With long-time commissioner Bill Kennon deciding to retire from public office, six candidates have filed for the position of Ripley County presiding commissioner.
The Aug. 7 primary election ballot for presiding commissioner includes five Republicans. They are (in the order they will appear on the ballot) Leon Martin, Russell French, Keith Whiteside, Jesse Roy and Jerry Kelly.
The primary winner will face Bryan Murdock in the November general election. Murdock is unopposed in the Democrat primary.
The presiding commissioner serves a four-year term, which will officially begin on Jan. 1, 2019.
The Prospect-News asked each candidate to provide background in- formation and to answer several questions. No response was received from candidate Jerry Kelly. Candidates are listed in the order they will appear on the ballot, beginning with the Republicans.
Leon Martin
Leon Martin has been a lifelong farmer in the Naylor area and currently is retired. He has lived in Ripley County all his life.
Martin and his wife, Linda, have been married for 49 years. Their family includes a daughter, Stacey Roach, and her husband, Mark. Both are employed by the Naylor Schools. Martin also has two grandchildren, Abby, 18, and Dawson, 14.
He is a member of New Hope Baptist Church.
Martin has served throughout his adult life on numerous boards and committees 'which were operating with millions of dollars of public funds,' he said.
Why do you want to be presiding commissioner?
"I decided to enter the race for presiding commissioner because I now have the time required to devote to this position and to ensure that Ripley County continues to be a place where I, my family and other county residents can live and feel safe."
What distinguishes you from other candidates?
"What makes me different from the other candidates seeking this position is that I don't have another job. If elected, being Ripley County presiding commissioner will be my only job."
A major issue is the lack of a county jail. What solutions would you support to resolve this issue?
"The need for a county jail is a high priority and a concern for most Ripley County residents. This is true also for me. I take this concern very seriously and would make this a top priority. I would be open to all ideas that would allow the county to build and support a justice center to the extent the budget would allow."
Another major issue is the possible closure of our county hospital. What solutions would you support to resolve this problem?
"I would support any solution where Ripley County would be able to keep our medical facility even it if includes a joint relationship with outside agencies."
What other issues do you believe should be given a high priority by the county commission?
"Maintaining and improving the miles and miles of county roads. Also of some concern is the loss of businesses due to the 2017 flood. I will work with the Chamber of Commerce and city officials to attract and support current and new commercial or industrial enterprises."
Other Comments
"I believe it is most important to realize being Ripley County presiding commissioner is no small undertaking. I think any candidate running will find it difficult, if not impossible, to fill the shoes of the past commissioner. I also know I will not be able to possibly know what I need to without the assistance and advice from the responsible Eastern and Western district commissioners. It will take a lot of time to learn the legal ins and outs of the job, but time is something I have. More so than any other candidate in this race."
Russell French
Russell French is a Ripley County native and has been self-employed in the insurance business for 30 years. In 2006 he sold his franchise with locations in Poplar Bluff and Sikeston and opened an office in Doniphan, which he continues to operate today.
He and his wife, Sarah, together have eight daughters and 12 grandchildren.
French is a graduate of Doniphan High School and studied at Three Rivers College before earning his insurance license. He also holds a securities license and real estate broker's license. He has attended continuing education courses in several business-related areas including business ethics, management, employment practices, financial management and budgeting. He also has participated in training with the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency and various classes through the National Flood Insurance Program and other industry-related courses.
He has served on the boards for the Jordan Road District, SB 40 Board, Ozark Foothills Regional Planning Commission Board, Ripley County Community Partnership Board and the board of directors for the Ripley County Chamber of Commerce, where he currently is serving a fourth term as president. He also is a former president of the Doniphan Kiwanis Club and is a founding member and chairman of the Ozark Foothills Regional Community Foundation as well as the local 'Strengthening Our Communities' program.
Why do you want to be presiding commis- sioner?
"I do not believe our county has progressed in several years and feel that it's time to get involved where I can make the biggest difference. I see our county roads deteriorating, our courthouse falling apart, our county budget spending more than we're taking in, the need for a jail, and now, we see once again a crisis with our community hospital. Not only do I have a business interest in the way this county is ran, I have a family interest as my children raise their children in this county and hope to find employment and business opportunity. There is a real need for change."
What distinguishes you from other candidates?
"I truly believe the most distinguishing fact is I've owned and ran my own business. I sign the payroll checks. It's my money that I'm spending every time I buy a new phone system, new computers, give pay raises, and benefits. Every time I take a business risk it's my future and my money on the line. When you're the sole person responsible for other people's payroll and property and livelihoods, it makes you realize how important every decision you make is. As presiding commissioner there's definitely a lot at stake and no place for someone who has not had the responsibility and experience of making those tough decisions."
A major issue is the lack of a county jail. What solutions would you support to resolve this issue?
"This actually has been an issue for several years and should have been addressed earlier.
Clearly the flood has exacerbated the problem. Of course, the simple answer is to build a jail. However, in the interim, we can build holding cells to help make current transportation more efficient and consider utilizing ankle bracelets and house arrest. The current state average cost is $12.50 per day for house arrest monitoring versus $35 a day for incarceration. Of course, this would only be applicable to non-violent prisoners, however, it is one way we can start reducing the backlog of outstanding warrants in this county until we can build a jail.
As for a jail, it has been my opinion for a long time that sending thousands of dollars to house Ripley County inmates in other counties is not only burdensome to our sheriff's department but has a negative impact on our local economy. Now that we are housing all of our inmates in other counties, we are sending hundreds of thousands of our tax dollars out of the county."
Another major issue is the possible closure of our county hospital. What solutions would you support to resolve this problem?
"There is a very real possibility our hospital will close its doors. We have very few options. However, applying to have our licensure modified to retain the designation as a hospital with fewer beds will have several positive attributes. We could retain our current tax revenue of approximately $1 million (estimated 2019) a year and consolidate operations so that we have a clinic and an emergency room to handle life-threatening emergencies 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If the hospital does close, the designated sales tax would probably be eliminated. Then as a county, we may have to follow Reynolds County's example and employ current resources utilizing our ambulance district and volunteer fire departments to improve first responder response time to the citizens in Ripley County."
What other issues do you believe should be given a high priority by the county commission?
"Improving our roads. It is evident that improving our grading methods, installation of culverts and types of aggregate placed on roadways would greatly improve our needs. As presiding commissioner I would work to develop a strategic plan in conjunction with our elected road commissioners that would improve uniformity and viability of our current road system by streamlining and improving utilization of our current resources. Through better communication and training we would see a major improvement in our road system.
The other priorities on my list would be establishing 911 addresses, focus on overdue repairs and upgrades to our courthouse, and work on our use tax issue so Ripley County can start receiving all the tax we pay when shopping online. In addition, improving our economic development within the county will be necessary if we are to grow our revenue stream to pay for these improvements.
I would also work with the other commissioners to formulate a compensation and benefit package that would improve the county workforce and assist in retaining top quality people. Last but not least, formulating a budget that will facilitate all the necessary improvements needed and replenishing our reserves that we are currently spending will be the greatest challenge of all."
Keith Whiteside
Keith Whiteside is a lifetime Ripley County resident and resides in the Gatewood community.
He has worked in business and retail management for 15 years including the past seven years with Walmart. He also is part of his family's auction and real estate company.
Whiteside and his wife, Kristen, a nurse, have three children - son Randall and twin girls, Willa and Eva.
The family attends Doniphan First Church of God. Whiteside also donates his time for benefit auctions for local events, fundraisers and schools.
Why do you want to be presiding commissioner?
"My goals as commissioner are based on moving in a direction of growth. I want to work with our fellow county officials to develop new ideas, solutions and plans. I want to listen to you, my fellow citizens, and be open to your input. I will make responsible decisions that benefit our county and keep our best interests in the forefront. I want to work with you, and for you, to help make our county a place we are proud to call home."
What distinguishes you from other candidates?
"Through my background in business management, and from helping run my family's company, I have gained valuable experience. I am skilled in budgets, planning, organization, development, teamwork, and project management. I feel the skills and experience I possess have prepared me to ful- fill the duties of presiding commissioner and get results."
A major issue is the lack of a county jail. What solutions would you support to resolve this issue?
"There are many solutions the county is looking at. A joint facility with a smaller holding cell locally or our own facility. These two solutions that should be studied and discussed to make the decision best suited for our county."
Another major issue is the possible closure of our county hospital. What solutions would you support to resolve this problem?
"This issue is detrimental to our county. I have been to several meetings and expressed my passion for our hospital to be acquired and remain open and ran both as a hospital and clinic. Contacting a consulting company, work with state and federal officials and selling the importance of these health care facilities for our county as well as the potential of being a very successful health care industry.
The jail and hospital are both issues, as well as others, that are of the utmost importance. I know the time that we have must be used to make the right decision, the smart decision that not only fixes the problem but prepares us for the future and for growth."
What other issues do you believe should be given a high priority by the county commission?
"River safety and cleanup, growing our businesses, a new city hall, new out-of-town investments, local parks and recreation areas, pro-active not reactive, grow our community events (Fourth of July, county fair, Labor Day Homecoming, etc.), strengthening our law enforcement and courthouse."
Jesse Roy
Jesse Roy has lived in Ripley County most of his life and has served on numerous public boards.
Roy currently serves on the board of directors for Ripley County Public Water District No. 2, the Ripley County Memorial Hospital board of trustees and is a commissioner for the Jordan Road District. He also has served on the Ripley County Law Enforcement Restitution Fund board, the University of Missouri Extension Council and is active with the Highway K Volunteer Fire Department.
He and his wife, Deborah, reside near Doniphan and attend Bellview Baptist Church. A graduate of Doniphan High School, he earned an associates degree in business management at Three Rivers College.
Why do you want to be presiding commissioner?
"I am running for presiding commissioner because I want what is best for Ripley County. I feel Ripley County needs a strong leader, someone who can get everyone working together and heading in the right direction."
What distinguishes you from other candidates?
"Because of my work schedule I will be able to devote as much time as is needed to address any and all concerns that might arise. I feel I'm the best qualified and best candidate for the job."
A major issue is the lack of a county jail. Another major issue is the possible closure of our county hospital. What solutions would you support to resolve these problems?
"Our county is facing some very tough decisions from our need of a jail and courthouse to the possible closing of our hospital. I have been working very diligently to find a solution to these problems. With my experience managing multi-million dollar companies over the past 25 years I am confident that if we work together we can fix these problems."
Bryan Murdock
Bryan Murdock is a Ripley County native and has worked in the family farming and sawmill business (Murdock Farms LLC) for the past 21 years.
He and his wife, Paula, have one daughter, Lauren, 19, and two sons, Garrett, 16, and Sawyer, 2.
Murdock has served for several years on the Gatewood R-III school board and is a member of Logan Creek General Baptist Church.
Why do you want to be presiding commissioner?
"To see Ripley County become a better place to live, work and raise a family."
What distinguishes you from other candidates?
"I have been employed at a family farm and sawmill and have been involved in the financial end as well as the physical portion. I am not afraid to work hard and finish what I start."
A major issue is the lack of a county jail. What solutions would you support to resolve this problem?
"We would need to see what it would cost for a jail and what kind of grants or low interest loans are available and how much funds the county can afford to put in it out of their budget."
Another major issue is the possible closure of our county hospital. What solutions would you support to resolve this problem?
"We need to have some form of medical treatment available locally."
What other issues do you believe should be given a high priority by the county commission?
"The structural integrity and safety of our courthouse and the quality of our roads."