ELECTION GUIDE BEST
Continued from C5 overtime. I will recommend a hiring freeze and only replace employees — with approval of the commissioners — if the function cannot be performed otherwise and review our current employee benefits package to ensure we are achieving the maximum benefit at the lowest cost. We will accomplish the above while recognizing that county employees not only work here, but live here and pay taxes here. As judge, I do not foresee the need for a reduction in workforce but a more
Jones
Continued from C6 As the city prospers from a vibrant local retail economy, some essential services (notably fire and law enforcement) may be shifted to the city. Interlocal agreements must be established to keep combined city and county resources utilized in the most efficient manner. Q: You are faced with a need to cut expenses. Considering the list of current services provided — and facilities maintained — by the county, what adjustments do you feel could make the greatest difference (cost savings) for the county? A: The county has aggressively addressed excesses in government expense this last budget
efficient utilization of employees. Q: If the only option is to cut services, which are those that should first be addressed? A: I do not foresee cutting services, I foresee cutting taxes. The current budget is in balance. My plan is to expand the economic base, grow our way out of the current constraints and make us less dependent upon a single taxpayer system of funding. One area for major scrutiny is the expo. I have been told that expo season and will continue to do so. By eliminating the amphitheatre and restructuring the golf course, great strides in the correct direction have been made. The county has provided the fuel for one of our economic engines, the expo center. It has a significant impact on local businesses and hotels. Without adequate funding, Glen Rose would suffer. There are economic impact studies by the state that imply we need to keep it going. As with any organization, personnel costs are the primary expense. To reduce personnel costs, you can freeze or reduce wages and/or reduce employees — by firing or attrition. None of these options are palatable. Q: If the only option is to cut services, which are
GLEN ROSE REPORTER & YOURGLENROSETX.COM | Thursday, February 13, 2014 | PAGE C16
centers do not make money. I can accept that premise. What I will not accept is paying nearly $1 million a year to do so. My goal is to manage the expo and such services with sound business practices.
terms, as in the past 20 years, or we target the businesses we want and go after them. What we have been doing hasn’t been working. It’s time for a change.
Q: What is your stance on economic development?
I have experience with the governor’s economic development office, have brought a new business to Somervell County and taken economic development training through Texas Economic Development Council. I have also run my own business, made payroll and created jobs.
A: Economic development comes in one of two ways — either you take what comes to you on their
As judge, I will continue to attract businesses in order to create jobs and expand our tax base, while
I will work with department heads, commissioners and citizen advisory boards to make county government more efficient so services are available, while living within our means.
those that should first be addressed? Please be specific, naming the department, facility or expense directly. A: Personnel expenses are the largest. Our major departments are fire, sheriff, expo center, golf course, county offices and county maintenance (roads, etc). Each department will need to address and evaluate its minimum personnel needs for continued success. They may have to scale back. Some personnel shortages can be offset with a volunteer program, especially in the expo center and golf course. These can be compensated through a credit on property taxes to reduce the individual’s tax obligation, and provide a labor force the economic engines running in these lean times.
Q: What is your stance on economic development? How do you feel Somervell County can best attract such growth? A: The county has done an incredible job of infrastructure over the last 30 years. We have the best schools, an outstanding hospital, attractive roads, top golf courses, and almost all the amenities a small town could offer new residents. Governor Perry has worked hard at recruiting businesses to Texas. We will continue to tap into those references to find the most suitable industries for our community. Development in the industrial park has come rather slowly, but my focus will be to promote industries with
lowering our tax rates. I will work to get government out of the way of private enterprise in order to get businesses and jobs into our industrial park. I will also work with fouryear technical colleges, institutes and private colleges to enhance our educational opportunities in Somervell County. I will work to improve our economic circumstances while maintaining our way of life. Q: What makes you the best candidate? A: Leadership and vision. I have managed large operations in a large retail operation, specifically designed to generate direct sales tax revenue. As our nuclear plant values continue to devalue, we will need a financial handoff of many of services to the city. Can we grow Somervell County? Yes, but it would take 300 businesses worth $1 million each to come close to replacing this year’s loss of value at the power plant. If you bring in 20 new homes a year, at only $250,000 each, that represents five $1 million businesses. I’ll take the new residents for now, grow businesses as we can and promote Glen Rose at every opportunity. Q: What makes you the best candidate? A: As a resident and
customer service and manufacturing. I have owned my own business, made payroll and budget decisions. I understand profitability, how to manage employees, work with budgets and manage competing demands. I am a consensus builder and work well with others in achieving goals. Articulating a strategic vision is the key to a successful enterprise. I have a vision for Somervell County and will be a leader that works with county employees, commissioners and other community leaders to achieve our goals. business owner for 30 years, I’ve known the growth — and the ups and downs — of our local economy. I’ve been trusted to serve on numerous boards and committees over the years, and have been involved in interlocal agreements that have benefitted the entire county. My prior service in the military gave me extensive training in personnel, emergency management and a duty to country. Most organizations have personnel issues. As a successful business operator in Glen Rose, I’ve had the pleasure of mentoring more than 60 employees in 30 years. I will continue to represent Glen Rose and Somervell County well, regardless of the outcome of the election.