David Brown is a Republican candidate for 2nd District Douglas County commissioner.

concernedlifelongres

In recent years it seems that the city dwellers view many of the Lawrence residence have has spilled into the commissioners’ office pretty heavily. More of those views seem to be taken into consideration then what might be found in rural locations. When in reality the majority of the property in Douglas County is still in large agricultural parcels and rural land. Since your district covers both, how do you feel about this and how do you plan to equalize the playing field?

bwilson

What’s your position on the South Lawrence Trafficway and which route it should take?

simplyamazed

Please tell us who you are, what your qualifications are to be a commissioner and most of all what is your agenda to make a change for the betterment of our County? Do you have experience in budgeting, government policies concerning counties and townships? Why should I and others in the County vote for you? Are you really ready to stand up to the good ole boys of our County and make a change?

clawhorn

Do you support the proposed 32nd Street alignment of the South Lawrence Trafficway, which would complete the road by running it through a portion of the Baker Wetlands?

Moderator

Good morning. This is reporter Mike Belt, and I will be your moderator. We are chatting with David Brown, a Republican running for the 2nd District County Commission seat. David, thanks for being here.

David Brown

Thanks for allowing me to be here.

Moderator

Here is our first question.

ChristineMetz

Why do you want to be a commissioner? And, how do you think your years at the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department have prepared you for the job?

David Brown

I decided to run for County Commisioner even before my retirement from the Sheriff’s Office. I have devoted my entire adult life to serving the people of Douglas County. I want to contiue to serve the residents of Douglas County and I have a great deal of passion for Douglas County. The second part of the question; Through the years with the Sheriff’s Office I have dealt with people from all areas of Douglas County. I have gotten a first hand look at how the County goverment is run. The ablity to make a good decsion and my strong leadership were traits developed from the Sheriff’s Office.

jfray

What do you think of the county’s decision this week to raise the mill levy next year?

David Brown

I think the current commisioners did their best not to have to raise the mill levy. I guess I wasn’t suprised they had to raise the mill levy even after making cuts from the 2008 budget. I never like to see taxes go up, but I don’t want to see the services of Douglas County suffer either.

Hepburn

Will you continue funding for the Division Pro Tem, which handles child support, juvenile offenders and first appearances for the Douglas County District Court?

David Brown

Yes, I would support keeping the postion. The judges are carring heavy case loads now. The Pro Tem would provide some relief to the case loads. With this postion I hope cases would be heard more quickly. I will be intersted in hearing from the courts on how they think this postion will be funded in the future. I would hope there would be state money for part or all of the postion.

clawhorn

Would you support the county assuming maintenance of township roads?

David Brown

No, with the tight budget the county has now trying to take this on would be costly. I’ve been asked this question several times. For now I would like to see the township remain carring for their own roads.

Moderator

That’s all the time we have for questions. David, is here a way for voters to contact you and send questions? And thanks for being here.

David Brown

Thanks again , the service you provide helps to educate the voters on each canidate is helpful. I currently don’t have a website set up. I feel its important to be available to the public, so feel free to contact me at my e-mail address dtmjbrown@aol.com.

Moderator

We have two more chats later today with a county commission and county attorney candidates in Leavenworth County, so be sure to check back in.