Bollinger County Commission, District 2 -- Andy "Bud" Wiesner

Name: Andy "Bud" Wiesner

Party: Democratic

Birth: Nov. 23, 1940, Allentown, Pa.

Spouse, children: Bette, but goes by the name of Penny; Andrew J. Wiesner III, 45, Heidi-Jo Richardson, 43

Occupation: Retired Detective Lieutenant Supervisor

Employer: Retired/ self employed

Businesses owned: Farm, raising paint horses and cattle

Public office held: Appointed to the Pennsylvania's Attorney General's Task Force,1985 through 1987

Past political campaigns and offices sought: Bollinger County Sheriff, 2004

Question 1: What is the most important issue facing the District 2 Bollinger County Commissioner?

Answer: As anyone can see and understand in this time of trials, is just where and how this county, along with all the other counties in the state, are going to get the money that will be required to operate the county without cutting any of the projects, or having to reduce them to a point that only half the work will be completed. Cutting back on budget items that are very important to all the people of this county and still move on in a productive manner. Whether we can still receive money from the federal government is not quite clear yet. This economy is still in a tail spin and it will take time for it land safely. Until it does, it will be up to the commissioners, whomever they may be, to tighten the belt on spending without hurting anyone and still get the job done. That will be the biggest task.

Question 2: What in your background or education makes you qualified for this office?

Answer: I believe that my background in city government throughout my working years, dealing with all types of budget items, is a plus. For 18 of the last 30 years I was employed by the city of Allentown in a supervisory capacity. Handling up to 40 officers a shift and making it all work out right at the end. The caseload we had was heavy and along with the investigations I also had to work out schedules, budget, thus bringing together both city officials and department heads so that the work moved smoothly. I have attended college and have also attended many schools dealing with administration functions. I was appointed to the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Task Force dealing with the re-writing of the laws that interacted with family violence. This was from 1985 through 1987. I was qualified to teach at the police academy on many subjects that affected our citizens. Teaching not only police officers -- local, state or federal -- but also residents of our area.

Question 3: Why are you better qualified than your opponent?

Answer: The general voter has to look at both of us and then determine who is best qualified for this position. I can only let people know that if they vote for me, the above statements will be what they will get. I think there is enough negativity going on now with the federal elections that we don't need that here in the county elections. I believe that both of us want to see the county move forward, each in his own way.

Question 4: What is the best use of the county's financial resources -- roads, flood abatement or economic development?

Answer: I am a big believer in grants but, as I stated before, now in this time of our spinning economy, we have to concentrate on what we know we will be receiving in money and react to that amount. I think that all three items are important, but now it has to be directed to the economic welfare of our residents. We can all have golden dreams of what we would love to have happen, like better roads and dealing with the past and future flooding. To make this happen we have to let the Army Corps of Engineers know that they have to bend a little and let us do something, beside saving the purple-swagged-tail darter, or what ever name they come up with, with our creeks so the properties in the low areas have a better chance when the water rises and the business don't get up and leave because of the problem. Other problems, like roads, will have to take a back seat for a time till our leaders in Washington straighten this mess out.

Question 5: How should the county commission best make itself available and accessible to the public?

Answer: Here in Bollinger County I know that on Monday the commissioners sit in their room at the courthouse to handle their business for the county. I also know that if I have a problem to bring before them I will have to get up and drive into Marble Hill on that day to address my problem in front of them. I believe that here in this county they are accessible and can be approached at this time. In fact there were times I have seen them out and about and discussed my concerns with them without any problems.