July 25, 2008

Republican candidates respond to questions
 By Mike Potter
Staff Writer

The Flume is printing responses from Republican candidates for District 1 and District 3 Park County commissioner who are facing each other in the Aug. 12 primary.

The Republican candidate in District 2 is uncontested in the primary.

The Democratic candidate running for county commissioner in District 2 is uncontested in the primary, and third-party and unaffiliated candidates will not be participating in the primary election.

The commissioner candidates were asked three questions and given 300 words to respond. Their responses were edited for length and style.

District 1 candidates are John Tighe and Doug Tamminga. The candidates for District 3 are Lillian Wissel and Mark Dowaliby.

The questions are:

  1. How do you define conflict of interest relative to the office you are seeking, how would you handle it if a conflict of interest arose, and do you think it is now an issue for you or your opponent?

  2. Describe your background and how it has prepared you for being commissioner.

  3. What would be your top priorities if you are elected?

Candidate responses are in the order they will appear on the primary ballot, beginning with District 1.

District 1

John Tighe

(Note: Because of space considerations, Tighe chose to respond only to the first two questions asked by The Flume)

1. Among the myriad of responsibilities that a county commissioner has, two of the main, if not THE main areas of concern, are the budget and land use decisions. Black's Law Dictionary defines conflict of interest as "a real or seeming incompatibility between ones' private interests and one's public or fiduciary duties." Using the legal definition, a "real" conflict of interest would exist if I had a financial interest in a particular land use case upon which I was also to make a decision in my quasi-judicial capacity as commissioner. In that case, I would have to disclose the conflict and recuse myself from the decision-making process. Concerning the budget, a commissioner decides who gets what and how much. If a commissioner's family member stood in line for the taxpayers' dollars against a department head or other elected official, a "seeming incompatibility between ones' private interests and one's public or fiduciary duties" would certainly exist. My relationship with the Sheriff's Office is well known and undisputed, and it is true that I have kept my reserve status. It is neither reasonable nor rational to expect me to give up the ability to find employment in my field once I leave public office. However, I have no "private interest" in the Sheriff's Office. Three-and-one-half years of experience in this position has taught me that it is not an issue for me and that I can be trusted. My only agenda is what is in the best interest of Park County and when there is a difficult decision to be made concerning ANY department or elected official, I would not hesitate to make it in my capacity as County Commissioner.

2. Twenty-plus years of community service background and commitment. In addition, three-and-one-half successful years as your current Park County commissioner has given me the knowledge of this county and its issues for the next four years as commissioner.

Doug Tamminga

1. A conflict of interest would be one of the following;

I would recuse myself from both discussions and voting on issues where I had declared a conflict of interest.

I believe it is an issue for Commissioner Tighe for the reason he is still working for the Sheriff's Office, and he has purview over their budget.

2. I have had many leadership roles in my past, both professionally and voluntarily. I have been in the construction industry all my life (so far) and since graduating from carpenter apprentice school, I have been an assistant project manager, a carpenter lead man and, most of my career, a jobsite superintendant, and now owner of my own construction company.

I have been a board member of Platte Canyon Fire Protection District since 1997.

I have served on the State Electrical Board since 2001.

I was the co-facilitator of the Platte Canyon School Facilities Planning Committee.

President of Burland Ranchettes Recreation Association for five years.

Many other volunteer activities as well.

3. Streamline the budget. Re-apportion funds to make county government more balanced and equitable. Regain taxpayer trust by spending their money wisely. Make dealing with the county more user-friendly.

District 3

Lillian Wissel

State law requires disclosure of any personal gain or monetary advantage during the course of one's official duties. I have and will avoid any potential conflicts.

All three commissioners adopt budgets for county offices. I said in 2006 I would not participate in a decision if a conflict of interest arose. I have never found myself placed in this situation, nor will I.

I will hold all elected officials and department heads to the same high standards.

I have lived in Park County for nearly three decades. I worked for Park County government for more than 15 years, in seven different departments. I have first-hand knowledge of those departments' operations and budgets.

As commissioner I have the experience of developing and balancing the entire county budget. I am working daily on the issues that affect our citizens.

2. My experience in the Planning Department has provided hands-on land use experience. I know the day-to-day operations of working with and for the citizens, and the codes that are adopted.

I have operated a successful development consulting business for almost ten years. My years of being on both sides of these activities have demonstrated clearly the obstacles faced whenever one deals with the county. We must be more user-friendly with the public. Let's help them succeed rather than fail.

3. My first and foremost priority is to gain back the trust of our constituents throughout this wonderful county. I will be re-evaluating each department under the direct management of the commissioners. We need to find balance within our limited financial resources.

We will tighten our belts, just like our citizens do. The money we save can be re-allocated to our most critical needs. No longer can we afford business as usual. Times are changing and we must too.

Mark Dowaliby

1. A conflict of interest is having a direct or indirect financial interest in the outcome of a decision made by a public official. However, even the appearance of a conflict of interest must be avoided at all times if the trust of the public is to be kept.

I have no business dealings with the county and never have. No member of my family is employed by the county. Serving in my role as vice chair of the Planning Commission, I have never taken part in any decision that the Town of Alma, where I serve as mayor, has taken a position on. If elected, I will immediately resign as mayor so there will be absolutely no conflict of interest, either real or perceived.

2. I have a very extensive background in Park County politics. As a resident of the county since 1989, I have been actively involved in the political process. With my assistance and leadership, the Town of Alma has evolved back into a thriving community. I can help do the same with the county. I served on the Alma town council for eight years in various roles, and I have been the elected mayor for four years. I have also served for four years on the Park County Planning Commission, currently as the vice chair. These experiences have enabled me to build trust with the taxpayers, which is needed in the county.

3. If elected, my main priority will be economic development in the county. We have 1,700 miles of roads in the county, many of which are in desperate need of repair. Economic development will help to bring in money for the roads and save people some of the hidden expenses of living in Park County, due to vehicle repairs and safety issues. Communication is also a problem in the county that needs to be addressed. I intend to open and maintain all lines of communication between the taxpayers and the county.

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