5 minutes with Dale Cline, Union County Supervisor

AGE: 58

HOMETOWN: Export, Pennsylvania

FAMILY: I have a daughter who lives in Union County and still has ties to the family farm, lives on the family farm between Afton and Arispe. My second daughter, she is in the medical profession. She lives back east, and so does my youngest, my son.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A SUPERVISOR? Appointed May 30

WHAT KIND OF WORK HAVE YOU BEEN DOING? Before, I have just been helping out with the Hoover Angus farm in Tingley, and just helping general farming with the neighbors and my family.

WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO APPLY TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS? I felt it would be a good fit for me personally, with my past experiences in legislative sessions. I’ve always worked with my state representatives at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, since I was 15 years old; I was active in the 4-H program. I was one of the chosen ... to meet with the legislative body in Harrisburg. I was always interested in the governmental procedures and mechanics.

WHAT IS YOUR POLITICAL PARTY? Democrat

WHAT IS ONE POINT OF INTEREST YOU FEEL IS IMPORTANT IN UNION COUNTY? No. 1, I want to see the continued decrease of the debt overload, maintain service level. I understand in a household budget, it is very difficult to balance your finances and your bills, and that is what I feel is most important here. We can live within our means and still provide the quality of service, not only to the residents but also the staff and everyone in Union County.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH AS A SUPERVISOR? I have no personal goals that I had prioritized because, believe it or not, I did not think I would get this far. ... Since I have this opportunity, I just want to continue with the best service to the public, since that’s what we do.

WHAT WAS THE FIRST THING YOU THOUGHT AFTER THEY CALLED AND TOLD YOU YOU WERE THE NEW SUPERVISOR? You’ve got to be kidding me. ... When Mr. Kenyon called me and said, “Are you sitting down?” I felt really honored. I had to contain myself because I was in a public area. I thought immediately, well, I have to pick up the ball rolling and continue with the duties of this office. I’m not replacing Lois Monday. Lois Monday was a unique individual, and her and I have had discussions over the years. I will only complement this seat, I will not replace her.

WHO DO YOU GO TO FOR ADVICE? I use all resources available for advice. Whether it may be hypothetically speaking with a family member, staff members, paperwork. I use all tools available.

IF YOU COULD BE ANYBODY FOR A DAY, DEAD OR ALIVE, WHO WOULD IT BE? I would just be myself. My grandmother always told me, ‘Everybody is unique. Do not try to be anybody but yourself.’

IF YOU COULD WRITE A NOTE TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF, WHAT WOULD YOU SAY? I would say, “Dale, I am proud of what you’ve done with your life.”

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE U.S. PRESIDENT? I do not have a particular favorite U.S. president. You know what? I admire the birth of this nation. ... I admire a cross-section of it all. Everybody had a part in the making of this country.