November 20, 2006

"Vote winner faces tough choice"

"The morning after unseating a longtime incumbent, Metzler — who also works for the district — learned state law precludes him from sitting on the board when he's also an employee.

Metzler said he checked with the district before the election and was told he could do both, so long as he didn't participate in employee wage and benefit negotiations. Election officials said Metzler identified himself as a farmer, not a district employee, when he filed to run. A state law passed in 1996 prohibits an employee of an agency to sit on the agency's board.

"If I would have known this, I would have backed off," Metzler said of his campaign. Metzler earns $1,800 a month with the district and also is a farmer. A board seat pays $125 per meeting, and the board meets twice each month. He has a daughter in college and a son who soon will be in college. His wife, Diane, is a teacher.

Metzler said he has not made a decision. "I am just going to wait and weigh my options," he said. "I have until December to make up my mind."

The story is here.

Posted by Randy Riddle at November 20, 2006 12:02 PM