MOUNT VERNON — The four Republican candidates seeking the county commissioner’s seat that Commissioner Roger Reed will vacate had the chance to voice their views in front of a good-sized crowd on Thursday night.
Jeff Cline, Bruce Hawkins, Bill Pursel, and Denny Snow answered questions posed by media representatives from KnoxPages.com, the Mount Vernon News, WMVO/WQIO, and WNZR.
The candidates found common ground on several issues, saying that they would bring an open mind to the position and agreeing that the biggest problem after drugs is jobs. They split on the question of whether rates should have been increased for use of the Memorial Building and had diverse answers on how to improve efficiencies at Knox Area Transit.
On the issue of jobs, Cline said the economy is starting to turn around, but “we still have people who don’t want to take the jobs. That’s going to have to turn around.”
Hawkins, who sits on the board of the Area Development Foundation, said ADF Director Jeff Harris is doing a good job marketing the Siemens campus, American National Can property, and Fredericktown property. He said the goal is to attract quality jobs, not at $10 an hour but at $12.90 with benefits. He also said parks, cultural events and good schools are needed to attract quality employers.
Pursel said that of the top 20 jobs in Knox County, 10 have wages less than $12.93 an hour, “which is where we see the poverty.” Noting the need to start training people for the jobs employers want to bring to the community, he said job diversification is important while at the same time remembering that much of the county is rural and farming is still a big industry.
Snow agreed that Harris and the ADF are doing a good job and said he will continue to support Harris. He said drugs are part of the problem and that job applicants cannot pass drug tests. He supports strengthening programs such as 4-H to promote a sense of community and relationships, and he believes law enforcement should have more community involvement.
Following are the candidates’ responses to other questions asked.
In view of Knox Area Transit running a deficit since 2013, what would you do to increase efficiencies and make it self-supporting?
Snow: Improve service. Fundraisers. “Knox County is great at giving money; Knox County is great at supporting everyone.” Start looking at money from the land bank and maybe use that for KAT.
Cline: Doesn’t have answers yet but would start with finding out where the money went if KAT received any money from the Obama administration.
Hawkins: There are jobs in the county that aren’t taken because people can’t get to work. Referring to KAT’s upcoming six-month trial of village routes, questioned whether the timing will be there to get the people to work on time and can we work with employers to make it happen. Advocates exploring ways to bring people from other areas of the county to Mount Vernon’s homeless shelter so they can receive services.
Pursel: Previously served on KAT’s board and worked on streamlining routes and computerization. Would look for grant money. Said jobs are available, but people cannot afford cars to get to work, so KAT is a valuable service.
How do you feel about livestreaming commissioner meetings?
Cline: Noting that some meetings are 20 minutes, others 1.5 hours, questioned whether it was worthwhile to stream short meetings in terms of personnel and cost. Said there are probably things in the budget that could be cut in order to pay for the streaming. Could look for grant money, “but government can’t fix everything.”
Hawkins: Believes in transparency. Should be live streamed.
Pursel: Crucial to be able to have the people aware of what the commissioners do. “If you have the ability to stream, that’s good. If you’re able to record it, even better.” Avoids errors in the media. Transparency is important.
Snow: “I’m 100 percent for that.”
What role does a commissioner play in fighting the drug epidemic?
Hawkins: It takes the entire community; commissioner does help. Spoke of the recent community meetings that brought together law enforcement, court personnel, KSAAT (Knox Substance Abuse Action Team), and local government officials. Said individuals need to work with organizations such as the Freedom Center to get help, but there’s also a need to hold people accountable.
Pursel: Problem didn’t happen overnight: “It’s haunted us for a long time.” Law enforcement and K-9 units doing a good job. Need to stop being reactionary; need to get out in front of the problem. Education is important: When fourth-graders can’t read, two-thirds of them will be on drugs or on welfare. If someone does get convicted and goes to jail, they need to be “reclaimed into society, and we’re working on that.” Individuals then need a job to provide food for their family.
Snow: Commissioner does have a responsibility to take care of this problem; issue of public safety. “Right now we are starting to lose that hometown feeling where we can walk down the street at night. It’s not just drugs; it’s breaking and entering, looking for drug money.” Law enforcement is doing great but they’re understaffed. We need more jailers, need more money. Also affects the foster care system. “Get law enforcement the money they need to fix this problem for the kids.”
Cline: As commissioner, would look to the 125 churches in the county, faith-based people to offer these people hope. “You have to reach the heart of the people.”
Terrorism threat: Is Knox County prepared? If not, what can be done?
Pursel: “You think you have everything taken care of, but terrorists will find your weakness.” If a terrorist attack occurred, it would probably fall to fire/EMS personnel [to handle]. “They are as prepared as we can have them be prepared. But they are struggling for money.”
Snow: Preparedness is the answer. Said he is thrilled with the East Knox school board’s decision to arm teachers and staff, “as long as we do it right.” “Any armed staff has to have CCW (carrying a concealed weapon) training through the sheriff’s office.” Wants to provide the sheriff’s office with enough money to put a deputy in every school.
Cline: “Not prepared at all.”
Hawkins: Emergency management services need to look at the issue; EMS needs to have role playing. “Are we totally prepared? I don’t think so. We need to do everything we can, but I don’t think we can guarantee we will be totally prepared.”
What have you done to prepare should you be elected?
Snow: Attended meetings — ADF, chamber of commerce, judges, commissioners, KSAAT. Talking with people, knocking on doors.
Cline: Knocking on doors, meeting people, attended meetings. Hired a salesman for his car business so that he would be free to attend to commissioner business.
Hawkins: “It’s important to know what a commissioner does. None of us know that until you sit in the chair.” Need to learn from the two incumbent commissioners. “I don’t know everything; I will learn by sitting in that chair.”
Pursel: Hasn’t waited until the last six months; cited his township trustee experience and serving on boards that work with the commissioners’ office. Is a “number cruncher.” Reviewed the county’s health budget.
What are your thoughts on the rate increase at the Memorial Theater?
Hawkins: Is concerned about the amount of money it costs to rent for performances and rehearsals, “but it’s a business.”
Pursel: Price increase is necessary. “You want buildings to be able to sustain themselves.” Also need to start putting money away for future needs.
Snow: Need lower costs in order to attract more bookings. Eventually it will become profitable.
Cline: Not very familiar with the issue. Would look at how many evenings the facility is booked; if the numbers are low, then reduce rates.
Do you plan to bring an open mind to the commissioner position?
Pursel: Any time you work with other individuals you have give and take. “It’s important for me to express my opinion. If I disagree, it’s important to understand their perspective; we may find we’re not far apart.” Involves compromise. “ I may have to swallow my pride and let them explain their points of view.”
Snow: “I’m passionate but not angry.” Cited his business experience as an example of how he’s able to get along with people; most of his business is repeat customers.
Cline: Also cited his car lot business as evidence of his ability to get along with people. Will bring problems to light if needed.
Hawkins: “I’m not a puppet, but if I cast the no vote I will stick by the majority and will be open minded.”
The question and answer session was held at Ariel Hall in Foster Arena on the campus of Mount Vernon Nazarene University. To watch a livestream of the debate, visit mvnu.tv.
