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Warrick County Council At-Large
Brad Overton (R), Office Depot
1. What are your top 3 priorities as a candidate for office? Ensure the safety of all citizens through a well trained and well equipped county police force and EMS. Provide a strong infrastructure throughout the county. Maintain or reduce current county tax levels. 2. With the ongoing discussions of budget shortfalls, how can municipalities ensure efficient and cost-effective measures at the local level? To alleviate taxpayer burden and streamline leadership, would you be in favor of unifying local units of government? County commissioners and councilman must work together to ensure an efficient and effective county government. The two layers of government should come together at least once a month to discuss and review the current state of the county. Greater communication must be achieved between the two governmental bodies. I think that the maintenance of a division between governmental bodies is essential and ensures better representation. County governments and city governments should continue to operate independently. A clear distinction between city and county governments will enable citizens to maintain a more accurate voice based upon geographic location. 3. As economic development becomes increasingly competitive on the regional and state level, how best can our local leaders assist in the attraction of new business and retention and expansion of local companies? The maintenance and expansion of a strong infrastructure are vital keys in ensuring development and growth. Local leaders must communicate, be resourceful, and act decisively. As a follow-up do you support continued financial support of the regional Economic Development Coalition of Southwest Indiana? I would need to further review the past impact of the Coalition, the amount of funding provided, and the overall relevance of the Coalition. 4. Do you support implementation of the recommendations to reform and restructure local government through the Kernan-Shepard Commission?
I do not support the creation of a single county executive.
I would need to further review the impact of creating a single
legislative body and the transference of township powers to the county
level.
Kelly Mitchell (D), CEO / President, So. IN Resource Solutions (SIRS)
1. What are your top 3 priorities as a candidate for office? Improved budgeting and decision-making process through research on the issues, application of consistent financial management tools (cost-benefit analysis, ROI, etc.), improved understanding of departments and services funded by local tax dollars, and improved communication between Council & Commissioners. Long-term strategic planning & thinking to promote economic development, improve productivity/efficiency of governmental services & projects, and elimination of waste. Improved accountability & transparency of local government. 2. With the ongoing discussions of budget shortfalls, how can municipalities ensure efficient and cost-effective measures at the local level? To alleviate taxpayer burden and streamline leadership, would you be in favor of unifying local units of government?
Processes and decision-making must support and encourage cooperation
among departments, county services, and units of government.
In The Council should seek out and encourage regular communication from local services and departments as part of their fiscal obligation. Consistent and regular communication among city, town, county, and township services would improve utilization and allocation of local tax dollars and acquisition of additional sources of revenue (ie, grants).
I have long believed that 3. As economic development becomes increasingly competitive on the regional and state level, how best can our local leaders assist in the attraction of new business and retention and expansion of local companies? Area leaders should regularly communicate and explore methodologies for working together in the attraction and retention of local companies. Again, this must be part of a long-term strategy with all parties on board and regularly involved in the ongoing process. Local leaders must expand their concept of “territory” beyond city, town, and county. Much of this is contingent upon the perceived or real benefits gained from a cooperative effort. If an area is “rewarded” based only on the location of a business within their individual territory, cooperative efforts will be undermined. Leaders are primarily concerned with revenue generation and quality of life enhancements for their territory. The state would need to recognize and encourage collaborative efforts through incentive and reward to support this and other unification processes.
As a follow-up, do you support continued financial support of
the regional Economic Development Coalition of Yes, as stated above, we benefit from coordinated efforts to improve the attractiveness of the region. We need to develop our own plan for economic development in this region. It will take a concentrated effort to develop cooperation and collaboration. I believe the Economic Development Coalition is the vehicle to accomplish this objective.
4. In 2007, the bi-partisan Kernan-Shepard Commission made numerous
recommendations to reform and restructure local government in I support the single, unified legislative body for county government as long as the membership is expanded to ensure fair representation of all areas (rural, suburban). It makes sound management and fiscal sense to have fiscal and policymaking duties within one body. The current system is often confusing to most residents and slows action. If districts were reviewed and the Council were expanded from 7 to 9 to ensure adequate representation, it would be feasible to move to one elected executive (much like Mayor, President, CEO) rather than a Board to improve leadership and accountability in county government. I believe most individual’s concern with this recommendation is a possible lack of equal and fair representation. An expanded Council with legislative responsibilities will address this concern. I do support the transfer of township responsibilities to the county level as long as there is a countywide poor relief levy and a methodology/system to ensure fair representation and ease of access for residents in all areas of our county. We have some extremely rural areas and we must ensure that these individual’s needs are recognized and met. Again, I believe this system must be developed at the local level to provide knowledgeable inside to the unique strengths and needs of the area.
5. As a municipal leader, how do
you view your role in handling issues of regional importance to The Council, as fiduciary, determines the investments and support of operations & projects. One of my priorities is to listen to our local residents, independently research issues, remain informed of local, regional, and state issues, and then make decisions based on the best interest of all. My role is to ensure local tax dollars are invested/expended wisely to enhance the local economy and quality of life. I believe my education, experience, and many years of community involvement will add value to the Council’s decision-making process. I will challenge conventional thought and question the current way of doing business.
Raymond McIntyre* (R) - Did not return survey. Nova Conner (R) - Did not return survey. Howard "Tiger" Williams (D) - Did not return survey. Joseph Brown (D) - Did not return survey.
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