Randy Dallke

Randy Dallke scored a comfortable win against two primary challengers in his run for a fourth term on the commission.

In the days since, he said he’s had reason to be concerned about interference with his campaign.

“I’ve had signs taken down that I’ve put up,” Dallke said, estimating that at least 10 signs have disappeared. “I think it’s everybody’s right to run for a position, they have the right to put up signs and talk to people, but to go around and deface people’s signs, when it comes to this it’s the same kind of caliber as the national campaign, right here in Marion County with my opponent. In my three or four runs for this position, this is the first time it’s happened.”

Despite his easy August victory, Dallke isn’t taking anything for granted for the general election.

“You never count on anything,” he said. “I know I have a lot of good followers and I know people know that I try to do the best in this position that I can, even when they don’t agree with me.”

Dallke said he has continued working on his priorities for roads and economic development since the primary.

“Let’s take the 190th Rd. incident,” he said. “We had to shut down the road for safety, and just this last meeting we got word the grant we applied for got issued. There will be some cost to the county, but we’re on the way to getting that resolved.”

Dallke said he’s been contacted by numerous individuals and businesses concerned about the closure.

“I’ll bet you we don’t know the actual hurt it’s put on some businesses,” he said.

He’s also pleased with the direction of the economic development committee created by the commission.

“The crew that was named, No. 1, thank you,” he said. “They’re trying to make something for the Marion County community. That’s exactly what we need to be is a community. Their focus is job, and jobs bring people.”

Considering the vacant Straub building in Marion as a cost-effective alternative for a better site for the county shop and weed department is something Dallke pointed to as evidence that he’s open to alternatives that make sense.

He said it wasn’t surprising that many incumbents lost primary races, but he encouraged voters to take a close look at how they do their jobs and what challengers bring to the table.

“If you see somebody is not even trying to produce in their elected position, or if there’s continuing errors, that’s when it’s time for change,” he said. “When someone votes for a new person, consider their background, look to see if they have any government experience as far as being elected to a board and operating with tax dollars. There’s a whole new side to that story when you sit on that side of the table.”

Dallke said he’s enthusiastic about the possibility of serving another term.

“I’m still involved, I’m still trying to do what’s best,” he said. “My job is driving all over the county, and I see all the county. I still enjoy serving the county.”