Candidate selector: Jefferson County Commission, 2nd District / LJWorld.com

Welcome to our candidate selector for Jefferson County Commission, 2nd District. It's a fun and educational tool that can help you decide which candidate(s) you agree with the most.

Here's how it works. Below, we've listed a set of issues and the candidates' positions on these issues. Check the box next to a candidate's response if you agree with it. After you're done, we'll tell you which candidate(s) you agreed with the most.

Please note that this is meant to be fun and educational - but shouldn't necessarily be used as the de facto way of making such an important decision. We encourage you to learn as much as you can about each candidate.

Why do you want to be a commissioner?

I would like to serve as Jefferson County Commissioner to serve the public in a fair and unbiased way.

I am a commissioner that believes the public has a right to know what goes on in their county and how their tax dollars are being spent. Additionally, my 2004 agenda was quite lengthy and there still is some work to do. County commission bylaws are currently being developed for review by legal counsel and will be presented to the commission for approval before the end of this year. I want to continue being acCommissioner for District 2 to assure that road improvement funds up for vote in August, if approved, will be used for their intended purpose, on the intended roads approved through a fair and equitable process for all citizens of the county. I want to be your Commissioner for a second term so that I can provide to the taxpayers their inherent right to demand accountability and monitoring spending.

What are your budget priorities and why?

Economic development is the overall answer to increasing the County's income. Controlled spending is the key to financial responsibility. I have worked diligently to cut inappropriate and unnecessary county spending by implementing new policies. By considering a plan that would allow the county to go to a four-day work week, the county's energy costs could be cut by 20 to 25 percent. A major budgetary impact upon Jefferson County was the state's decision to repeal the machinery tax in an effort to stimulate economic development.

All parts of county government should be a priority. I am unsure at this time what areas might need attention.

What should be done about economic development or increasing the county's tax base, if anything?

I would like to get more commercial industry.

With the adoption of the new and improved Planning and Zoning Regulations, economic development in Jefferson County will improve. The right type of industry and housing must be encouraged in Jefferson County, not rejected. If the major roads in Jefferson County are hard surfaced, residential development will occur. I would like to see light to moderate development in the Lake Perry area. We need to find a reason for people to want to visit Jefferson County, year round.

Are there any concerns or issues that are particular to your district?

I am not aware of any at this time.

Jefferson County needs an alternative method to cross the Kansas River. I will continue to advocate a bridge in the Williamstown area to give better access to routes traveling to Lawrence, South Topeka and the Kansas City metro area. A satellite ambulance service based in the Perry area would strengthen our emergency medical infrastructure. We must also work diligently at the county level to assist the fire departments in every way possible.