Jim Flory is running for the Third District Douglas County Commission seat.

birdie

Do you think that impact fees should be charged for new homes and businesses in the county?

How would you simplify the subdivision process in the county to allow homes to be built?

What is your position on the SLT?

What role do you think the County should have in the effort to bring new jobs to this area?

xbusguy

What do you propose to get appaised real estate values back in line with the true market value?

gdiepenb

If you were on the commission right now, what decisions would you like to see made about the county’s budget process regarding the mill levy, possible service cuts and other issues?

bwilson

Looking at the most recent budget talks, it looks like there will be a mill increase even with cuts. Where do you think the county could cut back more, and what should we hold the line on?

CruisingAlong

What are three top priorities for you – whether they are changes or things you’d just like to see continue.

sinedie

Sir,

What is your position on the completion of the South Lawrence Trafficway?

Thank you

hawkperchedatriverfront

Mr. Flory, the current commissioners want to raise the mill levy. Would you if elected reduce the mill levy? A higher mill levy will continue to discourage home buyers, present owners to stay and discourage business from coming to Douglas county. Would you take a stand to reduce the mill levy?

Moderator

Good afternoon. I’m reporter Mike Belt and i will be the moderator today. We are chatting with Jim Flory, who is a Republican running for the Douglas County Commission in the 3rd District. Jim, thanks for being with us today.

Jim Flory

It’s a pleasure to be here and I’m looking forward to the “chat.”

Moderator

Here is our first question.

Lynn731

I am so happy to see you running, Jim, that I think about how things would have been so different had you been my commissioner the past few years. I have to submit a question, why did you wait so long. We need you! Thank you, Lynn

Jim Flory

I only retired from the Department of Justice a couple of years ago and have had an enjoyable and relaxing retirement. I’m now rested and ready to get back into local government, and I appreciate your “welcome back.”

ZJCzupor

Dear Mr. Flory,

From what I’ve read, there seem to be many issues of importance to Douglas County residents. How much time do you plan to devote to being a county commissioner?

Thank you.

Jim Flory

Since I am now retired, I will be able to devote all the time necessary to the work of the Commission. I think my work history shows that I am willing to work the hours necessary to get the job done right, and I am fortunately in a position to do just that as a County Commissioner. You are absolutely correct that there are many important and difficult issues on the horizon, and I look forward to working on them.

Hepburn

Would you continue funding for the Division Pro Tem of the Douglas County District Court?

Jim Flory

It is my understanding that the funding request is to continue the Pro Tem position until it can be funded by the State of Kansas in the next state budget. In light of recent discussions about the required mill levy increase just to maintain existing services, I believe the current Commission will need to weigh the Pro Tem position with all other budget items that are in danger of being cut. I do not have an easy funding solution for this position, and I know that it provides valuable relief to the already heavy workload for the District Judges. Funding for this position will have to stand or fall on its own merits when compared to other essential services that the County funds, and I do not envy the current Commission in dealing with that issue.

las083

What do you think is the biggest issue the county faces and how would you approach it?

Jim Flory

From various meetings I have attended and my door-to-door contacts during the campaign so far, it appears that the number one issue for most voters is holding the line on property taxes while still maintaining the quality of public services that we have come to enjoy. That will be a challenge, and I believe it will take both fiscal responsibility (spending reductions) and an increase in the tax base (growth) to meet this challenge. I am willing to make the difficult decisions that must be made, and I feel that I have the background and experience to make those decisions in the best interests of the community as a whole.

Moderator

Someone named “birdie” sent in several questions. Here is one of them. “What role do you think the county should have in the effort to bring new jobs to the area?”

Jim Flory

I think that the County, working in conjuction with the city governing bodies of Lawrence, Eudora, Baldwin and Lecompton, should play a role in bringing quality jobs to Douglas County. The best way to attract business (and the resulting new jobs) is to provide quality public services and a positive, business-friendly atmosphere. Rather that providing public financing with tax dollars for every economic development project, I believe the role should be more as a strong advocate for Douglas County and pointing out the benefits and attractive business climate of the community.

monkeyhawk

Where do you stand of the former Farmland acquisition and why?

Jim Flory

In my mind, the most pressing question with respect to the Farmland site is obtaining an accurate and thorough assessment of the clean up costs. Although the location is ideal for development, I am very concerned about making any commitment of public funding when the final “tab” for the clean up is still so speculative. Very recently it was revealed that the clean up costs could significantly exceed both the initial estimate and the fund that has been established for that purpose. Currently, I have more questions than answers with respect to the Farmland site.

Boston_Corbett

Please distinguish how your views would be different from your Republican primary opponent. In what way would they be the same?

Jim Flory

I’m sorry, but I would not feel comfortable speaking for my primary opponent. The one thing I do know is that we both care deeply about Douglas County and would do our very best to serve the voters of the 3rd District.

Moderator

Jim’s opponent, John Tacha, will be here for an online chat next Monday at 11 a.m.
That’s all the time we have for questions today. Sorry we didn’t get to all of them. Jim, do you have a Web site where people can send you questions, or an e-mail address? And thanks for joining us today.

Jim Flory

Yes. Please send your questions and comments through my web site which is www.jimfloryforcountycommissioner.com. I have been asked repeatedly what I think the important issues are, but in reality the pertinent question is what the voters think the important issues are. Please feel free to let us know!