Column: Tony Pestorious, Guest Column

My name is Tony Pestorious, and I am running for 5th District county commissioner. My wife, Vicki, and I are fifth-generation Pickerel Lake Township residents. I have worked for the past 26 years for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and prior to that, 13 years for Wilson & Co.

My work has offered me experience in education and leadership positions. I have attended Texas A & M University as well as various continuing education programs throughout the United States. I have dealt with managers and government officials here and all the way to Washington, D.C., in both public and private sectors. I am a leader and can make the tough decisions that are needed in this economy.

I have gone door-to-door in the 5th District to almost every household, handing out campaign literature and talking to the constituents. The resounding message I have heard talking to these people is that we cannot sustain our current taxes and spending. Every business and individual in this economy has been forced to make tough decisions, and the county commissioners as the representatives of the people must do so as well.

We must go line by line through the budget to find ways to cut spending. Travel expenses, supplies, energy and gas usage and duplicity in services are just a couple of the areas to access. Use of grant money for special projects rather than imposing additional taxes on Freeborn County residents is another example. Further, the use of additional tax dollars from the Bent Tree Wind Farm and net income from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement contract to reduce debt and interest expense payments is another option.

While attending county board meetings at the Freeborn County Courthouse, watching these meetings on the public-access channel in Albert Lea, or going on the Internet to obtain county board meeting information, I have attained much insight and understanding into issues facing our Freeborn County Board of Commissioners.

I would like to take the opportunity to remind the public that you, too, can utilize the public-access-channel broadcast and information posted on the county’s website to remain informed of the issues. All of these options are wonderful communication tools for our community.

I cannot promise you I will be all things to all people. I can promise you a level head, an openness to listen and an ability to make the tough decisions.

I would sincerely appreciate your support on March 15! If you have any questions, please feel free to give me a call at 507-402-0946.

Thank you, again, for your support!

Albert Lea resident Tony Pestorious is an inspector for the U.S. Department of Agriculture.