Today’s Long County election preview focuses on the 5th District commissioner’s race between incumbent Robert Walker and challenger Dwight Gordon. Each candidate was given the same questions.

Robert Walker

Can you provide a brief biography?

I attended business school at the University of Alaska S.E., received my management certificate from Portland State and am retired from the U.S. Coast Guard.

What makes you qualified to be a Long County commissioner?

I have worked as an administrator for the federal government and the Coast Guard for more than 22 years. I have proven that with the help of other board members, we can end each year in office with enough funds to create a contingency fund that will cover taxes to be collected without getting loans.

What would be some of the first actions you would take on the commission? Also, would you attempt to make any major changes over your term?

I think we as a board have started several new administrative processes in order to save the county money and would like to see these continue to be worked on. Over the next four years, I would like to see more training set aside for each employee. Other than that, we have worked very well as a board with the changes that have been made over our current term.

What are some issues specific to your district you would address?

With the amount of dirt roads in the 5th District, I would like to see more calcium chloride used on the roads for stabilization and dust control. I also would like to see a process in place for at least one public meeting where only members from that district meet to discuss issues.

How do you see the county changing with population growth?

I believe we all need to work hard on commercial growth instead of living in a personal property tax-base county. Fortunately, we have four businesses researching our area for consideration in locating here.

Do you have any comment on taxes?

We have worked hard as a board to develop a contingency fund of more than $2.5 million. We have done this by restructuring insurance, cutting back on maintenance costs of equipment and getting fuel costs down. We were able to lower the fuel costs by having employees who operate a vehicle use a system where we are discounted 7 cents at the pump. With these savings, there should be no expectation that taxes have to increase.

Do you have any comment on roads?

We have ordinances that ensure all developers pave roads in subdivisions that they develop. We also will work hard to get our county roads resurfaced and striped.

Anything else?

I have worked hard over this term and would appreciate the voters to allow me to serve them for one more term as their commissioner. There are a lot of positive changes going on that residents can see, and I would like to continue being a part of these changes.

Dwight Gordon

Can you provide a brief biography?

I’m 60 years old and have lived all of my life in Long County. I am married to Kay Passmore Gordon, and we have two grown children and four grandchildren.

What makes you qualified to be a Long County commissioner?

I have been employed by the Rayonier Jesup Mill for 40 years. During this time, I have worked in management and as a lead operator of machines for the past 18 years. These are decisive positions dealing with budgets and cost analysis, along with working with other department heads and employees. I feel that will help guide me as I work with other commissioners.

What would be some of the first actions you would take on the commission? Also, would you attempt to make any major changes over your term?

To make Long County a better place to live, I would like to implement a strong working relationship with the other commissioners and county departments. I also would like to pursue the possibility of a hiring a county manager.

What are some issues specific to your district you would address?

Roads, roads, roads. Some of our roads are impassable at times. I’ve seen people stuck in a ditch and in the middle of a county road. This would be one issue, but there would be others, too.

How do you see the county changing with population growth?

The county has to attract more industry, more competitive business and build better roads.

Do you have any comment on taxes?

I will be committed to spending county revenue wisely, cutting unnecessary spending and keeping taxes as low as possible.

Do you have any comment on roads?

I’m adamant about country roads. I will work hard with county commissioners and the state and federal agencies to attain funds to improve our roads.

Anything else?
I want to tell the citizens of Long County that I will be fair, honest and respectful of you and your opinions.

On Sunday: A preview of the 2nd District commissioner’s race.