My Interview With Commissioner Ruddock

Written By Andrew

I went with my dad to an Indiana planning meeting where I met Commissioner Ruddock.  Since then, I have been interested in him and learning more about what he does.  I decided to interview him so that I could learn more about him.  I asked Commissioner Ruddock five questions. Here are the questions I asked and his responses:

First, I asked Commissioner Ruddock, “What does a Commissioner do?”   He answered me by saying, “There are three Indiana County Commissioners and we are elected to provide support and protective services to all of the citizens of Indiana County….over 89,000 including yourself.   We act a little bit like your Principal…to make sure that you are able to learn and enjoy school in a safe building.  Our primary function is to serve our County Court and make sure our three Judges are able to do their job.”

  Then, I asked Commissioner Ruddock, “Why are commissioners important?”  He answered me by saying,  “Commissioners are important since we are responsible for all that happens in the County.  We have many employees who have different skills and responsibilities.  They work with the Commissioners to make sure the citizens of the County are supported in meeting family needs.   Sometimes it involves storing and keeping track of important records,  or making sure our parks and trails are clean and safe.  On occasion, we also must take care of criminals who break the law and must spend time in our County Jail.”

Third, I asked commissioner Ruddock, “What would the world look like if there were no Commissioners?”  He answered me by saying, “Having no Commissioners would remove the leadership which helps get things done.   The Governor of Pennsylvania requires that each of the 67 Counties of Pennsylvania have elected leadership in place.   What would your school be like without your Principal? All organizations need to have good leaders.”

Fourth,  I asked commissioner Ruddock, “How do you get to be a commissioner?”  He answered me by saying, “You must make known to the citizens of the County of our willingness to lead and serve.   Then you must run for the office and be elected by the citizens…much like student council officers are elected in your school.  You have to declare with the public your plans to make Indiana county a better place to live.  Should they believe in your plans, then they can cast a vote in your favor and, if elected, serve a term of four years.”

The last thing I asked Commissioner Ruddock, “What are the most important qualities of a commissioner?”  He answered me by saying, “I believe that to be an effective leader you must be trustworthy, honest, respectful and committed to do what is right for all the citizens of the County.  You must be an open listener and lead by example.”

From my interview with Commissioner Ruddock I learned what a Commissioner does.  I didn’t know and now I do.  A Commissioner’s main job is to help the judges do their job.  I also went to Commissioner Ruddock’s debate.  I was interested to see how the audience reacted to him and learned that sometimes Commissioners have to make hard choices, like raising taxes, and not everybody might like their choices, but they have to make hard choices so that they take care of the most people.  Commissioner Ruddock is my favorite.