Both of the Republican candidates for Gasconade County Public Administrator in the Aug. 4 Primary Election submitted responses to questions posed by The Gasconade County Republican and Maries County Advocate. Those responses were limited to 50 words per question and were edited as necessary for length.

Public Administrator

• With recent approval of state legislation allowing families or guardians the use of video recording equipment in the room of nursing home residents, did anything catch your attention which made you say ‘that will be a game-changer’ for how public administrators can better serve, or protect, their clients?

• What do you see as the greatest need for Gasconade County residents to understand about the office you are seeking and why you are the best candidate?

• What training or prior life experience has prepared you the most for the elected office you seek?

Kelly “Brehe” Thomas (R-Owensville)

• With the recent approval of  HB1387 it definitely could be a game changer, not only for families but also a public administrator, because it puts the right people accountable for theft, abuse or improper care of the residents. 

•Knowledge of this position. If someone has little or no family to assist them keeping up with their finances, health, and estate, the public administrator can be part of that and relieve a lot of worries.  My experience and accountability to all my past and current responsibilities shows that my focus will be committed service to the needs of our county’s current and future clients.

• Aside from my accounting degree, I cared for the physical needs as well as managing the financial accounts of my parents for 13 years, managed multiple farm and non for profit organization accounts including local 4-H clubs/councils and project graduation, 20+ years experience running my own business and managing my father’s auction service. I am currently performing duties similar to that of  public administrator for two elderly gentlemen for the last two years.

Kathy Meyer (R-Hermann):

• While campaigning, it became apparent that many of our constituents were unaware of the duties of the office and the confidentiality and individualism that is required to ascertain that each client is served with dignity and to allow them to live their best life. The recent pandemic has created some concerns about confidentiality that will need to be addressed for each client individually.

• I have over 20 years experience in the health care field as well as over 20 years experience in the business, office and administration sector. I have a compassionate and servant’s heart for others and will lead with such if elected.

• I chose to file for election having held the office prior to our current Public Administrator from 1996-99 and absolutely loved working with my clients and serving the needs of the same.

In 2000, I did not file for re-election (to run a restaurant which closed in 2019). I fully planned to “retire,” however; after three months I found a need to serve our community once again and accepted a position as a kitchen manager in the Hermann School District.