
--Brad Roether said he thought a finance director was great for the county. Accountability is needed for everyone's tax dollar. "Let's look at value. A quote from our commissioner. Aug. 2, 2021. I would like to hire an experienced person at a higher rate for two years on contract. See how they do, get things straightened out and after two years hire someone at a lower rate. Value a county employee. She'll set here and tell you she values our county employees. Is that really valuing an employee of the county."
--Brad Roether: He described himself as a leader who surrounds himself with leaders. I think I can lead this county in the right direction. I would love to see our county employees not walking on pins and needles wondering if they're going to do the wrong thing. "
--Trish Giordano: "In my next term I would like to see a three to five year capital improvement plan, a county - wide fiscal plan and other policies with continuity in the county." Giordano also wants to help oversee implementation of a new software system designed to provided better efficiency and effectiveness. "Allowing department heads electronic access to their budgets, which they do not have at this time."
The election is Nov. 8.