Katie Hedberg: Katie Hedberg running again for commissioner in District 3

To The Daily Sun,

I am running for reelection for Grafton County Commissioner in District 3. Plymouth has been my home since 1997. I have prioritized community service, both professionally and as a volunteer. My nursing career spanned over 40 years, the last 20 as a family nurse practitioner. I served on the Plymouth Elementary School Board for 12 years. I have been on the boards of numerous community organizations and am currently the vice president of the Plymouth Area Community Closet.

In every position I have held, I seek the most efficient way to provide needed services. Each budget season presents unique challenges and this year was no different. The Grafton County budget increased and much of it was for the same reasons our home budgets went up. Food, utilities and fuel costs. The downshifting of costs from the federal and state governments to local governments continues to increase our property taxes on all levels. My focus is caring for the people in our communities while carefully watching the bottom line.

Priorities during my first term included learning about each department and how to provide services within their budgets. Transparency at the Commissioners’ meetings was also a concern. I advocated to have video recordings of the meetings and we now have a YouTube channel. When it was noted that there was not a policy to address online meetings, I wrote the policy.

I believe I have served the people of Grafton County well and I ask for the community's vote on Nov. 3.

Katie Hedberg

Plymouth