Election 2022: Get to know the candidates

For the upcoming election, candidates have provided answers to questions posed by Tribune-Sentinel staff, that will give citizens some insights into the candidate’s positions on issues of interest to voters.
This week features candidates for the District 44 Commissioner seat.

1) What qualifications do you have that would effectively serve and benefit the citizens of Nebraska District 44 if you are elected to this position?

Mark Bottom: I am an experienced leader in county government as the former Perkins County Sheriff. I have spent my professional lifetime in public service. I have two decades of military service (US Army) and leadership.
Having been a part of county government gives me great insight into the process and how it works. My goal is truly to serve and lead with the best interest of the county at heart, no agenda, no bias.
The ability to work well with others is a strength of my leadership style. The advantage we have in our rural community is that by and large our county officials share similar goals for local government. Are we being efficient with our county dollars, are we truly serving our constituents, and are we providing the services county government is meant for?
I believe I will bring these shared values to the challenge and help to lead our county government in being progressive and fiscally efficient.
James Vak: I have been foreman of District #2 Roads under three different commissioners. I am highly knowledgeable in all areas that need addressed as far as roads go. I have also worked closely with commissioners in the past and present on other issues the county has and is dealing with. I have run my own business, as well as managed other businesses. I am fiscally conservative and make decisions based on facts, not emotions or popularity. I have 30+ years experience in construction and mechanics and I am a certified motor grader operator as well. Not only am I qualified to do the physical labor that is required to maintain the infrastructure, I am able to make the business decisions as well. I read the fine print!

2) What sets you apart from your opponents?

Mark Bottom: My years of public service and my dedication to serving others set me apart. Including my time as Perkins County Sheriff, I have spent my professional life in community service.
I spent 23 years in the US Army, serving this great nation. My time in the Army allowed me to lead in all types of situations and places around the world. I believe those experiences and the knowledge I gained will help me be a part of leading Perkins County in a positive way.
When not serving in county government or the military, I worked as an athletic director, teacher and coach. I got to serve and lead young people in ways that that can only be described as hard work, but also an amazing experience. In all these, working well with others for the betterment of our community was and is the goal. This is what has drawn me to try and continue serving our community as a publicly elected official.

James Vak: I will actually be a working commissioner if elected. I have the knowledge and experience it takes to be a commissioner. I have and will continue to put forth the work it takes to get issues resolved and tasks completed.
I will be on the job every day, making sure the taxpayers’ dollars are not being squandered. My family has been in Perkins County for nearly 105 years, so I have a vested interest in seeing the county continue to improve.
I am not interested in being a commissioner in name only. I am the only candidate endorsed by the Nebraskans Against Government Overreach and the current commissioner Ron Hagan.
I will continue my position as foreman of the roads department as well as being commissioner. I am a certified motor grader operator.

3) Do you have any concerns about the Nebraska District 44? If so, how would you address then if elected?

Mark Bottom: I wouldn’t frame them as concerns, but I think the two BIG thoughts that our constituents have when selecting county commissioners are roads (infrastructure) and budgets.
As for roads, they are one of the most visible features of our infrastructure. We do not have unlimited man hours, resources or budgets, so I will need to know the road plan, work the road plan, revisit the road plan, and stay on top of the road plan. I will support, lead, encourage and challenge your road crews. As your commissioner, I will commit to working with and for the county to maximize our efforts on this key part of our infrastructure.
Budgets: My experience here tells me that by and large, other elected county officials work to try and be as efficient as possible with our tax dollars. I plan to join our other commissioners to lead the county in this direction.

James Vak: My concern is getting a person in office who has no knowledge of what is going on or what needs to be done, then having that person leave after one term. This causes inconsistency, lack of long-term planning and lack of achieving goals that are set. For example, District 2 has had five commissioners in the last 12 years. Electing me allows the taxpayers to have someone in office who has experience and knowledge to keep things running smoothly and efficiently.
Also, we need to address how to continue getting resources to our rural first responders and health care providers. I am also worried about the continued rise of taxes. I will support all measures to lower taxes.