Four candidates are vying for two seats on the Mower County Board of Commissioners. In District 1, incumbent Tim Gabrielson is looking to hold off newcomer James Williams. Two familiar faces return in District 2, as Polly Glynn looks to win a second term by defeating Ray Tucker, who she ousted by 61 votes in 2012 after he’d served 16 years on the board.

Tim Gabrielson

Tim Gabrielson, 67, is a retired Farmers Insurance agent seeking another term. He and his wife, Diane, have been married 43 years, have two children, three grandchildren, and a dog.

Q: Why did you decide to run/rerun for a seat on the Mower County board? 

A: When we moved outside the city limits of Austin in 2000, I had people suggest that I should be commissioner. We loved the country living and the different lifestyle. I decided to learn what county government did. I was surprised when I started going to all of the county board meetings how much the county did and was responsible for.

I learned a lot of what the commissioner did and their many responsibilities by attending for a year and a half and decided it was a good fit for me and a chance to be involved and help.

Q: Tell us about your past experience.

A: I have been self-employed running my own businesses for over 40 years.

I enjoy working with the public and trying make things better. Having good communicating skills and good ethics is a must and I feel I have both. 

Q: What do you believe will make you a good board member?

A: I work well with others and have proved it over the last 8 years.

I’m always looking for ways to improve how to get things done better.

Q: Describe how you would approach and consider issues on the board?

A: To be open and honest!

Q: Mower County has long faced shortfalls in transportation funding and has a half-cent sales tax for roads set to take effect in 2018. How would you like to best address road concerns?

A: Both federal and state governments have not properly addressed transportation funding of one of the most crucial infrastructure all across the nation. It is the backbone of our country and without good roads and bridges we are out of business. Think about it!

The state gave us the opportunity to add a half-cent sales tax to be used only for designated road and bridge repair for a 10-year period. We opted not to do it last year (2016) in hopes that the state would come thru, but for the second year in a row they didn’t live up to their promise. We need that money now.

Q: Describe your approach to discussing and weighing budget, funding and spending issues as they come up. 

A: Costs of everything is going up to everyone and there is a continuing demand for more and faster services in all areas.

What area to cut is basically out of our hands as we actually only control 14-15 percent of our budget. The rest is mandated!

Q: What things do you think can be done to improve the county?

A: Get the federal and state governments to get rid of about 50 percent of the regulations so smaller businesses can grow and quit giving our money to other countries! We need to take care of ourselves first.

Q: What other issues would you like to see addressed by the board and why? 

A: What mandates could we cut without losing funding.

Q: What are some of your favorite hobbies? 

A: Golfing, fishing, shooting, stock car racing and working in my shop or working in our yard.

Q: What would we find you doing on a typical Friday night?

A: Visiting with friends.