Ayres files for county board

By Tom Hintgen (Contact) | The Daily Journal

Published Wednesday, July 9, 2008

James Ayres has filed for the county commission District 5 seat being vacated at year’s end by current commissioner Robert Block.

Ayres, who is retired and who formerly worked for the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, said his background in working with counties, as part of USDA, would be beneficial were he elected to the District 5 post which includes most of Fergus Falls.

“I understand the workings of county government, and the challenges facing Otter Tail County,” Ayres said. “While I was at USDA, I worked with Rep. Collin Peterson and his House agricultural committee while they worked toward a new six-year farm bill. I understand farm issues and challenges faced by farmers and others who live and work in this county.”

In his last assignment for USDA, prior to his retirement, Ayres served as assistant state conservationist for field operations in a 14-county area of west central Minnesota. While working with entities in the various counties, he provided administrative, financial and technical assistance.

Ayres is a native of Eau Claire, Wis., where he was a Boy Scout who attained the rank of Eagle. His high school baseball team won the state title in 1968 when he was the starting centerfielder.

“During my early years, in Wisconsin, I gained an appreciation for the outdoors and the environment,” Ayres said. “If elected to the county commission, I know it will be a big responsibility helping make decisions for a county that has 1.5 million acres and over 1,000 lakes. But I know I’m up to the challenge.”

Ayres also feels his USDA background will help him work well with the various departments in county government. At USDA he supervised over 50 employees in 14 counties.

“Otter Tail County personnel are no different from other organizations,” he said, “with success coming from setting specific objectives.”

Ayres attended the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point, where he received a degree in soil science. He served 32 years with USDA, the final 18 years in Otter Tail County.

He and his wife, Vivian, have three children, Shane, Justin and Krista and three grandsons.

His favorite organizations include Pheasants Forever, the Fergus Falls Fish and Game Club, YMCA, and Hope Lutheran Church where he formerly served as president of the parish council.

Favorite hobbies include hunting pheasants, fishing in both the summer and winter, gardening, working out at the YMCA and participating in organized sports such as football, softball and baseball.