Write-in campaign will cost county money

To the Editor:
This is an exciting time for District 4. With Sheldon Nies not seeking re-election, we will have our first new county commissioner in over 20 years.
More than ever before, voters appear eager to embrace fresh and new ideas. It seems Jeff Nies can sense this when he reminds audiences that he is “not his father” and “will not vote as he did” and we see two very important differences between the other two, and more qualified, candidates.
Proper planning and the ability to look ahead and lead us into the future is vital. Ane Fitzgerald comes across as a very caring and sincere person. While that is admirable, it is not necessarily what District 4 needs for our next commissioner. We have concerns about her planning skills when she failed to file as a candidate before the deadline, announced an impromptu write-in campaign and then sidestepped the primary election process.
Cost effectiveness is equally as important. Coming in late as a write-in candidate provided a path to the election, but it also forced several unnecessary expenses. Every single ballot in District 4 will now need to be hand counted, requiring additional judges and training and it will also delay the results for every other candidate (local, state and federal) on those ballots. So on her way to becoming our next commissioner, Ane has already begun to waste precious taxpayer money.
Rich Pohlmeier planned ahead for this election. He researched what it took to be a well informed and effective commissioner. His background as a city councilman, dairy farmer, 4-H ambassador, Farm Bureau president and experiences as a sporting official will no doubt make him the best choice for the position.
We encourage you to join us in voting for Rich Pohlmeier.
Dave and Monyne Cotton
Hutchinson, District 4