Commissioner Q&A: Polly Glynn, running for Commissioner District 2

Q. Why are you best qualified to represent Mower County as a county commissioner?

A. My professional career in the financial field has prepared me for the responsibilities of a county commissioner. I have proven myself as a strong, fair leader with the ability to maintain an open mind to make difficult decisions acceptable to all parties. Also, I am a focused, responsible team member with skills in communication and human relations.

 

Q. What would be your main goals if elected?

A. My immediate goal would be to come into this group with an open mind and a fresh perspective. I am willing to learn and work as a team member with the other commissioners to formulate the best possible solutions.

 

Q. The county recently learned it will receive about $400,000 less in County Program Aid from the state in 2013. What kind of specific cuts or changes would you support to address this and other state aid shifts? What do you consider too important to cut?

A. It seems to be the norm in today’s world to adjust to changes in funding. Not having served as a county commissioner yet, it would be inappropriate for me to list specific cuts or changes. As stated above, I am coming into this position with an open mind and look forward to understanding all the county programs and their funding needs. Having served 15 years on the Grand Meadow School Board and 22 years in the banking industry, I understand there are mandated guidelines to be followed regarding funding and spending.

 

Q. The county is one of the six remaining in the once 12-county Southeast Minnesota Human Services Redesign project. The project would lead to merging human services in the remaining counties, which previous studies said could result in staffing reductions. Would you support the merger, and how would you handle the potential effects to staff? And how would you expect the merger to affect taxpayers?

A. I have followed, with interest, the 12-county redesign effort. As with all studies, you need to weigh the pros and cons for your own county, as defined in the report. Human Services is a large part of each county’s budget and mandates specialized personnel to meet the needs and the requirements of each specific area. Can the program be more efficient and cost effective by joining forces with the remaining [six] counties that have not opted out? Possibly — but as a canidate, not the incumbent, (who has been privy to all the data), I do not have that answer yet. If elected, I will enthusiastically embrace the challenge of working on the redesign effort and, at its conclusion, end up with the best possible solution to benefit the Mower County program.

 

Q. A structural engineer recently deemed the grandstand at the Mower County Fair unsafe for use. Would you support fixing the grandstand, rebuilding the grandstand or continuing to rent temporary bleachers? Rebuilding or repairing the grandstand could cost more than $500,000. Renting bleachers each year would cost $7,000 to $10,000 a year.

A. First, Kudos to the Mower County Fair Board for it’s pro-active approach to this safety concern. This wood structure was build in 1934 and is antiqued compared to the cement and handicap accessible facilities at other county fairgrounds. Renting bleachers for this year is the sensible option. After the 2012 fair, there will be an opportunity to look more closely at the venue the Mower County Fair Board is recommending. Reseach will need to be completed to bring forth alternative plans prior to making a decision of this importance. The Mower County Fair has been held for 125-plus years and the fairgrounds are used for other important events as well, so it will be important to maintain its first class amenities.