Editor’s note: Between now and June 3, the Courier will profile candidates in contested area county and statewide races.

ALBIA — Seven candidates will compete in next month’s primary election for two Democratic spots in order to move onto to the general election against Republican candidates Michael Beary and Ronald Leshen for the two open seats on the Monroe County Board of Supervisors.

Deb Ballatak

Deb Ballatak hopes to offer some fresh new ideas to the job and some changes to the office to help her community.

“I want to welcome businesses large and small to the community and watch our town grow,” she said.

She would also like to explore possibility of alternative surfacing.

“We have several paved roads that don’t go anywhere and something needs to be done with them,” Ballatak said.

“I believe I can do a good job for Monroe County because I can listen to the people and try to find the best idea and solution. I am persistent on getting the job done and have a family history of job service,” she said.

Patrick Eastlick

Patrick Eastlick said his top priority, if elected, is the county roads.

“They need to be updated,” he said. “We need to improve on our road superstructure after they were destroyed last winter.”

He said some stipulations in zoning laws discourage small businesses from starting up in the county.

“The idea of the county is to grow and progress on. It would help the economics,” he said.

Eastlick has previously served in other areas of county government.