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News: Primary Election 2008 Preview
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Primary 2008Return to the list of candidates. Chris GurleyAge: 40 Residence: Belfast Community Occupation: Owner/Operator of Turf Master Q: What out of the Wayne County Comprehensive plan did you agree most with? A: Countywide sewer system. This will preserve our farmland and make all land in Wayne County suitable for any type of use. Infrastructure is our biggest economic development tool and we need to move forward with a sewer service. Q: Do you support the sales tax referendum? A: I would be in favor of a sales tax increase if it would: 1) lower our current property tax rate, 2) prevent a property tax increase, and/or 3) fund a project that has been researched and planned out for future needs. Q: What would you like to see included in a future bond referendum? A: I believe bond referendums should not be taken lightly. Bonds should only be considered in certain situations where no other options exist. We should rely on a pay-as-we-go or pay-as-we-can system if possible. Q: Would you be willing to raise property taxes? What about after reval? A: I will never favor a property tax increase as long as other options exist. After revaluation the tax rate should always be adjusted to avoid higher rates. Q: Should the commissioners encourage the school board to look at redistricting/catchment area policies? A: To ease the burden of overcrowded schools, and maximize our available facilities, boundaries may have to be adjusted. Emotions often enter into this discussion and rightfully so. As a parent, I want only the best for my children and yours, with the least amount of change. However, as responsible elected official tough decisions must be made in order to solidify our children’s future. Q: Do the commissioners need to be more involved in classroom education if the school board is going to keep asking for money? A: As long as the board of commissioners continues to be a major funding source for the school system, checks and balances should exist. The two boards should agree on goals and performance measures. Once these have been satisfied, additional funding should follow. Q: Should the commission keep such a large fund balance? A: The fund balance should first meet all legal requirements set forth for local governments. Second, the fund balance should be adjusted depending on current and future needs of the county. However, a large reserve or “slush fund” as some call it should not be kept just for the fact of having it on hand. Q: What role should the county play in providing water? A: Water and sewer service should be available to all Wayne County citizens. This basic component of the required infrastructure should be a priority. Q: Should the county be in the business of building shell buildings and providing economic incentives? A: According to all of the information obtained by my research, shell buildings are recommended across the nation to recruit industry. Wayne County is competing in a global market, and incentives are common. We must look at each offer individually, i.e.: the number of jobs to be created, the salaries for these positions, the future growth potential of the company, and the economic stimulus that our county will incur. |
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