Editor’s Note: The following focuses only on those local election decisions where voters will have choices. Comments presented by the following candidates were solicited by this newspaper.
This website brought to you in part by the following sponsor:
Lance Critten
for Presiding Commissioner
Lance Critten, 34, is a life-long resident of Daviess County and a graduate of Gallatin R-5 High School. He and his wife, Angel, have one daughter, Hannah. Lance is the son of Darrell and Linda Critten.
After receiving his B.S. degree in agriculture business from CMSU, Mr. Critten was employed for two years with Continental Grain. He has worked on the family farm since 1998.
Mr. Critten is a member of the Gallatin First Baptist Church and formerly served as trustee. He is a delegate for Gallatin MFA Coop and a member of the University of Missouri Extension Council.
Q: Why run for this position?
“I believe Daviess County is a great place to live and raise a family. I feel that it is a place we can all be proud to call home. I am running for the office of presiding commissioner in order to contribute to the future growth and prosperity of the county.”
Q: Why do you feel you are qualified?
“Working on the farm has taught me what it means to work hard as well as good financial and time management skills. My education shows the ability and desire to learn. My time in college in addition to involvement in community activities and organizations has given me the opportunity to work with a variety of people. I always strive to be honest, open and treat others with the respect they deserve. I believe these characteristics enable me to work for you as presiding commissioner.”
David Michael,
for Presiding Commissioner
David Michael, 60, has been a resident of Daviess County for 50 plus years. He and his wife, Kayla, have three children, Douglas, Rebekah and Sarah, and nine grandchildren.
A graduate of Harrison County R-4 (Gilman City) High School, Mr. Michael received his A.B. degree in education from William Jewell College, and his MSEd and Ed Spec. Administration from Northwest Missouri State University.
He has 35 years of experience as a public school teacher (retired), 26 years as a school administrator, and 35 years as a farm owner/operator.
Mr. Michael is a member of the Missouri Retired Teachers Association.
Q: Why run for this position?
“My only agenda for the county commission is serving the best interests of Daviess County citizens. I have no elaborate plans or grand projects for the county beyond doing my best to see that tax money is used in a wise and prudent manner in accordance with the law; and that any citizen who comes before the commission receives an equitable chance to be heard.”
Q: Why do you feel you are qualified?
“I have attended most weekly meetings of the county commission since filing for office in March. Because the presiding commissioner also serves as a regional jail commissioner I have attended meetings of that commission also. This was done to become more familiar with the business that comes before these two commissions. Probably, no one person ever becomes fully qualified or prepared for the office of county commissioner. However, listed below are some experiences and qualifications I would bring to the office:
1. Fiscal conservatism
2. 35 years working with and for the public as an educator — 24 years in Daviess county schools;
26 years as a school administrator
3. 35 years experience as a farm owner/operator
4. School administration and farming require critical decision making and the application of fiscal conservatism.
5. School administration required:
• budget development, implementation and adjustment (note: Daviess County has a $4+ million budget and the regional jail has a $2+ million budget)
• familiarity with the bid-letting process
• positive interaction with contractors, vendors, parents, students, teachers, and the public in general
6. As a retired individual I have time and attention to devote to the office.
7. Personal integrity and a strong work ethic.”
Daren L. Adkins
for Associate Circuit Judge
Daren Adkins, 38, is a life-long resident of Daviess County. He is the son of Jim and Linda Adkins and the brother of Loren Adkins.
A graduate of Gallatin R-5 High School, Mr. Adkins received his B.A. in Philosophy from Baylor University and his Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Missouri – Kansas City Law School. From 1994-1999, Mr. Adkins was a private attorney and partner of the firm Miller, Seidel, Havens & Adkins, LLP, Trenton. From 1999 to present he has served as Associate Circuit Judge for Daviess County. Mr. Adkins is also an adjunct professor at North Central Missouri College.
In addition to his position as Associate Circuit Judge, Mr. Adkins was previously elected to the Gallatin R-5 School Board.
Mr. Adkins civic memberships include: Daviess County Library Board vice-president 2001-present; Gallatin R-V School Board 1996-1999. His service memberships include Gallatin Rotary Club -member and past president, Gallatin Area Revitalization Alliance member; Gallatin FFA contest volunteer; and Daviess County Junior Livestock Show fair board member. His professional memberships include: Missouri Judicial Conference Member; Missouri Bar Association Member, and admittance to practice in the federal courts. He attends the Gallatin United Methodist Church.
Q: Why run for this position?
“Eight years ago, I ran for Associate Circuit Judge to bring a new approach and a new perspective to the office. Since then, those using the Courts have witnessed the benefits of consistent, common-sense sentencing in criminal cases regardless of the parties involved, strict adherence to the law in every case, and a no-secrets attitude toward every aspect of this office. I believe Daviess County citizens deserve a guarantee that these standards continue. This office is very important to those who use it and is a place where I believe professionalism and decorum is expected and required.”
Q: Why do you feel you are qualified?
“With eight years experience as your Associate Circuit Judge and the only candidate with any judicial experience, I believe that I am qualified to continue to serve.
Prior to my election as the Associate Circuit Judge, I practiced law representing people in nearly every type of case including criminal defense, family law, juvenile cases, large and small civil disputes, real estate law, landlord-tenant cases, federal courts, appellate cases, and estate planning and probate. These are the very types of cases I now handle. All of these areas of practice afforded me real experience and an understanding of how the law will affect the people involved. As an avid hunter and fisherman, I also bring a common-sense approach to conservation cases.
I believe I delivered on the commitments I made during the last two campaigns and the oath I took when sworn in. First, and foremost, the consistent and fair application of the law and an open door attitude is crucial if society is to trust the judiciary. Failure to follow the law in every case not only leads to legislating from the bench, but also uncertainty and mistrust by those using the courts. I apply the law to the facts as presented and make timely decisions, generally at the close of all evidence, and to the parties directly. Court proceedings start on-time, every time so your time is not wasted. I treat all persons who use the Courts with the dignity and respect they deserve. The Courtroom is not a place for unprofessional conduct or favoritism, and is not and will not be tolerated. This professionalism must extend outside the courtroom in a Judge’s everyday behavior and conduct.
I reduced the uncollected fines, court costs and jail bill by over $30,000 per year during the first four years and require that all defendants in criminal cases pay their jail bill – saving you thousands of dollars per year. I started a Community Service Program for first time offenders, mostly youth, producing over 4,000 hours of free, beneficial labor to public entities throughout this County. I began mandatory drug testing for probationers and those released on bond in criminal cases, and have a zero tolerance policy for probationers who use illegal drugs. Implemented bail bonding procedures that have resulted in tens of thousands of non-tax dollars for our schools and the Courts.
The duties of this office are not limited to the courtroom. They include supervision of three clerks, preservation of over 20,000 permanent records, timely compliance with required State reporting and administrative procedures, and management of an office through which nearly 4,000 cases and over $350,000 pass per year. I expanded the office hours to include the lunch hour, installed additional telephone lines, and added a part-time clerk to improve service. I oversaw the implementation of the new Justice Information System (JIS/Case.Net) and understand how to use it. I brought the office up to date from a nearly 3,000 case backlog and reorganized the nearly 20,000 permanent case files to make them more accessible to the public. The office accounting practices are accurate to the penny with no audit issues. I instituted a long-term program of geneological record preservation so that there will be no further deterioration. This insures that wills and other important historical documents are available now, and for future generations. I am the only Judge in the 43rd Circuit who conducts civil marriage ceremonies. For the past eight years I have written newspaper articles keeping you informed of changes in the law, and how your judicial system works. I travel to the various schools to speak to juniors and seniors informing them of the legal consequences of underage drinking and alcohol related traffic offenses. Finally, I serve as the Daviess County Law Library Treasurer and brought the account from a $4,000 deficit to a positive balance while providing an up-to-date law library for the citizens of this county.
For the reasons stated above I believe that I am qualified to continue to serve as your Associate Circuit Judge and ask for your continued support and vote on Nov. 7.”
Mike Arnold
for Associate Circuit Judge
Mike Arnold, 55, has practiced law in Daviess County for over 30 years, including two stints as Daviess County Prosecuting Attorney (1981-86; 1990-98). He attended North Central Missouri College in Trenton, graduated from William Jewell College; and earned a juris doctorate law degree from the University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Law. He is a member of the Missouri Bar Association and the Forty-Third Circuit Bar. He is an active member of Boy Scout Troop 67 of Gallatin, holds lifetime membership in Girl Scouts, USA, and has served as a member of the Daviess County Board for the Developmentally Disabled since its inception. Mike and his wife, Linda, have two sons: Jonathan, a senior, and Phillip, a sophomore, at Gallatin High School. The family is active at First Baptist Church of Gallatin.
Q: Why run for this position?
“There has been a long, gradual decline in public respect for our courts. Many citizens view judges as just another bunch of politicians, free to exercise authority as they wish. A judge should be different. I want to make that difference in Daviess County by serving as Associate Circuit Judge and making decisions by law, by logic and by principle. Reasoned decisions should be reached in a courtroom open to all, and the office must be operated within its budget.”
Q: Why do you feel you are qualified?
“Over 26 years ago, I made a commitment to serve the citizens of Daviess County when I opened my law office here. This is where I have practiced my profession, made my home, and am raising my family. It is the best decision I ever made.
Professionally, I have had the privilege of personally trying over 100 jury trials, successfully arguing cases before our Missouri Supreme Court and Missouri Court of Appeals, and teaching law at the college level. Most importantly, I have successfully handled countless probate, civil, domestic, municipal and criminal defense and prosecution matters; the very types of cases for which I would be responsible as Associate Circuit Judge. This has given me the practical experience necessary to serve as a judge who not only knows the law, but knows the effect it has on people’s lives.
I place a high priority on service to others and have willingly provided free legal assistance to many community groups. I enjoy training new foster and adoptive parents and serving on the Daviess County Board for the Developmentally Disabled. I serve as a Boy Scout leader and support community activities, not because I want to be your judge, but because I want our community to be a quality place to live. A judge must have heart in the community he serves. My heart is in Daviess County.”
Sue Bird
for Circuit Court Clerk
Sue Bird, 48, is a life-long resident of Daviess County. She and her husband of 30 years, Robert (Bob), have two children – Dillon, age 18, a freshman at CMSU majoring in agricultural economics, and Cody, 29, assistant vice-president of Farmers Bank at Gallatin and married to Joanna (Hemry). They have one grandson – 2 year-old Isaac.
Mrs. Bird is a graduate of Gallatin R-5 High School and attended Trenton Junior College (now NCMC).
Mrs. Bird has served as chief division clerk for the past 13 years in the Associate Circuit Court of Daviess County and before that was court clerk III for 26 years. Earlier in her career, she worked as an office assistant for one year at the Gallatin school.
Mrs. Bird’s memberships include: Daviess County Fine Arts Council, current treasurer, parade chair for four years; Eastern Star Corinthian Chapter #112 of Gallatin, member and past officer; Gallatin Service and Social Club, formerly Beta Sigma Phi, past vice-president and secretary; Daviess County Democratic Committee, chairwoman for Liberty Township; and Gallatin Theatre League, past member and pianist. She is a member of the First Christian Church of Gallatin, where she has served as board member, committee chair, and organist for 26 years.
Mrs. Bird is a member of the Missouri Professional Association of Court Clerks (MOPACC).
“I attend these evening meetings on my own time to meet with other clerks throughout the region to stay updated with information for court operations, to gain insight for new and improved methods in the court system, and to collect new ideas for added efficiency as a clerk working in the court system.:
Mrs. Bird is also a member of Knee-Hi 4-H Club of Gallatin, past community leader; Chi-Rho Youth Group of First Christian Church of Gallatin, former youth leader; Gallatin High School A+ Program committee member-first committee to make A+ College Funding program available for Gallatin students; and Strathmore’s Who’s Who member 2006 – “individuals who have demonstrated leadership and achievement in their occupation, industry or profession.”
Q: Why run for this position?
“I am running for the office of Circuit Clerk because I would like the opportunity to continue my job as a clerk in the court, and use my 26 years of experience, knowledge, and training, to serve the people of Daviess County. I believe that running for this position shows that I am committed to service and dedicated to Daviess County.”
Q: How do you feel you are qualified?
“I feel that I am qualified by my 26 years of proven capable experience in the court system. I have handled or am familiar with each and every type of case that can be filed in the Circuit Court. My experience includes, but is certainly not limited to: filing, docketing, processing court cases, assisting litigants with filings, assisting attorneys with filings and scheduling, assisting judges with dockets, handling dockets on court days, recording court proceedings, assessing proper fees for cases, handling daily financial payments and transactions for cases, monthly financial recordings and disbursements, issuing correct documents and accurately recording the progress of each and every case both within the case file and also within the computer system. I received extensive training for this computer system, JIS (Justice Information System) during the fall of 2005 in order to prepare for the commencement of this on-line system which actually began in January, 2006. This on-line system enables the public to view all court cases. Currently I perform numerous duties and handle many responsibilities in the day-to-day operations of the court system. My qualifications include my experience of court procedures and my extensive training from the State of Missouri.”
Nancy Garnett
for Circuit Court Clerk
Nancy Garnett, 56, has been a resident of Daviess County for 30 years. She and her husband of 35 years, Tom, have one daughter and son-in-law, Holly and Travis Flandermeyer, and one son, Brice Garnett. Mrs. Garnett served as a teacher for 25 years in Daviess County. She taught for eight years at Gallatin R-5 and for four years at Tri-County (Jamesport). Mrs. Garnett operated a private pre-school (Little People Pre-School) for 13 years. She was the manager for Daviess County Country Club Pro Shop for three years
A graduate of David H. Hickman High School in Columbia, Mrs. Garnett received her B.S. degree in Education at Central Missouri State University, Warrensburg.
She is a member of the Gallatin First Christian Church; past president of the Gallatin Community Teachers Association; past president of the Gallatin Community Parent Teachers Association; coordinator of the 2005 Veterans Day Memorial Celebration; Who’s Who Of American Teachers, 2003, 2004, 2005; and the Missouri State Teachers Association.
Q: Why run for this position?
“Because of my deep ties to Daviess County as a teacher for 25 years it would be a great honor to continue serving the county as Circuit Clerk. It is my mission to serve the citizens of Daviess County and the participants of the judiciary system with courtesy, efficiency, and impartiality.
I feel that an understanding of the relationship of the Circuit Clerk with the public, attorneys, judges, media, and others in the courthouse is very important. My years of experience as a teacher, my formal education, and my interest in the judicial system have served me well in dealing with people of all ages. I am a “people person” and enjoy dealing with the public.”
Q: Why do you feel you are qualified?
“The Office of State Court Administrators provides training for all new circuit clerks. I have already confirmed my intentions to attend this training in December. This is a week long training school to ready all new Circuit Clerks for the position.
My cousin, Brenda Umstattd, who is the Circuit Clerk of Cole County in Jefferson City, will allow me to observe her work for two weeks before my term begins. This will give me “hands on” training for the office.
I also intend to observe the work of the Daviess County Circuit Clerk for a period of time before my term begins to become familiar with the procedures of this County.All of these things along with my dedication, organization skills, and efficiency will allow me to be fully qualified before my term begins.”