BoCo candidates address issues

Bollinger County voters will have the opportunity Aug. 2 to decide who will serve the next four years as presiding commissioner of Bollinger County.

To help voters make an informed decision at the polls, all four candidates -- incumbent Leo Arnzen and challengers Adrian Shell, Kenny Trentham and Becky Wiginton -- agreed to answer questions about current issues facing Bollinger County.

Polls open at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m.

(Answers have been edited for length.)

Bollinger County needs more money for roads and bridges and law enforcement. What else do you see as Bollinger County's biggest issues, and how can the commission make use of resources available to it?

Arnzen: Labor Shortage. There is a great shortage of qualified heavy equipment operators, as well as law enforcement officers. In the next five to 10 years, our workforce is going to age out. I can see where a training program would be necessary for CDLs and heavy equipment, for safe and effective operations, for new employees.

Shell: Lack of good employment.

It depends on what resources are available.

Trentham: Making health care more accessible to those in need and unable to travel. A solution could be to create a mobile health care system that makes regular visits throughout the county.

Working toward having quicker response times for ambulance service available to the northern and southern end of the county.

Hiring a grant writer to obtain additional money for needs of the county.

Wiginton: Currently approximately three-fourths of the working population of Bollinger County commute outside of Bollinger County for employment. Not only does this take tax dollars out of Bollinger County, as those who commute out tend to also shop outside of Bollinger County, but it also adds burdens to families. As a parent, I understand the hardship this longer commute causes families.

We need to bring jobs and industry back to Bollinger County. We need to have more employment opportunities available for individuals that live in Bollinger County.

How important is high-speed internet to the growth of the county?

Arnzen: High-speed internet or broadband is something I've been active in the pursuit of for the past three and a half years. It will be a valuable asset for the county to attract business and industries.

Since COVID, more people work from home, which seems to be a growing trend. This would encourage growth in our county by allowing people to live here and still continue to work from home.

Shell: Very important for industry and the citizens of the county.

Trentham: High-speed internet is very important in moving our county forward as it affects the economic and social growth of our community more than ever. Businesses are attracted to communities with high-speed internet, leading to more jobs. Individuals with remote jobs are more likely to move to our county. Those seeking to further their education can access online college or trade courses easier. It's also important for our children not to fall behind in schooling when virtual learning is required. This also can play an important role in our emergency response systems' effectiveness and advancement.

Wiginton: During 2020 and throughout the COVID "shutdown," we experienced the lack of connection. Many of our residents that normally could have worked from home could not, which either forced them to take a layoff or work in office during this time.

As a parent, I also see how essential it is for students of all ages to be able to connect.

As someone who is actively seeking businesses to relocate here or expand here as well as working with new start-up businesses regularly, reliable connection to the internet is one of the greatest obstacles businesses face in Bollinger County.

Does the county commission need to have a five-year, 10-year and 15-year plan to chart its growth?

Arnzen: Our five-year plan is nearly complete for owning, rather than leasing, our equipment for the county.

We are moving forward with the details of the proposed $245 million solar farm project, with road use agreements. I am awaiting responses from the legal team in charge of the road use agreements.

There are already water and sewer projects in progress in both Glen Allen and Leopold, funded by American Rescue Plan Act or ARPA.

Shell: Five-year plan to attract industry -- overall outlook for the county.

Trentham: The county needs to definitely have a five-year plan to chart its growth. With technology advancements and the economy rapidly changing, we must continue to stay up to date on the needs of our county.

Wiginton: Yes, the county commission needs to have a five-year, 10-year and 15-year plan to chart its growth, as well as to show accountability to the people of Bollinger County.

Why do you think you are the best candidate for the position?

Arnzen: Experience.

I will soon have four years in this office, and much of what I have learned cannot be found in any book. There is only one way to learn, and that is on the job, here locally. I am still committed to the continued growth, health and wellbeing of the Bollinger County residents.

Shell: Past experience: Elected city council of Lutesville; elected mayor of Lutesville. I helped to consolidate the two cities of Marble Hill and Lutesville. Elected mayor of Marble Hill.

Trentham: Having served as presiding commissioner in the past, I am acquainted with the challenges this position presents. I have the time and experience to commit to taking care of the everyday needs that arise, as well as working toward the future goals. I would be honored to represent the citizens of Bollinger County if given this opportunity.

Wiginton: I have spent the past six years serving as Bollinger County Chamber of Commerce president. Through this position I have learned the importance of economic growth. We will not have better roads, our law enforcement cannot be better funded and our emergency responders will not have access to better equipment without us working towards a better economy.

Surrounding counties have flourished while industry has left our community continuously since the early 1970s. I find this unacceptable and this needs to change. Our people deserve better roads, better emergency service, better county services, and better opportunities here locally. As an elected official chosen by the people of Bollinger County, I feel that the presiding commissioner should play an active role in recruiting businesses, stabilizing the economy, and easing the burdens off the residents of Bollinger County.

Abraham Lincoln said "a government of the people, by the people, for the people." Serving as the presiding commissioner for Bollinger County would not be just a part-time job for me. This is my home, this is where I was raised, this is where my parents were raised, and this is where I pray my grandchildren are raised. I understand working with the people, for the people; and together we can have a better Bollinger County.

If elected I intend to make serving the citizens of Bollinger County my full-time job. While I do own a business in Bollinger County, I am prepared to hand the reins of our business over to our daughter. While I plan to remain active with Bollinger County Chamber of Commerce and Bollinger County Building Local Prosperity, I do intend to step down from my unpaid volunteer leadership role and hand it over to those that have served with me over the past years.

I have full confidence that with time and work, we can conquer the obstacles that face Bollinger County and make our county better for the generations to come.