Republican commissioner candidates debate Fayette issues
The six Republican candidates for Fayette County commissioner outlined their positions on key issues during a recent debate sponsored by the Herald-Standard and taped for broadcast on HSTV. Candidates John Evans, Ken Firestone, Joe Hardy, Dave Lohr, Donald Miller and Angela Zimmerlink participated in the forum, which will be rebroadcast several times on Charter cable system Channel 19.
Each candidate made an opening and closing statement, and got two minutes to answer questions posed by Herald-Standard staffers.
Each candidate was asked the same questions, in rotating order.
A synopsis of each of their comments follows.
Opening statement
Evans said he’d bring effective team leadership to the office, and in economic development would create a rapid response team and a regular newsletter. Other tenets of his platform are forming a small-employer health insurance consortium and holding quarterly meetings with township supervisors.
Firestone said he offers visions, a business background from his own insurance agency and new ideas. He said he’s active in his church, has 15 years’ experience as a Sunday school teacher and wants to make Fayette the “comeback county” by instilling a “can-do attitude.”
Hardy said he started 84 Lumber Co. with a $5,000 investment and built it into an 8,000-employee enterprise, and would bring the same successful entrepreneurial spirit to county government. He said he loves Fayette and is at the stage of his life where he wants to give back to the community, using his theme that a common man can turn in an uncommon performance given the proper encouragement.
“As I look at this thing, it’s jobs, jobs, jobs,” said Hardy. “My whole attitude in life is, ‘Nothing is impossible.'”
Lohr said he’s a third-time commission candidate who lost by 236 votes in a 1995 election tainted by personal care home voting fraud. A church youth director and Sunday school teacher who spent three years on the county Election Board, Lohr said the county needs to become more business friendly and that he stands against the “backroom deals” that long characterized county government.
Miller said he’s been a small business owner since 1968, when he got involved in the Uniontown roofing company that bears his name. He spent four years on Uniontown City Council and pledged to bring civility, accountability and stability to the commissioners’ office.
“I feel my business background will bode me well in the office of county commissioner,” said Miller.
Zimmerlink said she works as a paralegal, real estate manager and small business owner in partnership with her husband, and has served on the Fayette County Housing Authority board of directors. She said she has the “skills, determination, integrity and results-oriented approach” to make a difference in county government.
Zimmerlink said that as a Republican she believes strongly in the free market system, and noted that over the years the state and federal governments have pumped millions of dollars into Fayette but its unemployment rate still remains higher than surrounding counties.
What do you think the commissioners should do with the Connellsville Airport? Do you think the commissioners are acting aggressively or not aggressively enough?
Evans said that he’s a private pilot who supports airport improvements, but noted that completion of the Mon-Fayette Expressway is an important thing to maximize airport utilization. He said that the Uniontown-to-Brownsville link and the connection from the state line to I-68 in West Virginia are absolute necessities.
Firestone said that airport improvements, including a runway extension, might be important to some type of future economic growth, but that in the short term, “I don’t know that an airport in Connellsville is going to draw in industry.”
Firestone said he’d be willing to ask whether the existing airport on Route 119 is the best location in the county for such a facility.
Hardy said it’s vital to have a modern airport, noting that the same day of the debate he’d already flown to Florida and back to scout prospective site for new 84 Lumber Co. stores. Hardy said he’s seen some “slippage” in airport improvement planning in recent years, and added that he’d like to see a firm time line developed for any improvements. “I think it’s essential; it ought to get done,” said Hardy.
Lohr said the airport was an issue back when he first ran for commissioner in 1995. While improving the airport may not be the total answer to economic development, Lohr said the runway extension is “desperately” needed.
With Republican U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster (D-Hollidaysburg) representing a piece of Fayette via redistricting, Lohr said it’s important to have a Republican commission who can go “knock on Mr. Shuster’s door” for federal help.
Miller said the airport is a key element in the county transportation picture, but noted that although it’s a vital link it’s only one part of the equation. He said the project is estimated to cost about $30 million and the county has earmarked $2 million.
Zimmerlink said that regardless of the funding sources, lots of tax dollars would be involved, so she’s like to determine the recognizable benefit of any improvements. She said that as a commissioner, she’d meet with the airport authority board of directors to get those questions answered.
For as long as most people can remember the Democrat Party has held the majority on the board of commissioners. What would you see as the benefit of having a Republican majority? Or, given the more likely outcome that the Republican would be the minority commissioner, how to you plan to be effective?
Firestone said it “would really be a change of scenery around here” if the Republicans captured a majority on the three-person commission. As a minority board member, Firestone said he’d draw on his business experience in insurance sales and as a claims manager, where, “You need to give and take with everyone.”
Hardy said that whatever party combination emerges, “They must cooperate … they must lay off their individual agendas a little bit.” If elected, Hardy said he’d “feel very comfortable” with whomever else was in the administration.
Lohr said there would likely be a “911 overload” of people phoning in with heart attacks should Republicans gain control in Democrat-dominated Fayette. He said the county desperately needs a viable two-party system. As a minority commissioner, Lohr said he would use wisdom he’s acquired through “working with everyone” in his business.
Miller said that with 60,000 registered Democrats and 19,000 registered Republicans, the majority angle is a big hypothetical question. He said he’d like to see the commissioners set aside politics for progress, whichever candidates prevail.
Zimmerlink said she would offer a fresh approach as a minority commissioner, having “consistently promoted” Republican values in her personal and public service lives, including individual responsibility and fiscal conservatism.
Evans said the commissioners should set politics aside and promote professional behavior, noting that having two Republicans who argue all the time still wouldn’t be good.
Some people say that the county’s image has been tarnished by unruly behavior at the commissioners’ meetings. Do you agree with that? If so, what would you do to bring more order to the meetings under the state’s existing Open Meetings Law? And what are your thoughts on the meetings being televised?
Hardy said of televising the meetings, “It’s all right with me … The public should know (and) see. It has to.” He also supported the right of free speech, noting, “We’re in America.”
Hardy said the commissioners can best control the meetings by practicing some decorum and setting a tone that keeps the meetings a respected event.
Lohr said the commissioners can be more civil, and should set the example and act like adults. He “absolutely” supports having television cameras at the meetings, as they take what transpires to the general population.
Miller said the commissioners should follow Roberts Rules of Order and maintain a businesslike atmosphere. He said he’s 100 percent for public comment and for permitting television as a way to increase public access.
Zimmerlink said the chairperson’s role is to take charge of the meetings. She favors televising the meetings, saying it’s another tool that keeps citizens informed about their government.
Evans said that television, radio and newspapers all should be at the meetings if they want. He said control can be brought about if the elected officials “don’t ignite or add fuel to the fire” in their responses.
Firestone said a strong chairman would help, as would following Roberts Rules of Order. He said the commissioners should not engage critics. Regarding television, he said, “How can we say not?”
Are you satisfied with Fay-Penn’s role as the leading economic development agency for the county? Do you think the county should be taking more of a lead in economic development? What more could Fay-Penn or the county do to try to bring more economic development to the county?
Lohr said Fay-Penn has some positives and some negatives, but either way the commissioners need to take the reigns and be the lead economic development group. He said they can’t sit on the sidelines and shuffle off that responsibility, likening it to the captain’s role on a ship.
“It’s time for the county commissioners to take total control of economic development,” said Lohr.
Miller said Fay-Penn has “absolutely” done a real fine job so far. But he said the county must concentrate more on helping existing businesses.
Zimmerlink said her economic development plan is outlined in campaign literature: look at the approach and track results. “We need to look at Fay-Penn and ask them to see some results,” said Zimmerlink, adding that the county needs to take more of a lead role overall.
Evans said the commissioners should be out there, in the lead, but he is willing to partner with Fay-Penn.
Firestone said that tourism is the county’s number two industry and he thinks that as a commissioner he could do a lot to further develop that facet. He proposed that the county fund tourism by imposing a room tax, as is done in many other counties.
Hardy said Fay-Penn is a “very viable asset” to the county, but added that the commissioners need to develop a more aggressive company recruitment strategy. Rather than waiting for companies to express an interest in coming here, Hardy said the strategy should be to recruit them.
“We need to identify target companies … and then go after them, not wait for the inquiry (from them),” said Hardy.
Do you think the reassessment was necessary and handled properly? Do you think there could be a problem with future commissioners increasing taxes, now that court approval is no longer necessary, and raising the millage back toward the maximum 25 mills?
Miller said reassessment was “absolutely necessary” to get all property owners on a level playing field. He said it’s hard to believe that responsible county commissioners would wait more than 35 years to reassess.
Miller questioned the current board’s changing of the assessment ratio from 35 percent to 100 percent of assessed value. Regarding future tax increases, Miller said it’s the responsibility of local elected officials, at all levels, to make sure they exercise discretion when setting their budgets.
Zimmerlink said that had the current board not voted to reassess, it’s highly likely the move would have been court ordered. She said she believes the “neighborhood criteria” are incorrect in many cases, and that older people are “not up to speed” when it comes to filing an appeal.
Zimmerlink said she knows of one house that was valued at $14,000 in the reassessment, but was burned down by the township two months later because it was uninhabitable.
Evans said reassessment had to be done, but the commissioners should have been out front more in the process.
Firestone said it was necessary, but added that he has revenue-raising plans such as the natural resource severance tax used in 39 states and an amusement tax that would primarily be paid by tourists.
Hardy said the reassessment was good and right, as the county hadn’t updated its assessed values in a uniform fashion since 1958. He said the commissioners should return to serving on the tax assessment appeals board, where they would vote on lowering assessments.
“I think the commissioners really should sit in on the appeals, rather than delegating it out as they are now,” said Hardy.
The county recently took out an $11.7 million bond to help pay for the reassessment and several other projects. Do you think this was a wise move and do you think the county should borrow more money in the future?
Zimmerlink said that long-term borrowing such as the bond may be needed, but she needs to see a recognizable benefit and payoff plan. She said that as commissioner she’d want financial reports on a weekly basis.
Evans said the bond was necessary but he doesn’t necessarily agree with how that money is being spent. He said it seems like some agencies – such as the county Mental Health/Mental Retardation Program and CareerLink office – are moving from one location to another, which isn’t the best economic development.
Firestone said he prefers to pay with cash but understands that bonds may be needed to fund major projects. He added that a hotel should be built in downtown Uniontown, so tourists would spend their money in that area.
Hardy said there is no “little, short answer” to the question, but noted “today is probably as good a time to borrow, because interest rates are low.” He said that everyone knows it’s not good to be in debt, but you need to look at all of your assets before making any determination.
Lohr said the bond was necessary to fund the reassessment. He said he’s not a big advocate of government-funded industrial parks because every county has them. He noted that although infrastructure was put in to Fay-Penn’s Fayette Business Park in Georges Township, the much-touted Fay-Penn Fiber plant never materialized.
Miller said the bond was absolutely necessary and that “manageable debt” is fine, as long as you have a plan that shows you can pay back the loan. He said that several administrations ago, the county commissioners touted the fact that the county was not in debt as a positive, which may in retrospect be a questionable statement.
Closing remarks
Evans said he has an extensive business background and a blueprint that would make him an effective member of the county commission team.
Firestone said he moved away to find work but returned to Fayette because of a hometown yearning. He said he can’t work miracles, but would strive to make Fayette a place where everyone can realize their potential.
Hardy said Fayette is a wonderful place to live, but as he travels the country and sees places where things are happening, he comes home and wonders why the same can’t happen here.
Hardy said he’d like to “practice my talents, while I’m still here on this Earth,” to do good things for the county. He said he came here 17 years ago, built and expanded Nemacolin Woodlands Resort and Spa, and is this year bringing in a PGA Tour event that will put Fayette on the map.
Lohr said he’d work to eliminate the property tax and to create jobs. He said he’s a “common everyday person” who wants to make a difference. “I’m not rich and I’m not attached to any political powers,” said Lohr.
Miller said he wants to make Fayette a place where everyone can follow his or her dreams, as it’s been for him in the roofing business.
Zimmerlink said she would bring skills, determination and integrity to county government. She added that if she did not truly believe she’d make a good county commissioner, she wouldn’t be running.