Letter to the editor: Degen deserves a seat on County Commission

If Stutsman County Commissioner Mark Klose hasn’t been able to resolve the county road issues in 25 years, why is he still there?

Nellie Degen raised that question. It’s one worth asking the voters of Stutsman County, especially since he’s up for re-election and she’s seeking his seat. What are the differences observed between these two candidates — Degen and Klose?

Degen takes the time to listen to people. She has the determination and persistence to get things done. It’s evident by her recent involvement in getting the Parent’s Awareness Center going and bringing the “Bullying” movie to Jamestown. She pushed the county commissioners to approve the National Flood Insurance Program, which without their approval, rural county residents could not purchase flood insurance to protect themselves.

Degen is not shy. She has met with the Governor, our representatives in Washington, our state legislators in Bismarck and everyone else with a title on many local issues.

She pounded the pavement to circulate the petitions for the county road measures last election, which gave you the right to vote on the issues. Last month, Klose voted against putting a measure on the ballot, denying the people the right to vote on what would have been a road-funding measure this general election. Yet, he says he wants to hear from the people.

Obviously, Degen is a woman. Women have been rarely represented on the County Commission. Why? They say if you want something done, give it to a woman. They’re great at multitasking. Unfairly, women have been labeled as “emotional.” Yet, it’s been emotional speeches from many of our great leaders, male and female alike, which has defined their greatest moment. It’s a good quality for both genders! Degen will make a good county commissioner because she cares about the people.

Degen’s question says it all about Klose, so ask yourself: If he’s been unable to resolve the county road issues these 25 years in office, why is he still there?

Recently someone commented to me that they think most of the local elected officials are there just for the monthly pay. Interesting point, the math is — he’s been there 25 years at an average of probably $10,000 per year. That’s a quarter of a million dollars in just salary over the years.

I guess one could say Klose is better off than he was 25 years ago when he took office … but are we?

There are two seats on the commission up for grabs. Voters should put Degen in one of those seats and leave Klose out.

Judy Graves

Ypsilanti, N.D.

Tags: opinion, letters, politics