The Mercer County Branch of the Pennsylvania Economy League and the League of Women Voters of Mercer County developed five questions for the 12 candidates for Mercer County commissioner. Candidates were asked to keep their responses to 75 words. Some of the longer responses were edited by The Herald to comply. The following are their answers to one of the five questions. The other answers will be published in the Monday through Thursday editions of The Herald.

What are the qualities of an effective county commissioner and what do you believe are the duties, functions and responsibilities of a county commissioner?

   » OLIVIA LAZOR: Experience is critical since two of three commissioners are leaving office. A public servant experienced in managing multi-million dollar budgets and able to balance needs for services against the taxpayers limited resources. Possess qualities of integrity, strength of character and dedication to the common good. Responsible for numerous mandated human services; administrators of policy, personnel, elections, veterans services, public safety, countywide comprehensive plans and facilitators of economic development to build a sustainable community.

   » JAMES T. KAIBAS: County commissioners are the first line representatives of the county. They oversee the entire operation of the county government and represent the best interests of its citizens. They must be trustworthy, honest and accessible to the residents. The actions and mannerisms that they project directly reflect the image of its residents. County government is not brick and mortar image but a people image, that must be maintained by the commissioners.

   » GEORGE POKRANT: A county commissioner should possess experience in the public and private sector relating to management of multimillion-dollar budgets, human resources and economic growth. In addition to this experience they should have the academic achievements to compliment their abilities. County commissioners are responsible for leading the county in all aspects of government, through setting a tone of collaboration and cooperation with all parties. They establish a budget for the county that affects all major areas.

   » GLENN DOSCH: An effective county commissioner is a leader who can bring many different individuals together forming a positive and productive team. Effectiveness is demonstrated through efficient use of the taxpayer's money. The duties of the county commissioner are many. One of which may even eliminate the position of county commissioner, investigating the change of county government to Home Rule. It is the responsibility of the county commissioner to have no agenda but that of the Mercer County's residents.

   » THOMAS J. LIMBER JR.: The qualities of an effective county commissioner include being an excellent communicator, attentive listener able to analyze data and make educated, common sense decisions; having access to a network of advisers who can provide reliable information in making critical decisions. To be effective you must be able to take criticism and avoid personal conflicts.

   » JOE PHILLIPS: A county commissioner first must be a leader, coalition builder, and have intestinal fortitude. A county commissioner must be a listener and be able to take advice from experts and must be willing to look out for the well being of all communities urban and rural. The basic duties, functions and responsibilities are covered in the County Code. The basic elements of the duties: acting as liaison, monitoring affairs, allocating resources, handling disturbances, negotiating, innovating, planning, and directing.

   » RICHARD McMAHON: The critical stage of our county requires changes in leaders, day-to-day policies, service delivery systems, and costs. If only for a short term, persons who are business-minded, possessing a proven track record of leadership that exude confidence in themselves and have the respect of their employees should be given serious consideration. The duties, functions, and responsibilities overlap by description, but a proven manager displays and carries out each as they emerge.

   » MARY BUCKWALTER: An effective county commissioner will have the desire, drive and the substance to pursue every avenue to become educated on all the issues facing the county. Armed with a strong understanding of the needs and resources of the county, the commissioner becomes a liaison between county, state, and federal offices and the local municipalities and creates a plan from which a county budget is developed to meet the needs of the citizens.

   » THOMAS DILL: The responsibilities of a county commissioner is to manage a $52 million budget which covers 42 different departments including, the court system, children and youth, MH/MR, juvenile probation and county jail. The duties are to be the watch dog of the taxpayers revenues and expenses. A county commissioner must be able to make a decision and stand by it, even when the decision is not popular.

   » MICHELE BROOKS: An effective commissioner and true leader lead by encouraging cohesiveness and collaborative efforts, along with making informed decisions with accountability. A true leader identifies the problem, forms a plan, has the capability to execute the plan and then evaluates the results. This process brings to the table effectiveness needed to accomplish goals with positive results. Daily tasks to name a few, include managing the budget, tax assessment and supervising the bidding process for county construction.

   » BRIAN BEADER: It is important to have honesty and integrity in the commissioner position. More importantly is to have the ability to work well with others. The county commissioner is the top fiscal manager at the county level. They oversee the budgets of all the other county elected officials. It is the duty of the commissioner to follow county code and execute mandates by the state government.

   » BRUCE A. RICHAEL: Honesty, integrity, character, organizational and leadership skills, diligent planning, implementation and anticipation ... described in county code.