October 29, 2000

Votes are suggested for Dell, Zimmerman

We see an incumbent and a challenger as the better choices in the Nov. 7 races to fill two Seneca County commissioner seats.

The candidates for the term that will start Jan. 2 are incumbent Republican Jeff Wagner and Democrat Roland Zimmerman.

For the seat that will be filled Jan. 3, they are incumbent Republican Janet Dell and Democrat Tom Distel.

All have been active in community service in a variety of ways, earning the respect of the fellow citizens in the process.

In the case of Wagner versus Zimmerman, voters are confronted with the type of choice they would like to see in every election contest: two candidates, either of whom could be expected to do an excellent job.

We find a slight edge for Zimmerman. The agribusiness expertise he has developed through the years in training thousands of young people and in working with both the public and private sectors on community projects should prove invaluable.

As the commissioners tackle tough issues such as financing restoration of the courthouse, continued consolidation of county offices and real estate holdings and long-term funding of the jail operation, Zimmerman's experience and wisdom would be an asset.

In the Dell-Distel contest, we find Dell's accomplishments and approach to the job to be deciding factors. Dell has been a leader in getting things done in recent years.

She was not alone in the accomplishments in consolidation of county offices into convenient and accessible location, but she was willing to be out front in making the arrangements. She has been bold in tackling county issues.

In the selection of county commissioners Nov. 7, we recommend votes for Janet Dell and Roland Zimmerman.