Statement by Opal Roberts as a Candidate for Election to the Mercer Town Board  

As a resident of Mercer since 1980 I have observed our local government for a number of years.  In 2003 I was elected as your Town Clerk and served in that position until I retired in 2013.  During that time, I observed the Town Board in operation and, although I personally agreed with most of their decisions, there were some I did not think were all that intelligent.  As clerk, I had no vote in the matter.   

Since 2008 to the present I have been elected Iron County Supervisor for District 12.  During this time, I have advocated for more programs for the Mercer area and the hiring of Mercer residents for county jobs.  As the chair of the Finance committee and also of Human Services I am well aware of the financial problems facing our local governments. 

In 2013 I ran for Town Chairman and lost by 12 votes so almost half the voters wanted change.  My decision to run for supervisor was influenced by what I felt like was the lack of some of the supervisors to take into consideration the needs and opinions of all the residents, not just the vocal few. 

One of the major problems Mercer government faces is the zero tax levy limit which has been in effect for the past 8 years.  Our road projects have suffered because we have used a portion of this funding to pay for wage, insurance, and utility increases.   Without a referendum to increase our tax levy we are limited to borrowing to cover our expenses.  At the county level my goal has been to get the best possible value for the taxpayer monies being expended and I will do the same for Mercer. 

Another is the lack of future plans for the community.  We know where we are - but where are we going?  And how do we get there?  The Town Board should be working with local businesses, the chamber, the school, and all interested citizens, to discuss our future.  I am sure you have some very good ideas and I would like to hear them.  The other supervisors and I should develop a 5 and 10 year plan to best establish our future needs and how to best utilize our resources to get there.  We need solutions to our problems, not just bandages. 

I bring my years of experience and dedication in local government to this position and will be a hard- working addition to the Town Board.  If you elect me I will do my best to serve the town and the needs of our people.