Powder River Examiner -

The following piece presents a series of answers to questions posed to the candidates running for the contested local positions in the June primary election. This week we have the candidates for the Commissioner position. The candidates were asked the following: Please provide us with your background, education, and some personal history. For those in incumbent positions we also asked: Please present an example or two of accomplishments from your current term in office. What are two goals you would like to accomplish if re-elected? For those challenging for a position we added: What qualities and skills would you bring to this position? What are two goals you would like to accomplish if elected? Would you be willing to sit in on the budget sessions this summer, in order to learn the process? Donna Giacometto is the incumbent candidate for Commissioner, with Lori Fortner, Floyd Huckins, and Larry Clements also vying for the seat. We present the answers with minimal editing from what the candidate originally delivered. Absentee ballots will be mailed on May 13th. A candidate forum, hosted by the Chamber of Commerce, is planned for Wednesday, May 25th in the high school auditorium. The primary election will take place June 7th.

I was born and raised just outside Deadwood, South Dakota in a little community called Maitland. I graduated from Lead High School in 1985 and then continued my education at Black Hills State University where I received my degree in Business Administration with a minor in Accounting.

I was hired as the Branch Secretary for Farm Credit Services of America two days after I graduated college. It was then and there that I began my journey in Agriculture which led me to where I am today. After two years in that position I was promoted to Lending Specialist and began to really understand what it takes to run a successful farm and ranching operation.

I met the love of my life, Joe Fortner, when he walked in the door of my office and applied for a loan to buy a ranch in South Dakota. The rest is history... We were married June 1, 1996 and started our family 2 years later. I was blessed to be able to raise three beautiful children on the Fortner family ranch.

My husband and I own and operate Five Star Roustabout, Inc. and Fortner Ranch. I have used my business and accounting degrees daily within these two operations. I am responsible for payroll, payroll taxes, all of our safety programs, training, insurance, scheduling, and the day to day decision to keep these operations running as smoothly as possible.

I have also been involved in our school system since our kids were very young. I sat on the Biddle Elementary school board for over 15 years and Powder River County District High School board for 11 years.

Within the high school board, I serve on five committees including negotiations, transportation, activities and legislative and vo-ed. Working with these board members on tough issues has been both rewarding and challenging when coming to a decision that is not always so easy to present.

My board position has enabled me to be involved in our community and to give back just a little of what it has given me and my family.

In my personal opinion, I think this is a great place to raise a family and make a life worth living for.

It never ceases to amaze me when this community comes together when someone is in need.

Whether it is organizing a fundraiser or just lending a helping hand, we turn out in masses.

I also spent a great deal of time as a first responder with Jesse Ambulance Service for 13 years. That was something that really was outside of my wheelhouse and I truly came to appreciate every position of emergency services. The training and experiences I acquired while on the ambulance service is one of the things I will treasure. Working under pressure and with a team of emergency service providers was truly rewarding.

I currently substitute teach at the Biddle Elementary School when needed and have come to appreciate those in the teaching profession and all who contribute to the shaping of our students.

I believe I have excellent communication skills. I am organized, dependable and I am not afraid of a challenge. I have worked beside county employees on a job lasting a couple months. It required several entities and individuals on a tight schedule to get the job done. I learned through this project you can do just about anything with the right attitude and people working together for a common goal. If I say I'm going to do something, you can guarantee I will see it through. As previously stated, I am very comfortable in the areas of managing a business and all that it entails to be successful.

I have a passion for our community and the county as a whole. If elected, my goal is to be active in our county by striving to learn the inner workings of our county government and the entities within it. I would look forward to working alongside members of our community as well as attending the various board meetings and functions. Lending my knowledge and enthusiasm to reach the desired outcome is something I am passionate about. Secondly, I would like to establish a better line of communication between our county representatives and our rural community. In Powder River County, there are many miles that separate us. From all corners of Powder River County, if elected, I would strive to close that distance, making us feel more connected. I believe I have the qualities and skills that can benefit the commissioner position and if elected, I am ready to serve Powder River County.

Would you be willing to sit in on the budget sessions this summer, in order to learn the process?

Yes, I would look forward to it.