The Buffalo County Republican Party met Monday Evening to give those running for local and county office carrying the GOP banner, some time to give their pitch for office to the public, and answer any questions they might have. Those highlighted that Evening were Sheri Jones, Running for the 6th district on the board of education, Roy Meusch, and Nora Borer, both running for County Assessor.
Jones mentioned what drove her to run for the board of education position in particular were the heavily criticized health standards that the board of education proposed in June last year, which she opposed.
Some of Jones’s biggest goals is to be transparent with parents with what the board is doing, what is in the curriculum, and to have quality education. Jones also pointed out the importance of having the local school districts make as many decisions as possible, as those districts would know what would be best for those being educated there.
Trying to address the teacher shortage is also one issue Joes is going to address, and wants to recruit highly qualified individuals and keep them long term.
Meusch made sure from the start to mention his lengthy history centered on property, from contracting, to real estate selling homes and later commercial property, saying that all that experience would help him in the position for county assessor.
One question that was brought up by county citizens that attended the meeting was property taxes, and Meusch made sure to inform those there, that the assessor only has control over the property tax equation that deals with the value of a home, as the other two parts of that three pronged problem is state regulated.
A few at that meeting had also asked if Meusch how he would be any different than the current assessor. Meusch answered that he would have an open office, and nothing would be secret or hidden away from the taxpayer. Any question on how the office comes up with its values and otherwise would be explained if he is elected.
Nora Borer was quick to bring up her belief that all county officials should remember that they are public servants, and should work alongside employees to advocate for the county and its citizens and wants to run their office with honesty and integrity.
Borer was also asked that same question, how she would be different between the current assessor. Borer mentioned a plan that she would assign each assistant assessor their own area of the county, so they can become familiar with said area. This would make things more even, and allow the office to better take care of that area and the county at large.
Borer also added that going through the whole county and taking another look at how reviews are done to make them more consistent, is also on the table.
