During a recent government meeting, candidates for county commissioner outlined their top priorities, emphasizing fiscal responsibility, housing issues, and community support initiatives.

Candidate Peterson highlighted the urgent need for improved housing, noting the challenges faced by potential residents in finding suitable accommodations. He also stressed the importance of attracting industry and career-type jobs to the area, advocating for proactive outreach to businesses rather than waiting for them to come to the county. Additionally, he expressed support for ongoing development in parks and recreation.

Candidate Molnar placed budget management at the forefront, indicating that many department heads require additional staffing to meet current demands. He also called for the passage of a millage to support veterans in Delta County, citing the significant veteran population in the area. Mental health services were identified as another critical area needing attention.

Candidate Skiba emphasized energy independence as a key priority, alongside addressing homelessness and the housing crisis. He raised concerns about the disparity in housing availability for different groups within the community, particularly regarding programs for sex offenders. Skiba also advocated for making Delta County a year-round tourist destination.

Candidate Johnson reiterated the importance of maintaining a balanced budget to ensure the county's financial health. He expressed a desire to rebuild trust in county administration and suggested expanding internet access to facilitate remote work opportunities, which could enhance community diversity.

Candidate View focused on enhancing transparency and accountability within the county government, supporting veterans, and improving employee recruitment and retention. He also mentioned the need for a complaint policy and ADA compliance for county resources.

Candidate Barron emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of community issues, particularly in mental health. He criticized the current approach to mental health support, suggesting that it often exacerbates confusion among residents rather than alleviating it.

The discussions reflect a shared commitment among candidates to tackle pressing issues facing Delta County, with a strong focus on fiscal responsibility, community support, and proactive solutions to housing and employment challenges.