Jeff Mergen for Commissioner

With the election only a week away, it is time to report on the accomplishments that have occurred in the past two years. The Stearns County property tax levy was reduced by .92% in 2012. It is scheduled to be reduced by 1% in 2013. These are the first two levy reductions in Stearns County history. By contrast the previous 15 years (1996 - 2011) saw the county having a median levy increase of 9.03%, with the highest being 10.41% in 2007. The increases from '96 - '11 saw an average of $3,040,349 per year added to the county taxpayers bill. Again the highest was in 2007 when the taxpayers were asked to pay $5,343,233 more than the previous year. The levy reductions for '12 and '13 average $693,342 per year.

The past two years have seen a change in several Department Head positions. This has resulted in a renewed interest in quality customer service. No where is this more evident than in Environmental Services. The new director is committed to working with the constituent to accomplish what they want, and yet meet the requirements of the law. Efforts are also underway to alleviate some of the burdensome restrictions placed on people. The overall goal of the board is turning toward having only one agency involved with any given project. We are attempting to steer away from involvement of multiple agencies and requiring multiple permits.

Commissioner accessibility to the public has been increased. Many visits have been made to individuals properties when they request it. On numerous occassions I (again upon request) have accompanied constituents when they wished to meet with county personnel concerning a problem.

If re-elected I intend to continue the level of service provided in the past two years. I ask for your vote on November 6.

Thank you,
Jeff Mergen

Jeff Mergen - Stearns County Commissioner District 3

Hello everyone, Facebook will not allow me to change the name of this page, so I have created a new one at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jeff-Mergen-Stearns-County-Commissioner-District-3/150836174985326 so like that page so we can transition to the new page for updates. Thanks!

Family
-----------------------------------------------

*Born and raised in Stearns County, Jeff Mergen and his wife of 36 years, Nellie, have lived just outside of Richmond since 1988

*They have four children and three grandchildren: Russell 32, Adam 30 (Wife Mandy, Twins Charlie and Lilly), Angie 28 (Husband Josh, Daughter Regan), Tracee 26

Education/Athletics
-----------------------------------------------

*Masters of Science Degree from St.Cloud State University – 1989

*Bachelor of Science Degree from St.Cloud State University – 1974

*Graduate of Albany High School in 1966

*Double major in mathematics and physical education

*Letterman in wrestling

Employment/Positions Held
-----------------------------------------------

*30 years in the ROCORI School District as a mathematics teacher

*Retired member of the United States Army Reserve with 21 years of service

*ROCORI Mathematics Department Head since 1996

*2001 – Present: adjunct Professor at St.Cloud Technical and Community College

*1999 – 2002 Assistant Wrestling Coach at St.Johns University in Collegeville Township

*Six years as a mathematics instructor at St.Cloud Cathedral

*Coached high school wrestling for 25 years, two–time section Wrestling Coach of the Year, and was named the 1999 Minnesota AA Wrestling Coach of the Year

*Also coached Cross Country, Football, and Baseball at high school/junior high level

*Manager of the Farming Flames baseball team for four years, including the state tournament year of 2002

*Still a volunteer third base coach for the Farming Flames

*Jeff and Nellie are members of the St. Catherine's Parish in Farming where he is an usher and Nellie is a Eucharistic minister

Remember to vote Jeff Mergen for Stearns County Commissioner!

Just launched the new fan page! Comment on it!