Commissioner candidates discuss their intentions in seeking District 2 seat

​YORK – Four candidates were interviewed during a public session this week, as they sought to be the next District 2 York County Commissioner. 

​As reported Tuesday night, Deb Robertson was named the new commissioner. Also seeking the seat were Jacob Stutzman, Trevor Smith and Chris Ziegler.
They were interviewed by a panel consisting of the county clerk, county attorney and county treasurer. Each of the elected officials asked the candidates questions about their backgrounds, intentions and familiarity with the job requirements of being a county commissioner.
Stutzman explained how he lives south of Waco, is a firefighter in York as well as a farmer. He said he was prompted to apply for the position after a number of people suggested he should run. “I understand the financial responsibility of the county board.” He was asked if he had strong opinions on any specific topic which strongly motivated him to run. “I think the issue today is that some residents feel their voices aren’t always heard. In my profession, we deal with conflict and making people feel heard is very important. I’m very easy to reach and will always respond, and I don’t mind having conversations with people.”
He was asked how many county meetings he’s attended or watched online, he said he’s watched one and he reads all the coverage of the board meetings. What is his vision for the county’s growth? “York County is a unique county with unique challenges. Keeping youth here is a huge priority.” He was also asked about his personal strengths and weaknesses – Stutzman said he enjoys working with people. And when asked if he understands the commissioner role, he noted how the county board handles the budget and is responsible for “policies, procedures and zoning.”
Ziegler told the panel how he is a lifetime York County resident, living within six miles of where he grew up. “I’ve had this on my radar for some time and the timing is now right.” He already sits on a number of boards “and I am a fifth-generation farmer. This district fits me as it is predominantly agricultural.” He was asked if he was aware of any big decisions the county commissioners have had to deal with in recent years. “Not passing solar zoning,” he responded.
He was asked how he would handle misunderstandings. “There have been a lot of those,” he said. “The whole zoning thing has not maybe been very open and the constituents need to be better educated, that would be my first priority. I have a daughter and son-in-law who have come back to farm and that’s pride for me. I’d like to see more county youth feel that way.”
He was asked why he didn’t run for the office two years ago. Ziegler responded, “The situation there is that three or four years ago, my dad held this position and he wanted me to run when he was done. That’s where my motivation started. When he passed away, I wasn’t ready to jump into the spot and now I have the ability to do it.” When asked about handling conflict, Ziegler said “communication and education are key. We need peaceful, civil resolutions. As a county commissioner, the main task is to manage the county. A lot of trust is placed in the department heads, the budget is the county board’s responsibility and there is a great need to place trust in those running offices.”
Robertson talked about retiring from the York library after a 25-year career in the field. “I have worked closely with boards and leadership teams, boards governed the work of the library I led. If appointed, I would focus on listening, learning and leading. I’m seeking the role due to my belief in public service and trust.” She was also asked how many commissioner meetings she’s attended, she explained how she’s watched segments online and has come before the commissioners each year as she made the library’s budget requests.
When asked about resolving misunderstandings, Robertson said, “We need to talk to people and try to find a consensus, we need to talk it out.” Her motivation for seeking the position? “I need to be involved,” Robertson said. “I love to work with others. There are no specific issues as my motivation.” Does she have a good connection with the rural part of the county? “I’d like to think so, the library is York County’s library, not just York’s. And I would like to have townhalls in the rural communities in my district to learn more. I’m a goal driven person and I enjoy working on projects. I see this as a consensus-style governance, to see how people work together to get to the center.”
Smith talked about being a farmer, real estate agent with his company specializing in ag-related properties, being a volunteer firefighters and member of groups like Ducks Unlimited. “I could be a help with zoning. I also work in farm management. I was born and raised here, I enjoy living in York County, talking with people and working to solve problems. We need to look at what the majority wants and I’m here to represent the majority of the district. I need to look at how issues impact the district but also the county as a whole. We also need to talk out issues – communication and education are a big part of it.”
“Two years ago, you could have run for the office, what is your motivation now?” he was asked. Smith said it was something he’s thought about, “and then people in the district said I should do this. I can look at things objectively and I think people in my area need a good voice. I think I could be a good fit on the board as well.” When he was asked about challenges before the county, he replied, “Correct growth. We need to be mindful of neighbors and communities, I want people to have the chance for growth but we also don’t want junk coming in. Growth, it needs to be right for us.” When asked further about his priorities, Smith said, “Talking to people, a lot of complaints are more maintenance driven with roads and infrastructure. That’s a main topic, to be more efficient.