MOUNT VERNON — With county commissioner Teresa Bemiller not seeking reelection, two candidates are squaring off for the open seat this November.
One of those candidates is republican Barry Lester.
Here’s his bio:
Barry Lester
Occupation: Donley Ford of Mount Vernon
Education: High School Diploma – Fredericktown High School
Honorable Discharge: United States Army
Qualifications for office: Forty years of business management, including Chief Operating Officer – Midwestern Auto Group supervising 200 employees; versed in financial analysis, team building, employee benefits, HR and vendor negotiations.
Why are you running for office? I believe we need transparency in government. A solid business background will enhance the ability to respond to budgetary needs. We need to continue the fight against Farmland Solar along with the future growth challenges that may try to take advantage of our county. I have a fresh perspective that will be advantageous. Our first responders need added support.
What are the three most significant issues facing the county? Communication, communication, communication; whether it is farmland solar, our county aquifer, support services, rapid housing development or overall growth, the voters of Knox County have a voice. Balancing a budget reflecting those needs should be within our reach.
What will you do to address them? I plan to be more transparent by informing our county citizens, in real-time, about issues that ultimately require a majority buy-in; we should be current for many issues that are brought to the office and are being discussed and negotiated. This will allow the office to have more citizen involvement by creating awareness.
Traveling the county, during the last several months, I have become acutely aware of the need to keep our 22 Township’s Trustees involved. We should align them with current information.
This will allow greater knowledge to have the authority and confidence to make decisions.
This will become even more important facing strategic decisions for growth and development of housing that is here and now. I will implement a formal reporting system for the townships on a regular basis and expect the same respected response.
Budgetary coordination and fiscal responsibility are a large part of my resumé. I bring the aptitude of managing a multi-million dollar gross and net company’s financial success, tripling profits in less than 10 years.
Overseeing and taking a fresh look at the challenges of fiscal responsibility dominates this position. I will come fully prepared.
The ability to perform in this position, full-time, will have a great advantage, very much like Teresa Bemiller has done for several years. I respectfully acknowledge that this is why she is effective.