Commissioner candidate Q+A

On Nov. 3, Golden Valley County residents will cast their votes for the general election. At the Beach Community Center, the polls will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
On the ballot will be candidates for Golden Valley County Commissioner. Running for District 1 are Dell Beach and Robert Schmeling. Running for District 3 are Rory Farstveet and Paul J. Schmitz.
Golden Valley News asked each candidate three questions and we are sharing their responses with you, so you can make an informed decision come election day.

DELL BEACH
District 1 Candidate
Q: Why did you decide to run for County Commissioner?
A: I’m running to serve my neighbors and bring a fresh perspective. I believe in common sense, responsible spending and listening to the people who call this county home.
Q: What specific goals or plans do you want to implement, if elected?
A: My priorities are protecting taxpayer dollars, maintaining dependable county services and supporting local businesses and agriculture. I’ll work with fellow commissioners to plan ahead and make spending decisions clear.
Q: How will Golden Valley County improve under your leadership?
A: I’ll bring accountability, open communication and a willingness to learn. Residents deserve a commissioner who listens, follows through and puts the county’s future first.

ROBERT SCHMELING
District 1 Candidate
Q: Why did you decide to run for County Commissioner?
A: I was born in Golden Valley County in 1942 and have lived here my whole life. I raised my family here. I was first elected commissioner in 2018, at 78 years old. I’m running again because I care about this county and the people who call it home. I’ve seen it through a lot of years and I want to keep it a place people are proud to live.
Q: What specific goals or plans do you want to implement, if elected?
A: More young people are staying in Golden Valley County to raise their families than ever before. That doesn’t happen by accident. My goal is to protect what’s bringing them here and keeping them here. I’ll listen to those families and when something needs to change, I’m open to it. But I won’t fix what isn’t broken.
Q: How will Golden Valley County improve under your leadership?
A: Some people may think my age is a reason to vote against me. I see it the other way. I’ve spent 84 years in this county and nobody is more committed to it than I am. The young families staying here deserve someone who knows this place, isn’t going anywhere and wants what’s best for them. I may be older than the other candidates, but I chose to build my life here, just like they’re doing now. My age isn’t a drawback. It’s an advantage.

RORY FARSTVEET
District 3 Candidate
Q: Why did you decide to run for County Commissioner?
A: I think it’s very important for citizens to get involved in our communities on many levels. I’ve wanted to get involved for many years, but was traveling out of state for my trucking business, so I wasn’t able to schedule in the meetings and devote the time to the citizens. Since my son graduated from college and he came back to farm, I have the time to give to the residents of Golden Valley County.
Q: What specific goals or plans do you want to implement, if elected?
A: The number one goal of any public servant is to keep taxes low as possible and to balance that with maintaining our community’s needs.
Q: How will Golden Valley County improve under your leadership?
A: My goals are the same as when I ran four years ago, making sure every citizen of Golden Valley County can voice their concern to their elected officials and to have what we do now and how we spend their tax dollars as transparent as possible.

PAUL J. SCHMITZ
District 3 Candidate
Q: Why did you decide to run for County Commissioner?
A: I did one term before and I enjoyed it. I have plenty of time to devote to it. If a person can bring anything to the table, he should step up and help.
Q: What specific goals or plans do you want to implement, if elected?
A: There’s no specific goals. You address every issue as it comes to the commission and do what you think is right for the county.
Q: How will Golden Valley County improve under your leadership?
A: Hopefully, every item that is brought up can be addressed and the outcome is the best for all of GVC and its residents. Always keep in mind the county is our number one priority for the betterment of its residents.