MIFFLINTOWN - Steven L. Zeiders has announced his intention to run for Juniata County Commissioner on the Democratic ticket.
Zeiders said he graduated in 1967 from the Juniata Joint High School and has run Steve's Used Cars on Butchershop Road for more than 40 years.
"I have always tried to be a straight-talking person and honest with my customers," Zeiders said.
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Zeiders said he could go on with many of his achievements in life but that would not answer the question of why he is running for commissioner.
He said he believes the commissioners job is to take care of the people and their tax money and that now that is not being done in the best interest of the people.
Zeiders said with school taxes at risk of going up to 16 mills, county tax to 5 mills and states cutting funds to raise the possibility of even more taxes, where does it stop?
"What is enough, does anyone even care?" Zeiders asked.
Zeiders said he believes we need to put people in office that know the difference between what is needed in the county and what we could use if and when we have the money.
Zeiders said that in order to balance the budget this year, $900,000 must be
borrowed from the general fund. He says $1.7 million was borrowed for the court house that was way over bid for what was done.
Zeiders said now in the first two months of 2011 Juniata County is over budget by more than $80,000, and that adding more debt is being discussed because of things that are needed.
He said one person is bringing this to the attention of the people, but that person can do very little but complain.
Zeiders said we have a few choices: cut programs, raise taxes, reassess what we have and see what we can live with out.
"I realize this is not the normal way to announce a candidacy but I told you I am plan spoken person and I believe a person should tell the voters why they are running for office and not try to impress them with things they have done in the past," Zeiders said.
Zeiders said he would be glad to meet with anyone or any group of people to talk about the future of Juniata County. Anyone who would like to speak with Zeiders may call 436-8435.
