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Cruser to challenge Ireland for commissioner's seat
Several years ago Connie Cruser decided one of her goals was to serve as an Elmore County Commissioner.
Ten days ago she filed her declaration of candidacy.
Cruser will seek the District 3 Commission seat currently held by Calvin Ireland.
"I'm not running against -- I'm running for the future of Elmore County," she said, adding that she didn't want to see Ireland run unopposed.
"I strongly believe all voters deserve a choice. Without it, there's no accountability. I've been interested in this position for a long time. Now I have the time to commit to it.
Cruser is a familiar face to many local residents. She worked as Dr. Richard Starkey's nurse for 11 years, as a Public Health nurse for Central District Health for five years, taught Health Occupations at the high school for six years, and has worked a total of 20 years at Elmore Memorial Hospital.
Retired, she still works occasionally as the nurse examiner in mammography at the hospital and filling in at the Long Term Care Unit.
Although she doesn't consider herself a typical political candidate, Cruser believes the skills she's finetuned over 43 years of nursing are what is needed in the political arena.
"In nursing I treat all people with honesty, respect and in a professional manner. I maintain objectivity, gather information and do an assessment. Then, working with others as part of a team, not worrying about who gets the credit, I do as much as I can to fix the problem.
"Staying calm under pressure is essential. Caring about people and their quality of life is the sum and substance of nursing. These skills could bring a healthy new viewpoint to the county commission."
Connie and Connley, her husband of 43 years, have lived in Mountain Home for more than 38 years and own a cabin in the Pine-Featherville area.
They have three sons, Daniel, Michael and Patrick, all born and raised in Mountain Home.
Michael graduated from the New Mexico Military Institute and is now a Federal Probation Officer, living in Mountain Home.
Daniel and Patrick both graduated from the Military Academy at West Point. Daniel is a doctor stationed at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Patrick is currently on active duty in Baghdad.
At age 50, during the Gulf War, she joined the U.S. Army Reserve Nurse Corps and served for eight years. When asked about the that decision, she smiled. "I thought, 'By gosh, if I might have my sons over there, I can do my part too'."
Cruser also serves as a member of the Elmore Memorial Foundation Board and a member of Our Lady of Good Counsel Pastoral Council.
She is a charter citizen member of the Restoration Advisory Board, coordinating water issues between town and the AFB.
Cruser is attending county commission meetings and is concerned that the status quo and "business as usual don't do justice to the Elmore County of today."
But, she wants to hear what the citizens have to say.
"We've got a diverse and changing population -- is everyone being considered in the decision-making? Do people feel intimidated or free to say what's on their minds? What is being done to improve communication, so residents are fully informed and involved in their county's business?
"If the jail bond doesn't pass what are the alternatives?
"What's being done by the commissioners to increase job growth and clean industry? Expand recreation opportunities? How many more big dairies are planned to locate here?
"I want a better understanding of all sides of the ambulance issue as well as 911 and emergency services.
"Also," she said, "we have a lot of struggling families and seniors in Elmore County. Are they being taken into account or ignored?
"Right now," Cruser said, "I have more questions than answers, but I think that's okay. I'm not going to make up my mind before I have the facts. I'll use an active campaign to listen and learn from the people of Elmore County. That's where the experience and knowledge are."
Cruser asked all voters with questions or comments to call her at 587-4630, or e-mail her at: