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HARTINGTON — Audience members at Thursday's Cedar County Commission candidate forum wanted to learn how candidates felt about the Cedar County Transit system.
The service, which has been in operation here since the 1990s, has been in the news lately as commissioners openly questioned policies and expenses. Earlier this month long-time director Nikki Pinkelman resigned over the close scrutiny of her management.
All three candidates said they feel the Cedar County Transit is a vital service.
Justin Heikes said the Cedar County Transit system 'has gotten to be a useful tool in our area. I personally know a lot of people that rely on it. The Transit system is going to have my support. I think the county needs it.'
Tim Burbach said when it first started, he didn't believe it was a good idea. His opinion changed as he learned more about the program, though.
'As I see today, it is an absolute necessity for the elderly and people who can't drive or get to where they need to be. Every person I've met and talked to about it, they are all smiles. Yes. That place needs our support — 100 percent.'
Kelly Hammer said the Transit System is a good thing for the county, but it has needlessly become a political issue. He suggested that it might be better if someone other than the Cedar County Commissioners oversaw the operation.
