Editor’s note: The following is graciously shared with GCNO readers by The Scranton Journal
To provide more information about the three Republican candidates for the Greene County board of supervisors in District 3, The Scranton Journal asked the candidates to respond to a questionnaire. Here are the questions and their responses.
Name, age, address:
Daniel Benitz, 1706 Westwood Drive, Jefferson
Cassie George, Age – 35 (next week), 2406 E Avenue, Bayard.
James Hedges, 39, 723 300th St., Bagley.
Current employment and past employment that may be relevant to the board of supervisors:
Benitz: I am currently retired. I taught High School and Adult Vocational programs. Welding, machining, on the job training and construction. Greene County students built 16 houses building approximately $4 million of taxable property. Also had state and national champions in Skills USA. I come from a farming background and have worked part time for SAV in Paton. Also have manufacturing experience.
George: I have worked at AKC Marketing located in Johnston as a merchandise manager for the past nine years this fall. We provide services to a wide variety of small businesses, schools along with large agriculture and construction companies. Growing up farming I have spent many hours helping on our family farms putting up hay, helping haul in grain and taking care of livestock along with other various jobs.
Hedges: Farmer, truck driver, seed salesman, and enjoy using my construction skills when I can.
Current involvement in the community (Service organizations or church):
Benitz: I have been active in Kiwanis for 50 years and have served on various committees and as president. We have been members of Trinity Lutheran Church since moving to town. I am currently serving as an elder and have served on various committees. Also, was responsible for remodeling the sanctuary and in adding the fellowship hall.
George: Having shown horses my entire life, I work hard to help any youth when I am able. Between local 4-H meetings, FFA events or shows I know the importance of stepping in to help them gain knowledge within the industry. I also am on the Iowa Quarter Horse Association board and am currently the District 6 director in which I help promote the industry along with putting on events, clinics and shows. It is important to help our youth and there is nothing better than to watch them succeed at their dreams!
Hedges: First Baptist Church
Why are you running for supervisor?
Benitz: I am running for supervisor to help our county continue to grow. We are fortunate to have our medical center, manufacturing, progressive schools, businesses and recreation facilities. We need to work hard in government to maintain and all of these and a safe living environment for our citizens.
George: I am running for the Greene County supervisor position to become more involved with the communities along with the growth of the county. Having grown up in an agricultural and business minded family it has helped me become very diverse along with the knowing the value of everyone working together.
Hedges: Being born and raised here, I had many opportunities and I want to help ensure that the next generation has even better opportunities. Also, to be more involved in the community. My trucking career hasn’t allowed me to be very dependable but with it relaxing I want to help the community/county that made me who I am today.
If elected, what are your two or three top priorities for Greene County?
Benitz: We need to grow a skilled workforce by offering more basic technical and trades related programs at the secondary level. Keeping good health care, law enforcement and fire protection. All of these are important to also promote more industry business and agricultural opportunities to see growth in Greene County.
George: If elected as the Greene Country supervisor my main purpose and focus would be to listen to our community members with any issues or concerns brought to my attention. I would be here to serve our county and to help continue the growth of our infrastructure while continuing to keep our community a safe and welcoming place to live.
Hedges: Maintaining the services that the county provides while allowing the county to grow.
What do you see as the challenges that Greene County is facing today?
Benitz: Keeping Greene County a quality place to live and improving marginal housing. Bring more manufacturing and businesses to the county.
George: Like many communities we face shortages of employees for our local businesses. I would like to work to help draw families to Greene County to help our businesses fill those positions while also providing a great place to raise their families.
Hedges: Keeping the quality of services that the county provides. With the high cost of everything today, I want to make sure the county continues to have the best health, safety, education and infrastructure while easing the burden of the people of Greene County.
What do you like most about living in Greene County?
Benitz: I enjoy living in a smaller rural area. I like helping people with their needs and concerns. Greene county is progressive in many ways and is striving to make improvements.
George: Having grown up in Illinois and moving to the area my husband and I have met many great people. I love how welcoming our communities are along with the support I have seen for other fellow families, especially during any hardships. Greene County is a great area to raise our children and to be able to attend family fun events hosted by hard working community members.
Hedges: The rural neighborly feeling. I feel like our kids can go out and enjoy being kids without the concerns of the big city.
What would you tell someone who is considering a move to Greene County?
Benitz: Greene County is a nice place to settle. We have good business and industry and employment opportunities. The county has good schools, healthcare, recreational facilities and progressive agriculture.
George: Greene County is a beautiful area not only to live in but to be a part of! There are many community events and wonderful opportunities for our youth. Having moved to this area myself I would continue to encourage others to move to the area.
Hedges: Greene County has many things to offer; good paying jobs, recreation, tourism, small businesses, all while keeping the safe neighborly feeling of a small community.
Final comments:
Benitz: Living in Greene County since 1971, the county has been very good to us all of these years and I look forward to giving back to the community if elected.
George: I am very grateful to have the opportunity to run for the Greene County Supervisor position. Being elected would give me the opportunity to become more involved with our communities. I would love to be a part of that with my husband and two young children.
Hedges: Your support already has been overwhelming and much appreciated. As I have said before, Greene County has provided me and my family with many opportunities. With your continued support I would like to return the favor to your family and improve on the possibilities for the next generation.
