Candidate profile: Tim Sadler

Photo by Dave A. Vance.

Tim Sadler

ELLIS COUNTY — Learn more about Tim Sadler in his own words as he runs for Ellis County Commissioner Precinct 1 in the 2016 Republican primary.

Election day voting will be held on March 1, 2016 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Click here for a list of election day polling locations. Early voting will take place February 16, 2016 through February 26, 2016. Click here for a list of early voting locations and times.

Click here to view and compare all County Commissioner Precinct 1 candidates' answers on one page.

Tim Sadler questionnaire responses

1) What is your age?

49

2) What is your city of residence?

Palmer

3) How many years have you lived in Ellis County?

30+

4) Tell us a little about your family.

I'm a single father with 6 beautiful kids and 1 grandson. I have 5 between the ages of 10-15 that live with me full time.

5) Describe your education.

Graduated from Ennis High School 1985

6) What previous public office experience have you had?

None

7) What is your occupation?

Road & Bridge Maintenance Crew

8) Describe your church and civic involvement.

Cowboy Church of Ennis

9) Please provide a biographical narrative.

I was born in Missouri and moved to Texas at the age of 2. My parents moved us to Ellis County over 35 years ago. I have 6 children (Brittney 19, Christian 15, Tiffany 14, Timia 13, Brea 11 and TJ 10). The youngest 5 attend Palmer ISD. I also have an amazing 2 year old grandson named Jayden. I’m just a blue collar hard working man that loves his family and community.

10) What motivated your interest in running for Ellis County Commissioner?

My passion for this county’s future and believe I have a lot to offer to our hard working citizens.

11) Briefly and succinctly define the job responsibilities of the office you are seeking.

Road & Bridge Maintenance, Planning & Zoning, Budgeting, Voice for both County & Citizens

12) What qualifications and professional experiences do you possess that are applicable to road and bridge construction and maintenance? Be specific.

I’ve worked for the County in the Road & Bridge department for the past 5.5 years. My hands on experience and knowledge of county roads speaks for itself.

13) What qualifications do you possess that will enable you to manage a budget of over $57 million for Ellis County and a budget of over $1 million for the commissioner's office you are seeking? Be specific.

I’ve never budgeted millions of dollars, don’t suppose many have either. But I am hard working honest man who is willing and able to learn.

14) How has your education prepared you for this office?

I went to the school of hard knocks... the truly educated never graduate.

15) Do you own property in Ellis County, and if so, for how long?

My home on 3 acres that I have lived at for about 4 years.

16) Have you declared bankruptcy or have had any liens placed upon you in the past 10 years? If so, please explain.

No

17) Prior to your candidacy, or prior to your election for your first term (for incumbents seeking re-election), have you attended Commissioners' Court meetings? If so, how often during the previous 12 months? If not often, please explain why.

No but this experience has been eye opening to how important it is to become involved.

18) What distinguishes you from your opponent(s)?

Since I've worked for the county in roads & bridges department for last 5.5 years, I understand both sides of County & Citizens concerns. My current position with the county I believe makes me deserving and will be more dedicated to this position than other respective candidates.

19) What are the three greatest challenges facing Ellis County? If elected, what measures would you propose to resolve them?

Uncertain but figure economic growth and development is at the top.

20) If elected, what are your top three priorities? How will you work with other elected officials and county staff to achieve them? Be specific.

Improving Roads is the most important to myself and majority of citizens. I will seek out and address other concerns as I embark on this opportunity.

21) Is there a specific item you would add or remove from the county budget? Please explain.

Uncertain

22) If elected, will you work with others to reduce county spending? Please explain.

Yes, by building teams and creating support with fellow commissioners

23) Would you vote to increase or decrease property tax rates? Please explain.

Uncertain but will consider all sides.

24) Would you vote in favor of a pay raise for yourself and other county commissioners during your first and second year in office? Please explain your position.

Uncertain

25) Do you support a raise for non-elected county employees, including employees of the Sheriff's Office?

Yes

26) Name one county program or department you would like to improve. Please explain.

There’s always room for improvement.

27) In recent years there have been situations where other elected officials have had disagreements with some members of the Ellis County Commissioners' Court and the perception of budgetary revenge has ensued from some of those members of the court. How would you handle these situations and what would you do to prevent this from occurring in the future?

By being fair, reasonable and honest.

28) If elected, what measures would you take to ensure the efficient operation of Ellis County?

Establish good working relationships and appreciating the responsibilities of those other elected of¬ficials.

29) If elected, what measures would you take to generate economic development opportunities for Ellis County?

Be open minded to ideas and heed advice from others more experienced in these types of decisions.

30) Government transparency has been an issue at all levels of politics for the past few years. Do you feel that the county is transparent enough? If not, what needs to change?

We need to get away from groomed politicians and get back to voices of our citizens.

31) If elected, would you support changing one daytime Commissioners' Court meeting to an evening meeting so that daytime working residents can participate in our county government meetings? If so, how soon would you propose the change after taking office? Please explain your position.

Absolutely. This could be achieved by working with others to plan accordingly. It would encourage more participation by citizens.

32) Using human waste and processed sewage sludge, known as biosolids, as fertilizer in Ellis County made headlines in 2013 and 2014 before the practice was temporarily halted. What is your opinion on the practice returning to Ellis County and will you take any steps to push for that action to occur? Please explain.

Uncertain... need to obtain more information.

33) In March 2014 the Ellis County Commissioners' Court voted to enter into an agreement with North Texas Tollroad Authority (NTTA) that gave the Ellis County Tax Assessor/Collector the authority to refuse vehicle registrations for habitual toll violators. The commissioners' court voted in June 2015 to terminate the agreement with NTTA because of problems with NTTA's appeals process for alleged toll violators. Do you support the initial agreement with NTTA or similar agreements with other non-county organizations that may be proposed in the future? Please explain.

No I do not support the initial agreement.

34) In order to successfully represent the residents of Ellis County you will have to work with people who do not share your opinion on issues. What is your plan to ensure that all residents are fairly represented and that their voice is heard?

Stay open minded but strong in beliefs.

35) If elected, how would you reach out and form relationships with residents of Ellis County and how would you reach out to those residents in the outlying areas of the county?

Attending community functions such as neighborhood meetings, business openings, school activi¬ties, etc. as a means of informing them about issues and asking about their concerns.

36) What are the factors on which you will base your decisions as a county commissioner?

To make good decisions, a commissioner needs good information. Gathering the necessary data and statistics necessary is a vital part of the job.

37) Is there any additional information that you feel voters should know about your political views?

If you stand for nothing... you fall for everything.

38) Why should voters choose you?

My desire to be commissioner is because of strong belief in hands on approach. I may not have the resume as some of the other respective candidates but what I do offer is a passion and commitment to work hard for the community and county. Thank you for taking me into consideration as a viable candidate for the position.