Candidate profile: Ernest F. Dominguez Jr.

Editor's note: The following candidates are running for the four-year term of county commissioner for District 2. Candidates for the seat include Mike Cherry and Ernest Dominguez

Candidates were asked the same questions and asked to keep their responses to 100 words or less.

The primary election is June 5. Absentee and Early voting ends June 2.

Ernest F. Dominguez Jr.

Age: 62

Occupation: Retired

Ernest Dominguez Jr.

Please list previous or current elected offices or other organizations you feel prepare you for a commission seat: I have never run for a political office. I retired in March 2012 from my position with Quay County government. I am looking forward to being a bigger part of my community and involved at an increased level based on my retirement and having additional time to spend. My experience comes from the past 14 years working in many aspects of County Government. I feel that this time spent working with many Quay County residents and hearing their needs gives me a knowledge base to begin my work as a Quay County Commissioner. I look forward to working with my constituents to improve Quay County.

What are your goals if you are elected and how do you plan to implement them?

My goal is to keep the county moving forward. I plan to implement this by working to find more revenue to keep our county roads, equipment and buildings up to date. I think that we as a commission have to actively seek industry that is suited to our county in order to facilitate any growth for our county. I will also work with my fellow commissioners to keep the safety of our county residents a top priority.

What is something the county commission has done well over the last four years?

Our County Commission has acquired funding to improve the hospital, courthouse, fairgrounds and improvements to the county jail.

What is something the county commission has not done well? How do you intend to correct that if elected?

I would prefer not to dwell on what the county has not done well. I realize as a past employee that there are problems within our county and the constraints that the county has with funding. It is a trying time for everyone with every dollar needing to be spent in the most prudent way in order to maximize our limited assets. I would prefer to move forward and look for ways to improve our county.

What do you feel the commission needs to focus on as a whole?

Our commission needs to focus on increasing our revenue and getting additional jobs for our citizens as well as keeping our roads, equipment and buildings as up to date as we can.

What do you feel the commission needs to focus on in your district?

A: I believe that the commission has to focus on the whole county and that the needs of my district are not any different as the needs of district one and district three. We all need adequate roads for travel. We all need to have jobs and opportunities to improve ourselves. If elected I look forward to working with my fellow commissioners to address these issues.

Last question: 150 words, whatever else you want to say.

I am not a career politician. I want to be your commissioner, because I have a desire to serve the people of Quay County and I have the time to devote to the position. I believe that my experience working for the county has given me a knowledge of some of the problems that exist and I am excited to begin to address some of the issues if I am elected. I would appreciate your vote on June 5.