Jaron Heller and Eric Hart both are seeking a McCleary City Council seat in the general eleciton.

Both candidates were provided the same questionnaire. Hart did not return his questionnaire.

Heller’s responses follow:

Tell me about yourself (profession and education):

Heller: Currently I am employed with the state Health Care Authority. I hold a dual B.A. in U.S. history and political science from St. Martin’s University. I have worked for various local government agencies which combined with my education has given me a good bed of knowledge on how local governments operate.

The budget is tight at McCleary — what would be your priorities for the City of McCleary’s budget issues?

Heller: While the budget is no doubt tight for McCleary, I believe that we are on the right path to fiscal responsibility. My priorities for the city budget is to ensure that we continue to behave in a fiscally responsible manner and to ensure that the city does not overburden our citizens with costs they cannot easily afford.

Utility rates continue to increase and have been forecast to increase further over the next several years — how would you aim to address or limit those rising rates?

Heller: Unfortunately the city is in a position where rate increases are a necessity due to aging infrastructure and increasingly tough environmental regulations. Yet we need to bear in mind that many of our residents cannot afford large rate increases. If elected I will do my best to ensure that these increases are kept as low as possible to best minimize the impact on our most vulnerable residents while still working to maintain our infrastructure.

What is your vision for the City of McCleary and how do you plan to make that vision a reality?

Heller: My vision of McCleary is a city that is fiscally responsible and retains the family friendly sense of community that we have long cherished. This is not a goal I can accomplish on my own, so If elected I will work closely with my fellow council members and the community to foster these goals.