Schueller, Kokesch reflect on their county board roles

^{By Troy Krause
Editor
Posted Dec. 18, 2014 @ 12:01 am}
 

At the end of 2014, 20 years of experience on the Redwood County Board of Commissioners is going to be walking out the door, when John Schueller, who has served the second district since 2003, and Al Kokesch, who has served the third district since 2007, step down from their roles on the county board. “It’s been a good run,” said Kokesch, adding he believes a lot has been accomplished during his time on the board. Schueller reiterated that thought. 

“I’ve had fun,”?Schueller said. “Although not everything has been fun, overall this was a good experience.” Schueller, who served three terms, initially opted not to run for a fourth term but then announced a write-in campaign. While he did not win, Schueller said he has made his peace and is ready to move on to what’s next. Kokesch, who served two terms, said from the beginning it was his plan to run for eight years and then step down to allow someone else a chance to serve. “You need new people with fresh ideas,”?said Kokesch. “Eight years is long enough.” Looking back over the years, Kokesch said he is most proud of the collaborative efforts the county has accomplished, including the recycling center, the merger with Southwest Health and Human Services and continued work with the City of Redwood Falls. “In small counties like ours you need to be efficient, and I?believe collaboration is one way to do that,” he said. For Schueller the movement forward with solid waste, including the new recycling project, has been a highlight, as has the work to help improve the economy through work to assist with expansions at Monsanto, Daktronics and the addition of Highwater Ethanol. Schueller said he would have liked to see the waste to energy project come to fruition, adding that is probably one of his biggest disappointments on the board. Kokesch said he has really appreciated the efforts through the restorative justice program, although he thinks there are other things, such as home monitoring through ankle bracelets, that could have made it even more effective in the county. Kokesch said he always strived to listen to what the people had to say, adding one of the things he would advise the commissioner who takes his place to do is to keep open that line of communication. “Be honest from the beginning, and when there is an issue address it right way,”?he said.  Click here to read the full story!