Combs stresses clients' independence

Rik Combs
Rik Combs

Rik Combs, a retired U.S. Air Force officer and command pilot for 21 years, said his military experience sets him apart from his fellow candidates campaigning for Cole County public administrator.

Rik Combs

Combs has been involved with the Veterans of Foreign War, Air Force Association, United Sportsmen's Club, Eagles Club, Rotary, United Way, Safety Net, Vitae Foundation, Pregnancy Help Center, Hunting for Heroes, Operation Bugle Boy and Wardsville Lions Club. He was a Jefferson Township committeeman.

Combs, a Republican, said his life has been about watching over others. In the Air Force, Combs said, he oversaw thousands of officers and ensured their physical and financial well-being, as well as that of their family members. Numerous families had children with disabilities and the most common was autism.

"I've supervised thousands of people, so leadership is a big deal for me as well as management," he said. "I'm able to multitask, lead, supervise and motivate."

Combs has seven years of experience volunteering with Special Olympics in multiple states and the Philippines. He helped coordinate events, set up games, coach and encourage the athletes.

Combs said he decided to run for office as a way for him to care for his community.

"Public administrator is a very worthwhile, time-intensive position," Combs said. "It's 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and basically, it allows me to give back to the community by essentially protecting the most vulnerable citizens in our population."

He also cited his faith as a motivator to run for public administrator.

"That specific population, they are the most vulnerable in our society, and they are the ones who need our protection the most," Combs said. "As a Christian, I think it's incumbent upon us to reach out to those who are not as fortunate as ourselves. I wholeheartedly take on that task to take care of others."

Combs said he will ensure independence to each client by reviewing individual cases.

"That's what I've been focusing on - to assess each individual, so it's not just a broad-brushed approach," he said.

Main article:

Candidates focus on role of public administrator in Cole County

Other candidate profiles for this race:

Democrat Schwaller vows to protect clients

Kuensting stresses listening, accessibility

Chaney eyes job that truly helps people