Adams County Commissioner District No. 2 candidates: Incumbent Roger Lee Hartwig

Roger Lee Hartwig

Age: 77

Education: High school graduate

Profession: Adams County Commissioner District No. 2

Spouse: Barbara Hartwig

Incumbent Roger Lee Hartwig is running for re-election for the Adams County Commissioners District No. 2 position for the upcoming Nov. 8 General Election.

This position will be included on the ballot as a partisan office and is a four-year term.

After serving as a county commissioner for the previous three terms, Hartwig said he is ready to serve his county for a fourth.

Having an extensive background in agriculture, he understands the needs of rural communities and farmers. His knowledge of agriculture has allowed him to sympathize with the issues farmers face during water shortages.

His vision for the county is to establish a wastewater facility and provide surface water to agricultural lands.

Economic development is another focus of Hartwig’s.

“We have great opportunities for economic development,” said Hartwig about Adams County.

The railroads and numerous highways, in the county are very beneficial for attracting new businesses, he explained.

If re-elected, he plans to continue working with the Adams County Economic Development Director Stephen McFadden to support the progression of economic expansion and increase revenue.

More specifically, Hartwig would like to address certain issues, such as the traffic off Bench Road and 24th Street in Othello and the evolving marijuana businesses in the county.

Regarding the water issues in the eastern region of the county, Hartwig stated he would continue to construct plans to resolve the problem.

“Ever since I’ve been a commissioner, I’ve worked on water issues,” he explained.

In his previous terms, Hartwig has worked tirelessly looking at options to recharge the aquifer and bring surface water into the county, he added.

A main factor in his plans is acquiring the funds to complete future projects.

This requires state representatives and senators to provide funding for the county, said Hartwig.

His qualifications for the position include his previous three terms as county commissioner, which has allowed him to build relationships with legislators.

He also possesses extensive knowledge in agriculture and has experience with budgeting from owning a trucking company.

Hartwig emphasized the fact the position of county commissioner is demanding and requires full-time dedication.

Dedication and time are what Hartwig has provided and will continue to offer, he said.

Aside from building relationships with representatives, he has also reached out to the youth of the community and the juveniles of Martin Hall Juvenile Facility. By working with the facility on improving the quality of life and education for occupants, Hartwig said the county could continue to have a positive impact on juveniles.

He admires the fact juveniles can receive credits towards earning their high school diplomas through educational programs in the facility. He understands education is important for future success and he plans to continue working with Martin Hall on improving these programs.

If re-elected, his top three priorities would be a balanced budget, provide surface water to areas in need and improve roads to better disperse traffic.

Hartwig believes the current financial reserve of $1.2 million is an appropriate percentage. He emphasized the importance of only using the reserve money when needed.

Overall, he said the county has done a fine job at dispersing money to the correct departments and if re-elected, he would make sure the money is spent wisely and only on necessities.

A new jail facility is not a necessary expense to Hartwig. With the cost of a new building totaling around $9 million, he does not see the need to raise taxes in order to complete the project, Hartwig explained.

Lincoln County and Sunnyside currently provide assistance with housing Adams County inmates. He admires this arrangement and said it solves the main problems the jail has regarding space for inmates.

When asked how he would use his position as county commissioner to promote economic development within the county, Hartwig plans to continue working with McFadden to support the establishment of new businesses.

His knowledge of farming is beneficial in bringing in new agricultural businesses and factories, he explained. During his previous terms, he has spoken with numerous potential businesses about the services Adams County can provide. He understands there are some attributes the county lacks such as shovel ready properties and he is in the process of fixing these issues.

In order to progress in economic development, Hartwig stated bringing in a processor for the crops harvested in the county could be the answer. He would describe the lack of a processor as the county’s biggest drawback for potential businesses.

If re-elected, he would attempt to bring a processor into the county by establishing a wastewater facility. Adams County has a decent variety of crops and a processor would give the county the tools to be successful in distributing them, said Hartwig.

By planning ahead and establishing a facilities master plan, the commissioners could be successful in preparing for future needs of the county, he stated. In his previous terms, planning ahead has always been a priority, he explained.

Drafting projects six to eight years in advance grants additional opportunities to receive the funding needed.

“The only way we are going to maintain Adams County is to look at the future and budget for it,” he explained.

Hartwig stated the current commissioners have done an excellent job at fulfilling the needs of each department financially. With a limited amount of vacancies reported in the county offices, the departments are stable, he added.

He understands each department still has their requests and plans to focus on the necessities of each request and budget accordingly.

In his past term, Hartwig said the commissioners have assisted in the needs of the sheriff’s office. He does not believe any specific department is underfunded.

If re-elected, he plans to continue fulfilling the necessary requests of each department.

Hartwig emphasized the importance of resident’s support regarding water issues and road improvements. He would like to establish a roundabout at the intersection of Bench Road and 24th Street due to an increased number of accidents taking place at the location.

He encouraged residents to vote during the Nov. 8 election and become more involved in government. Hartwig expressed his gratitude for having the opportunity to be a candidate for the commissioner position for a fourth term and is hoping to continue making progress within Adams County.