Five Republicans — Keely Butrum, Kent Fisk, Kirk Jocham, Robin Lowder and Ray Richardson — are running for nomination for three at-large seats on the Hancock County Council. The Daily Reporter asked all the candidates a series of questions about their qualifications. Each of their responses is posted in a separate story located under the “News” tab on our site.
The county council is the fiscal body for county government. What fiscal management background and experience makes you stand out as the best-qualified candidate for this position?
Each candidate has a different combination of education and life/work experiences. As for me, I intend to rely on the fiscal management knowledge and experience I have gained through the years of working as a practicing attorney focusing on cost control, analysis and budgeting for my clients and my law practice. I have had success in setting priorities, organization and problem solving, which, along with integrity and commitment to our county, make me an extremely qualified candidate.
What factors would you use to determine whether a company should be granted a tax abatement?
Phasing in (or abatement) of taxes is generally granted to encourage economic development. Some key factors to consider are: 1) the type and number of new jobs to be filled by county residents; 2) the history and longevity of the company; 3) the value of public improvements to be made by the company; 4) the productive life of those improvements; and 5) the “but for” test — would the company have located its operations here regardless of the abatement.
What strategy should the county be using to attract well-paying jobs to our borders?
Drawing as many good jobs as possible to the county is important. That is, jobs that pay enough to allow people to live comfortably in the county. Corporate headquarters or one of the larger companies that relocate or start up each year would be ideal. If we want our county to get a second look, though, we need to ensure we have quality schools and adequate infrastructure as well as a noteworthy quality of life. We should support each of our local communities to be robust with food and entertainment and a sense of distinctiveness.
Name three things that the council can do to be sure the county stays on a firm financial footing.
1. Assess the goals of the county, including short-, medium-, and long-term goals.
2. Plan ahead: Can the current financial model sustain the county five, 10, 15 years down the road while at the same time allow for saving for a rainy day?
3. Stick to a budget and focus on and prioritize the most critical factors (that is, those factors required for ensuring the success of our communities).
You have just learned that the county has received a $1 million grant to use as you see fit. How will you invest it?
First, I would express my immense gratefulness to those involved in obtaining the grant. Second, I would address any emergent needs in the areas of health, safety and welfare within the county. Third, I would pause before making any additional decisions. Finally, I would seek the public’s input on how to invest the remainder — as these funds are not mine or the council’s but belong to our citizens. Preferably, a process would be developed whereby the public’s input could be obtained through two brainstorming type of sessions, a feasibility and strategy session, and then a closing public forum.
What should the council be doing to involve the public more in the council’s decision-making process?
In order to build a stronger citizen partnership, the government needs to ensure it is acting in a manner that reflects the views, concerns, and priorities of the people. Gone are the days of solely relying on setting up microphones at council meetings and using a generic email address. Today, citizens are looking for easy, quick and constant dialog and feedback through mobile devices and other electronic means. The council needs to be more engaged with the public in online communities, incorporate citizen opinion into as many processes as possible (including a “citizen-idea” designee), and share ideas and results.
