Being a small-business owner and the experience that brings with it is one of the main reasons Republican Kris Scheperle believes he should be re-elected as Cole County Western District commissioner.
Scheperle faces a primary challenge on Aug. 2, when voters will choose between Scheperle and fellow Republican candidate Janet Ousley for the Cole County Western District commissioner position. Because there is no Democratic candidate, whoever wins on the August ballot will win the seat.
Kris Scheperle
Why run? "I felt like there's more that I need to accomplish."Scheperle said his experience as owner of All Seasons Landscaping & Construction has taught him how to deal with some of the same issues the commission must deal with, including personnel, insurance, payroll and budgets.
"I deal with many of the same issues in my business and at the county," he said. "Trying to find solutions to the many problems that Cole County residents face every day."
Scheperle is a graduate of Lincoln University and has served on the commission since 2012, when he defeated incumbent Chris Wrigley.
After serving one full term, Scheperle said he's learned it takes a long time to understand the full complexity of the county's business.
If re-elected, Scheperle said he would work to continue measures he believes have moved the county forward during his first term in office. He said in the last two years, the county has invested in its facilities, improved roads, rolled back property taxes and started a pre-trial release program, which allows offenders to choose alternatives to jail time.
"We have accomplished much, but there is more to do," Scheperle said.
As he has been campaigning, Scheperle said he has been running on a platform of open government, no new taxes, better government through better cooperation of Cole County communities and increasing opportunities for young people to stay in the community.
"The biggest issues that we face today are environmental health hazards, stormwater, sewer issues and public safety," Scheperle said. "All of these will be ongoing as stricter regulations will make managing these issues more challenging."
In his spare time, Scheperle said he enjoys spending time with his wife and four children, as well as outdoor activities, such as hunting and fishing.
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