I preface the following comments with this fact: By state statute, a commissioner's job is fiduciary responsibility to the taxpayers and protection of citizens' health, safety, and welfare. The department directors are the management team that the commissioners oversee. Commissioners must encourage public feedback regarding the effectiveness of government services.

All three commissioners must agree that ethical behavior, increased efficiency and productivity is a priority and must agree on a method to achieve these goals.

I have learned that an effective manager is flexible with many techniques, and must have the experience and knowledge to know which to use in any given situation. When directors are respected, can freely express their ideas, are part of the solution, and are allowed to manage; most will run their departments effectively. Monthly director meetings will be used to increase communications, efficiency, productivity, and provide any necessary management training.

My personal management style is a people oriented, participatory team approach. This style facilitates building consensus and cooperation among elected officials as well as directors. My organizational style facilitates communication flow both horizontally and vertically to build a collaborative problem solving team. It includes open communication with employees and citizens.

I will communicate to directors, employees, and government contractors that unethical behavior will not be tolerated. A clear Code of Ethics that defines expected behavior and consequences for violations is essential.

I will motivate using positive reinforcement for good work performance which includes ethical behavior. But realistically, some employees and government contractors can not be motivated. I have fired and will not hesitate to fire anyone who fails to perform, abuse their power, treats citizens with disrespect, or misuses taxpayer dollars.

Department directors will be held accountable for their departments' productivity. There will be no favoritism in hiring practices or employee treatment. Managers will be expected to fairly evaluate performance: citing strengths, needed improvements, and consequences. If employees need additional work skills, provide it. Employees with a strong work ethic will be rewarded. If employees don't want to work, new ones will be found. I will be visible and available; listen to concerns and ideas. I will compliment good performance and ethics and encourage others to do the same. I will support directors who lead by example.

My experience is varied. As a field geologist, I managed contractors, worked with land owners, and was responsible for following state and federal regulations. As a teacher, I worked collaboratively with others on multi-grade learning activities. I used a variety of classroom management and teaching techniques with maximize different learning styles to help children realize their potential. I also learned budget development and management. As a member of several government and non-government boards, I gained valuable experience in "board management and communications", developing bid requests and selecting contractors, budget development and managment, and program implementation. As a commissioner in the late 1990's, I refined these skills and gained direct experience in all facets of the job that I now ask voters to once again entrust to me.