MOUNT VERNON — Republican Christa Ciotola is challenging incumbent Bill Pursel for a seat on the Knox County Board of Commissioners.
Knox Pages asked the candidates to provide background information about their candidacy. Following are their responses.
Christa Ciotola
Occupation:Self-employed home repair business, previously also did landscaping
Education:AAS in business management, certificate in Building Management
Qualifications for office: I don’t have any political experience, but I work with delivering my best to people’s wishes on a daily basis. I often have to meet people where they are financially and work with what they can spend to best accomplish their goal.
In community service work (which I’ve been active in for 25 years), you have to have a meeting of the minds to bring out the best in people. I believe this applies in other settings, too. I understand there is training provided for this office, so I am looking forward to learning more.
Why are you running for office?
Central Ohio is experiencing historic growth and development. Things are happening very quickly when it comes to decision making. I am concerned that the incumbent commissioner’s health issues might create liabilities for Knox County when it comes to critical decisions.
I also want to ensure that the the commissioners are carrying out the will of the majority of the people when it comes to how our county will grow during this time.
What are the three biggest challenges facing Knox County?
I believe that housing, managing growth/ land use, and communication between governing bodies are challenges we are dealing with, but there are others as well.
What will you do to address them?
Well, I suppose I would approach it like any other problem: Evaluate the situation, set a goal for the situation, and plot your solution from point A to point B. There also needs to be the ingredient of cooperation with the other commissioners and the entities we are working with. Being able to have discussion vs arguing goes a long way to finding solutions.
If the proposal to abolish property taxes ultimately passes, do you favor an across-the-board cut to all departments, or reducing funding based on departments?
I would reduce funding based on departments. Even if property taxes are not abolished, we should be paying plenty of attention to spending and do so responsibly.
Would you shield any part of the county budget from cuts? If so, which parts?
I would have to review the budget carefully to gain a better understanding of that before answering.
Are there any specific policies or initiatives the current Board of Commissioners has enacted that you would like to change?
I would like the commissioners to be more accessible and transparent with the citizens. This could be done by a regular email newsletter or by making ourselves more available to the general public outside of a typical 8-5 day.
Why should citizens vote for you?
I am running to represent them and their vision for the future of Knox County. I may not be politically experienced, but I am willing to learn and consistently do my best for them.
William (Bill) Pursel
Occupation: Knox County Commissioner and Independent Benefit Specialist
Education: Asbury College, OWU BS degree, Methesco Master’s degree, licensed insurance agent with over 520 CEUs
Qualifications for office: Qualified financial experience, experience and ability to work with other elected officials to help meet their goals, and a great love for all of Knox County.
Why are you running for office?
— I take pleasure in assisting other elected officials to be at their best as servants to those in Knox County.
— I am a detail person and love crunching numbers, which fits well with the commissioner’s budget requirements.
— I am running for Knox County Commissioner because I have a deep respect and appreciation for the benefits we have in Knox County.
— I enjoy people. I relate well with those on the farm or the shop floor or those in the executive office.
— I love finding practical and creative solutions to meet the goals set before me.
What are the three biggest challenges facing Knox County?
–What happens if property taxes go away?
–Continue maintenance of facilities.
–Maintaining a qualified work force.
What will you do to address them?
It will take my full attention to see that we stay fiscally responsible. We will have a collaboration with townships, other counties and state entities to weather this potential storm.
If the proposal to abolish property taxes ultimately passes, do you favor an across-the-board cut to all departments, or reducing funding based on departments?
This will be a discussion with all the departments and ways to deal with lost revenue.
Would you shield any part of the county budget from cuts? If so, which parts?
Everything would be discussed.
What do you consider your biggest accomplishment as a county commissioner?
We have maintained a frugal budget while making necessary capital improvements.
Why should citizens vote for you?
I am the only candidate who has proven track record of moving the county to a better place. I believe that our county goal should be: Everyone in Knox County will have a job to go to, a place sleep, food on the table, and a hope for a positive tomorrow.
The Primary Election is May 5. Polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Early voting is underway at the Knox County Board of Elections, 104 E. Sugar St., Mount Vernon.
