Do you endorse Lift and the Local Option Sales Tax?
Currently, Kentucky and the US government have an unsuccessful taxing structure. I generally oppose any additional inefficient taxes that would have to go through federal or state handling. Still, I completely support citizens’ rights to decide on generating revenue through efficient local initiatives for broadly supported specifically identified needs or desires that may or may not be funded at the will of the local voters.
Whether you are in support of LIFT or not, what projects do you see as a priority that could benefit from community funding?
I see the development of a leading edge conference / convention center with all the amenities of a development similar to the Owensboro / Davies County Center as a positive priority. Expansion of children’s therapy and health care services, especially for children with special needs (i.e. Autism), could benefit from community funding.
In light of additional potential cuts at Fort Knox, will you continue to provide funding for One Knox? If not, what are you willing to do to protect the economic contribution of Fort Knox?
YES. We must continue to work with citizens, legislators, and military personnel at all levels to assure a strong military for defense! Kentucky has traditionally been dependable to assure ready, prepared military personnel.
Do you see any services provided by both city and county government where it would be more cost effective to combine these efforts?
YES! These could include but are not limited to solid waste (garbage collection and disposal), water and sewer services, planning and development, engineering, and recycling. Also, consideration should be given to overall coordination of cities and community festivals and events.
What strategic plans would you recommend in order to improve the finances of the jail operations?
Budgeting must be done carefully to align with the funds generated for and by the jail. We need to make only minimal provisions for prisoners and assure optimal employee safety. Home incarceration needs to be considered for nonviolent offenders. Work programs can be expanded for nonpayment of fines and fees.
What strategic plans would you recommend in order to improve the finances of the land fill operations?
Continue to increase garbage tonnage. Combining the bidding for the cities and county garbage collection and could bring improvement. Continue with landfill expansion plans as the need develops. The landfill debt is on target to be paid off within a few years; and, it will then begin to generate a profit for many years.
The County does not currently have an employee occupational or business tax; do you see a need to implement these taxes for the purpose of economic development for both existing small business as well as potential new business being attracted to the area?
No, for me a county occupational tax is currently not even a consideration! I see a need for a complete restructuring of taxes throughout Kentucky and the USA prior to its possible consideration..
Do you see any changes to the governance structure of the hospital?
I do not foresee changes in the current governance structure of our hospital. The current structure needs to remain in place to assure achievement of our hospitals strategic plan. Unfortunately, with Hardin County Fiscal Court (a public governmental entity) serving as the Governance Board for Hardin Memorial Hospital, our hospital is frequently placed in a disadvantaged position in competing with other hospitals. At some time in the future restructuring of the HMH governance board comprised of representative members of Fiscal Court, Hospital Personnel and Health Care Professionals could possibly level the competitive playing field for our hospital.
Do you think the county should keep the Hospital or eventually sell it?
We must keep ownership of our Hospital and Hardin Memorial Health. Our hospital is one our greatest assets – even with the unpredictable changes that the Affordable Care Act is thrusting upon us!
Will you be a supporter of the Hardin County Chamber of Commerce?
YES! Absolutely!
