subscribesubscriber servicescontact usabout ussite mapBuy a Classified
Thu, Dec 04 2008 

Published August 20, 2008 11:56 pm -

County commissioner candidates tout experience



Roads and bridges are among the top priorities listed by two candidates vying for District 2 post on the Muskogee County Board of Commissioners.

But the county commissioner’s job involves quite a bit more than road work. Much of the job, which pays an annual salary of $58,112, involves the administration of all county business and overseeing an annual budget of more than $6 million.

Stephen Wright, the supervisor of the Webbers Falls Water District who is challenging incumbent Ronnie Pevehouse for the position, said his administrative experience consists of 18 years working with the water district.

“I wish we had the big budget to work with, but I am used to working with a smaller budget,” Wright said of his supervisory role with the water district. “Everything we do has to be budgeted and worked through the process just like everywhere else.”

Pevehouse, one of three of the 34 county commissioners elected in 2004 to be accredited by the Association of County Commissioners during the first year on the job, said 25 years operating his cattle ranch and nearly four years in office gives him an edge over his opponent.

“Being a good manager is essential in any business if your goal is to succeed in life,” Pevehouse said. “Being your county commissioner and managing your county tax dollars is something I do on a daily basis.”

Pevehouse said working within the available budget is getting harder to do with the soaring costs of fuel and road material. Pevehouse said he has been able to deal with escalating costs by finding savings in other areas.

“I pursued the proper permits, creating a savings for District 2 of more than $198,000,” Pevehouse said of his efforts to mine gravel from the Illinois River. “My work ethic to improve District 2 has been no different than my personal business.”

Wright said he would rely on his experience in grant writing as a way to find more money to offset rising fuel and material costs.

“You can save money here and there on things,” Wright said. “As far as saving on fuel, you’re just going to have to make your trips count.”

In making his case to potential voters, Wright reiterated his 30 years of experience as a heavy equipment operator, road surface maintenance and repair. He also cited his good character as a quality worthy of a vote.

“I am honest,” Wright said of himself and his candidacy. “I won’t treat the people any different after I am elected than I did before the election.”

Pevehouse, who describes his first term in office as “one of the most humbling experiences in my life,” said he stands ready to further the commitments made when he took office in 2005.

“When I became county commissioner, my commitment to Muskogee County was to manage tax dollars wisely, make this a full-time job, and improve the county,” Pevehouse said. “I have three and a half years experience as county commissioner — there is no substitute for experience in keeping District 2 constantly moving forward.”



print this story    email this story    comment on this story   

Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.




monster
Premier Guide
Find a business

Walking Fingers
Maps, Menus, Store hours, Coupons, and more...
Premier Guide


Find a job! Find a Home! Find a car!

Premier Guide

Premium Jobs

3244-RN/LPN
3 to 11 & 11 to 7 Shifts
SIGN ON BONUS
We are searching for the
BEST of the BEST
nursing professiona
...>MORE

3354-Custodian
Hilldale Public Schools are accepting applications for the following support position:
(1) Full time Custodian
...>MORE

3326-ESL Teachers
Accepting resumes from qualified instructors

TESL/English Ed.
experience preferred

Contact...>MORE

3301-Activity Social Social Services Asst
Restorative Aide

CNAs

Appy in Person
Coweta Manor
30049 E. 151st S
Coweta
...>MORE

3294- Yard Work
Need someone for Yard Work. Must have references. Call 918-681-2181....>MORE

3242-Sheet Metal Fabrication
(Experience Required)
Drafter
(Experience in CAD & Architectural Required)
IMMEDIATE JOB OPENINGS!!
...>MORE

3355-Grave Living Center - LPN
Is accepting
applications for
LPN
2p-10p Shift

We offer an excellent benefits package that
...>MORE

3315-Applicator/Operator
Helena Chemical Company, a national agricultural-chemical company, has a immediate opening for an experienced applicator...>MORE

See all ads

Premium Autos

3340-1999 Dodge Intrepid ES
green, sun roof, fully loaded $3750. 918-781-2118...>MORE

3321-2004 Chevy 3/4 ton
4x4 pickup, LS package, duramax, diesel, Allison Transmission. Regular Cab, 176K miles, $12,000. 918-689-0829...>MORE

3337-Motorcycle
2007 Honda Rebel 250 black. 1050 miles. $2500. 918-869-7817...>MORE

3319-Honda 2008
Charlie Robert Frank 230, excellent conditiion, less than 300 miles. New $4600, take $3500. Street legal & tagged. Benef...>MORE

See all ads

Premium Extras

3327-Registered Angus Bulls
1-16 months $950. 1-8 months $750. 918-645-2770 or 918-463-5333...>MORE

3311-Miniature Poms
2 female, 8 wks, 1st shots & wormed. $350. Call 918-478-3429....>MORE

3323-Chihuahuas, Maltipoo's, Min Pin...
Papillon, Shih Tzu, Yorkie, all Registered Pups. Lay Away for Christmas. 918-869-8418 or 686-0513. Credit Cards Accepted...>MORE

3313-AKC Siberian Huskies
6 weeks, beautiful blue eyes, 1 shots and wormed. $350. 918-869-1365...>MORE

3333-Christmas Puppies
Akc English Bulldogs. 3 Months od. Champion Pedigree. Call Jamie. 918-441-6286...>MORE

3312-Kimball Spinet Piano
Beautiful Walnut cabinet $950. 918-557-1602...>MORE

3325-All Types of Furniture and Appliances
Like New 250cc 4 Wheeler. Want to Buy Good Clean Furniture & Appliances. Buy, Sell & Trade. 310 S. 3rd 918-360-3471...>MORE

3332-Christmas Babies
Maltese, Pekingese, Min. Pinchers, Scotish Terriers. $100 & up. 918-616-7326...>MORE

See all ads


 

Community Newspaper Holdings, Inc.CNHI Classified Advertising NetworkCNHI News Service
Associated Press content © 2008. All rights reserved. AP content may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Our site is powered by Zope and our Internet Yellow Pages site is powered by PremierGuide.
Some parts of our site may require you to download the Flash Player Plugin.
View our Privacy Policy
Advertiser index