Commissioners to elect one for Dist. 2
1 Why do you want to serve? If an incumbent, how long have you served?
Mark Bottom: Unfinished business. I believe I have worked hard to foster a meaningful working relationships with our fellow Commissioners. I believe we are just hitting stride and doing great things in positioning our communities for the future, being fiscally responsible, and working hard to provide true public service. One 4-year-term as County Commissioner.
Leon Pankonin: To give back to the community.
2 What qualifications or background do you have that makes you a good candidate?
Leon Pankonin: I’ve had 2 terms experience.
Mark Bottom: My knowledge and experience in County Government. My time as our County Sheriff, combined with my years as Commissioner, gives me exceptional experience in how county government works. I also think my 23 years in the US Army provided me with many different leadership experiences and opportunities, especially as it relates to decision-making. I currently also serve on several regional boards. I am on the SouthWest Nebraska Public Health Board. I am also on the board of directors of West Central Nebraska Development District, which provides economic development for communities in our region. Locally,
I serve as board president of Western Sky Community Care Center, a nonprofit with the mission of restoring nursing home care to our area.
3 What do you think you can contribute to the position? What accomplishments have you achieved already in office?
Mark Bottom: Fiscal conservatism. My first three years in office we did not raise our operations budget in District 2. Operations cost were frozen for those three years. We did do COLA for employees. In addition to freezing the operations budget, by the end of my second year as commissioner, we had paid back all previously borrowed inheritance funds from District 2. There is work still to do, but I am helping position our county for the future by being careful in spending and efficient with our resources and opportunities and trying to be proactive, not reactive.
Leon Pankonin: Try to cut taxes.
4 What important and immediate goals will you address if elected?
Leon Pankonin: If the Planning Commission makes a recommendation, go with their decision.
Mark Bottom: I think that it is likely state legislation capping local annual property tax revenue growth at 2 percent is coming our way. I applaud this effort by our state legislature. We need to figure out real solutions as it relates to an ever-increasing property tax burden. There are times the State can mandate services from local officials and then not fund them. I do not believe this proposed legislation falls there, but I plan to continue to communicate with our Senators. I also hope state officials tighten their budgeting belts as much as they require local officials to, and not be in a “do as I say, not as I do” situation. Preparing locally as if a cap is coming is wise. This will require us as a county to be ready to continue to provide great services with less income. That takes planning, thinking years ahead, and at times making difficult decisions.
5 What sets you apart from your opponents?
Mark Bottom: My lifetime of public service. From 18 years as a police officer, to my second career in teaching and coaching our young people, to my 23 years of military service. I believe in this great nation. I believe in our system of government. I have put my money where my mouth is, at the local level and overseas. Serving community is what makes me tick and I believe I have great experience in this regard.
Leon Pankonin: No Answer.
6 Are there any other issues you wish to address?
Leon Pankonin: If one person makes decisions on roads, may be the whole county votes on it.
Mark Bottom: No.
7 Current occupation and length of employment?
Mark Bottom: I thought my wife and I retired, and officially that is our status, but we are busier now than we were before. I still coach junior high basketball and track.
Leon Pankonin: Farm.
8 Personal Life (spouse/children/etc.)?
Leon Pankonin: Lisa, Amy and Marty Retchless, Tad Hoffman, Cecil and Jen, Ben and Andrea, Max and Jess.
Mark Bottom: Married 44 years, two children, a great son-in-law and daughter in-law, and three grandchildren.