Interviews With the Presiding Commissioner Candidates

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Glenn Eagan, Democratic Candidate

What motivated you to seek this position?

I have always felt like I wanted to be a public servant. The first board I served on was the Salt River Ambulance District for several years. My next two endeavors were both the Shelbina and Shelbyville Pool Boards back in the early 1990’s. After that I was elected to almost 15 years as City of Shelbyville Alderman and 5 years as Mayor. I really enjoyed serving the people of Shelbyville and decided I would try for the position of Shelby County Presiding Commissioner, where I would be able to serve all the citizens of Shelby County. I decided that I wanted to make a full-time commitment to Shelby County and sold my service station of 22 years to two of my employees. Mike and Matt took over on the first day that I took office and have done great owning and operating Eagan’s Service. After serving almost 16 years as Shelby County’s Presiding Commissioner, I am still motivated to continue to serve Shelby Countians.

What do you see as the most pressing needs for changes in the county?

Two of our greatest needs in Shelby County are better secondary MODOT roads and expanded broadband throughout the county. Better roads are needed for safe travel for everyone and to move agriculture products to market. High speed broadband will allow for citizens to work from anywhere in the county. Broadband can provide learning opportunities for our students and can help with medical needs of our seniors. Better roads and broadband will help to reverse the declining population and to expand our businesses.

Why do you feel you are the best qualified for this position?

During the past 16 years I have been dedicated to improving the lives of all Shelby County citizens. During my terms in office, I have volunteered to serve as the county’s Emergency Management Director. Other boards and committees I currently serve on are the Transportation Advisory Committee, Northeast Community Action Corporation (NECAC ), Northeast Workforce Development Board, the Shelby County Fair Board and Neighbors Helping Neighbors. In the past I have also served on the Shelby County Economic Development Board and the Shelbyville Old Settlers Committee. I feel my experience serves me well for being elected to 4 more years as Shelby County Presiding Commissioner.

Other comments?

My wife Cathy and I have spent the last 40 years of our life in Shelby County raising our son, Jeremy, and our daughter, Courtney. They both have been married several years to great spouses, and we now have 5 awesome grandchildren. Cathy has taught both at South Shelby and North Shelby and is now retired. We very much enjoy attending St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Shelbina and stay busy with parish activities.

If elected again, I will continue to work to serve the citizens of Shelby County and try to improve all our lives!

Terry Helmick, Republican Candidate

What motivated you to seek this position?

I see some things in the county that I believe need to be changed. The current commissioners aren’t addressing the problems and have no plan on how to fix these problems.

What do you see as the most pressing needs for changes in the county?

Our county is at the crisis point in regards to the lack of employees to do jobs that need to be done. The first problem is our road and bridge department. There are not enough workers to keep up with the road maintenance, and we are about to lose more workers. The county isn’t paying enough to attract new workers, and the benefits package isn’t there to keep or hire new workers. Our 911 dispatch is in the very same condition. I’ve asked the commissioners about these issues and they have no plan to raise wages to where they should be to get people hired for these positions.

Why do you feel you are the best qualified for this position?

I will bring a new outlook to the office of Presiding Commissioner. It’s a belief that the county belongs to the residents of Shelby County and the elected officials are here to serve the county, not themselves. Elected officials at all levels of government have gotten the idea that their job is to do what is best for them and not their constituents. It’s time to change that perspective and get back to the ideal of public service from our elected officials.

Other comments?   

It’s time for change here in Shelby County. The status quo isn’t working. It’s time to fix the serious issues facing our county. I want to hear from you. 573-541-3282.