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Greg Burger, County Commissioner District 3

Lead Summary

The Star Herald asked candidates facing a primary election on Aug. 9 five questions to inform readers about themselves.
The five questions are:
3.) Community involvement
4.) Employment, education and family
5.) What made you decide to seek election/reelection to the County Board of Commissioners?
6.) How do you view the role of a commissioner in your community?
7.) What makes you the best candidate for the job?
 
Greg Burger lives in Luverne and is challenging the incumbent for the District 3 County Board of Commissioner position.
1.) Current: president, Rock County Development Corporation; treasurer, Luverne Initiatives For Tomorrow; board member, ATLAS of Rock County.
Past: president, Luverne Area Community Foundation; chairman, The Fund Drive for the new Sanford Hospital; chairman, The Fund Drive for The History Center; board member, Luverne Area Chamber of Commerce; chairman, the Minnesota Bankers Association; member, National American Bankers Association Community Banking Council; trustee, the Graduate School of Banking in Colorado.
2.) I have recently retired from 40+ years as a community banker. I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Ottawa University, Ottawa, Kansas, and received my degree from the Graduate School of Banking in Colorado. I’ve been married to Janet for 45 years and have three grown children and seven grandchildren.
3.) I believe it’s time for a fresh perspective for the District 3 commissioner seat. It seems to me that Rock County is in a unique position for growth and significant change in the coming years. I believe my experience in business and economic development can help the county move forward. This position would provide for opportunities to continue to stay involved and engaged in the progress of the county and community with which I am deeply attached.
4.) The role of commissioner is to provide overall guidance for the county and its citizens. I believe this involves an educated, conservative method for assessing existing programs as well as future opportunities. In order to perform the job well, the commissioner must approach each issue with an open mind and be willing to listen to the voices of his constituency before any decisions are made. Ultimately, the commissioner represents the citizens of the district and should attempt to move the county forward providing for the best interests of the people represented.
5.) I believe my past experiences in managing agricultural-based financial businesses will provide for a unique perspective for the commissioner position. I have been deeply involved in all aspects of the ag communities where the banks I managed were located. I have assisted a variety of people in their business and personal financial affairs. I have developed budgets and implemented expense control measures for multi-million dollar businesses during my years in banking. I have been directly involved in assisting farm operators with operating budgets as well as their decisions regarding marketing, operational changes, and future expansion. I’ve managed staffs of up to 40 individuals and dealt with all aspects of employer/employee interpersonal relationships. I believe I have the personal, business, and people skills necessary to handle the challenges of providing guidance for the future decisions for Rock County.

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