Meet The Candidates For Valley County Commissioner - Jeff Alsberg

In the race for Valley County Commissioner, The Glasgow Courier interviewed the two candidates, Jeff Alsberg and Mitch Willett, via an identical email questionnaire. Both candidates will be vying for District 3, the seat now being held by Valley County Commissioner Mary Armstrong.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5, and absentee ballots will be mailed this Friday, Oct 11. As a result of the federal holiday on Monday. Oct. 14, ballots are expected to arrive in mailboxes mid to end of next week. The polling place for all three precincts will be at the Valley County Courthouse.

Individuals can register to vote up until 8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 5. Absentee ballots can be requested. A form requesting an absentee ballot is available at the Clerk and Recorder's Office, inside of the Valley County Courthouse. For further information on registering to vote or the election, contact the Clerk and Recorder's office at 406-228-6220.

Jeff Alsberg

Editor's Note: All answers are in full and have not been edited for publication.

Tell the community about yourself – who you are, where you are from, family, hobbies, etc.

My name is Jeff Alsberg, son of Gene Alsberg and Jacqueline Hughes. I was born in Glasgow, lived in Nashua, Plentywood, Winona, Minn., and finally Laurel, Mont., where I graduated from and met my beautiful wife Simone. We have two daughters and four grandchildren, Britni (Schaun) Lingohr, Sophia and Corbin. Ashlyn (Joel) Pratt, Harper and Heidi. I have one sister Julie Kleppen and two brothers Chuck and Bryan Alsberg.

Simone and I moved to Glasgow in 1984 where I spent two years working for Econo Glass, before starting our own business, Triple A Glass, Inc. in 1986. Thirty-six years later we were fortunate enough to sell.

I like spending time on Fort Peck Lake, boating, UTV riding, camping and especially enjoying our grandkids.

Why did you decide to run for Valley County Commissioner?

As a business owner for 36 years working with the general public, other business owners, farmers, ranchers and many contractors, I feel I have made good relationships with the people of the community. With the day to day changes and decisions of owning a business, I think it will help me be a good fit for the Valley County Commissioner position.

What do you see as the most pressing needs for infrastructure or capital projects in the county?

One of the main concerns would be the county roads. It's a big job to blade and mow over 1500 miles of county roads. There are certain areas that need a little more attention than others, but hopefully we can continue to move forward.

Skylark road, Valley County Refuge, maintaining the buildings and properties that may need special attention in Valley County are also concerns that I will address.

What one part of county government would receive more attention if you were elected?

I believe all of the County departments need equal attention. I will try to help each of them to run as smoothly and efficiently as possible. My goal is to visit each department regularly to hear their concerns and issues that I could possibly help them with.

Do you plan to promote any changes to existing taxes? If so, why?

Taxes are always a big issue, and I'd love to say I'd be cutting all your taxes, but in reality it depends on the situation of the county. I think it's going to be an advantage to the county with all the new housing activity in the Fort Peck area. As in the subdivisions such as Kirkland Estates, Kittleson Ridge, ldlewild, and Sky Park to name a few that will generate tax revenue. I will work hard to find any other avenues to help with tax relief.

A county commissioner must exhibit strong budget management skills, including setting priorities for public spending, making adjustments as needed, and understanding the financial state of the county. Can you describe your experience with managing large budgets and what strategies you use to ensure fiscal responsibility?

Owning a business that was run off of quotes, bids and inventory and being a commissioner are about the same when it comes to managing a budget. It's about having priorities for each job or department. Hopefully after the priorities are met there is enough for the little extras, but as we all know life happens.

Conflicts are inevitable in any leadership role. The ability to mediate and resolve disputes diplomatically is crucial for a county commissioner. Can you share a time when you had to resolve a conflict within the community or an organization, and how you went about it?

There will always be conflict right or wrong, I believe you need to be open minded and listen to all sides to make the best decision. It's hard to make everyone happy.

How would you rebuild trust between the Valley County Commissioners and the public?

I would think the best way to build trust is to be honest with the people, listen to both sides of their problem, and respect their decision. I would give them my opinion but would not be offended if they didn't agree. Remember, there are always two sides to the story.