The Monroe County Solid Waste Committee narrowed the field of candidates for the county’s Solid Waste Manager position to five on Wednesday.

The committee reviewed nine applications, along with County Personnel Director Ken Kittleson, and Solid Waste and Highway Director Jack Dittmar. Kittleson presented rankings for applicants based on experience and certification, and the committee voted to interview the top five candidates.

Trial management of the Monroe County Solid Waste Management Department by the Highway Department began in 2006 and was extended by the county board in 2007, and again in March of 2008. The extension will run through Sept. 30, 2008.

The candidates that will be interviewed on July 9 include:

* Paul Alcantar, who has spent 19 years in solid waste and recycling.

* Ronald Blado, a five-year utility manager and 13-year electrical technician.

* Gail Frie, who spent 17 years as the Solid Waste Manager for Vernon County and has six years of soil testing and 16 years of farm experience.

* Brooks Lundeen, a five-year land manager.

* Terry Taylor, an eight-year landfill operator.