Three candidates share views on Dist. 3 Commission race

Three rural Hamilton County residents, all who live within a mile of each other along North K Road about 10 miles northwest of Aurora, are running for the Republican nomination for District 3 County Commissioner in the May 14 Primary. They are Tanner Holloway, Troy Holloway and Jessie Merkel. 
Since no Democrat has filed for the seat, the winner of the primary will run unopposed in the Nov. 5 General Election. 
The Dist. 3 seat is currently held by John Thomas of Aurora who did not seek re-election to the position he has held for two terms over a total of eight years. 
County Commission Dist. 3 takes in roughly the northwest third of Aurora and parts of Grant and Monroe townships running northwest up to the Platte River. 
The candidates were each sent a Q&A to give them an opportunity to introduce themselves to the voters and list their priorities prior to the election. Below are the responses from the three candidates in alphabetical order:

Tanner Holloway
Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m a son, brother, husband, dad and uncle. I am the fourth generation of the Holloway family to reside in Hamilton County. My wife Sara and I have been married for 11 years and we have four children: Landon, 14; William, 10; Thomas, 8 and Gracie, who is 6. I have grown up in Hamilton County on my family farm, and I am currently farming with my dad. Recently I have started my own commercial goat operation. In my free time I enjoy hunting, fishing and spending time with my family.
Why are you running for county commissioner? 
I am running for county commissioner to make a difference. I will be the voice for my constituents. I will bring a fresh perspective that I will use to navigate the growth of this county and will prepare for the next generation.
What personal strengths would you bring to the position if elected? 
I am honest, innovative, hardworking and dependable.
What in your view are the top three priority issues facing the county? 
I would like to cut down on unnecessary spending. I would work towards ensuring that the noxious weed equipment would be brought back to make our county more presentable and to ease the burden on the taxpayers. 
What goals do you hope to accomplish while serving as commissioner?
Improving our infrastructure, the Highway Department and lowering taxes. My goals also include giving the people their voice back and the opportunity to make Hamilton County flourish.

Troy Holloway
Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m 58 years old and currently working for the Hamilton County Highway Department. I’m a lifetime resident of Hamilton County, having grown up on the family farm. A 1984 graduate of Aurora High School and a 1987 graduate of Central Community College in Grand Island, I’m married and have two daughters.
Why are you running for county commissioner? 
I want to stand with the residents of District 3, voicing their concerns, while prospering the county.
What personal strengths would you bring to the position if elected?
I’m honest, hard working and I know the county. I have 15+ years with the Highway Department as a grader operator.
What in your view are the top three priority issues facing the county?  
The top three issues are spending, public safety and economic development. 
Spending: As a county we need to do everything we can to keep the levy down and provide the services needed while keeping the cost to a minimum.
Public safety: I want to continue the level of public safety necessary for the county.
Economic development: We need to encourage new development in the county without sacrificing our way of life and natural resources.
What goals do you hope to accomplish while serving as commissioner?
My main goal is to keep an open and honest communication with Dist. 3 and the county.
Closing statement: 
I want to thank District 3 for the chance of being your commissioner. We live in a great agricultural county full of history and opportunities.