To the editor:

As we enter a new election cycle, this seems to be a good time for all of us voters who live in Webster County to review the slate of candidates not only for federal and state offices, but also of equal importance, local offices.

I regularly receive a copy of the Sioux City Journal newspaper from a friend and have been following their coverage of the new county jail that is in the process of being built in Sioux City in Woodbury County following their passage of a $100 million dollar bond issue. The scheduled completion and opening of that facility is already one full year past due. In addition to that, cost overruns and an already leaky roof problem are also plaguing the new construction, this is all as reported by the Sioux City Journal. How much the cost overruns and delays along with other expenses will cost the taxpayers of Woodbury County is not yet determined. Any protection for the taxpayers?

I only bring up the Woodbury County situation as I know Webster County has an interest in an upgraded county jail. I personally remain open-minded on the merits of that issue, but would have concerns about who would be in charge of overseeing such an undertaking?

Everyone appreciates the challenges of being a responsible local office holder that oversees the expenditure of county funds, county supervisors and each and every county department head. When I say county funds, I mean tax dollars that we (Webster County taxpayers) pay for the management and providing Webster County residents the services we all depend upon. Hopefully, any more costly lawsuits against our county (as reported in The Messenger) can be avoided with more prudent management and oversight by the appropriate and respective offices.

So, as we prepare for the upcoming primary and general elections, I encourage all voters to give thought to whether or not the individuals asking for our vote are up to the task of carrying out the duties of the office they would be elected to serve.

For starters, my wife Judi and I will be voting for Nathan Montgomery for Webster County supervisor. We are confident he has what it takes to work for the best interest of Webster County citizens and taxpayers.

Dave Tjepkes

Gowrie