Justice of the Peace District 6
Name: Rick Bellinger
Why did you pursue the position you are running for?
I have several reasons I am running for this position, among them as owner and operator of Riverside Grocery and Catering, I am easily accessible to the constituents. I am not afraid to stand up for what I believe in, and will work hard to help the county grow in a responsible fashion.
What prior experience do you have that is applicable to this position? How do you plan to use this experience?
I am running for the position because I feel I have a lot more to offer to our county government. I have served on numerous non profit boards, and understand how to budget, and how to stretch a dollar. I have served on the Jessieville Fire Department board, the North Garland County Water District board, and the Benton area Chamber of Commerce. I have 21 years management experience in retail grocery, prior to operating Riverside Grocery and Catering for the past 18 years.
What plans do you have to improve Saline County/ your district?
Two things that I feel we need to work on in this county right now are securing a long term water source, so we can continue to grow, and work on a solution for the litter that is all over the county, on the side of the road. I have a few ideas to get these projects started, and I feel that once I am in the position to implement them, there will be a lot of other ideas coming from my constituents.
Why should you get the people’s vote/ What makes you a better choice than your opponent?
The reasons people should vote for me instead of my opponent is I promise to be PROACTIVE, and not REACTIVE, and I am easily accessible. We may not always agree, but I promise to listen respectfully, and try to find a reasonable solution to every problem. I will return your phone call!!
Tammy Schmidt
Name: Tammy D. Schmidt
Why did you pursue the position you are running for?
At heart, I am a volunteer. I see a need... To represent the people of District 6, in an ethical, responsible, and compassionate manner, so that their voices may be heard. I feel compelled to ensure that county government delivers on its responsibilities to the people, while at the same time is restrained from any form of overreach. I’ll ensure that Saline County government continues to meet its constitutionally required commitments, to provide & maintain: Roads, Jails, Law Enforcement, & Courts.
What prior experience do you have that is applicable to this position? How do you plan to use this experience?
By the time of the next general election, I will have 10 years’ experience as Justice of the Peace. Before elected, I spent time attending both general, and smaller committee meetings; studying the function of Quorum Court, as well as the duties for Justice of the Peace. Since elected, we’ve accomplished so much! I’ve helped:
* Improve sheriff’s dept. safety, patrol coverage, & staff retention,
* Improve ambulance service,
* Upgrade & streamline 911 center,
* Establish a CTE Center,
* Make Saline County a Pro-life County!
What plans do you have to improve Saline County/ your district?
I have a passion for public health and safety. I want to continue working to improve the 911 system radio communications. Because District 6 is predominately rural, it’s crucial that first responders can reach those in need quickly and reliably. I’ll work to improve fire department ISO ratings, to yield lower homeowners insurance premiums to county residents. Our Jail continues to need attention to keep up with county growth. I will continue to keep taxes as low as possible, while delivering the highest quality services.
Why should you get the people’s vote/ What makes you a better choice than your opponent?
As the current Justice of the Peace for District 6, I am running for re-election. I am already current on county issues, and I have the most experience in the position. I am, and remain, open and responsive to ALL constituents of District 6, as well as all of Saline County. I am well versed in the budgeting and appropriation processes, State and Federal impact, as well as all the constitutional responsibilities of, and limitations upon, the Quorum Court. I would be honored to continue serving the people.