2010 Primary Profiles: McCreary Co. Magistrates [McCreary County Record, Whitley City, Ky.]

WINCHESTER: My vision for my District: Better Roads. I would like to establish better communication between the People of District 2 and its magistrate. My vision for the county is I would like to work for more jobs for our people. I would like to see our county grow also.

SPRADLIN: We need better roads and we need to make getting jobs in our business park a PRIORITY. Make the 4th District better all around. Help me help you, 4th District.

COFFEY: My vision for District #1 is to expand the sewer system and to continue to improve road conditions. To be available not only to my district but to work with other offices for the betterment of the county.

W. JONES: I have kids, like so many other citizens, that I would like to see stay here and be able to make a living. I also would like to see the citizens that already live here be able to better themselves.

So when asked the question: Why do you want to serve as Magistrate?

--Work to improve McCreary County (as whole)

--Job Growth: work with the economic board and economic development director in hopes to bring jobs to McCreary County.

--Continue to maintain County Roads, Cemetery Roads and County Church Roads.

--Look at county budgets and look at ways to save money.

--Work with and listen to the people over county departments

--Listen to the voters.

--Someone you can depend upon and trust

--Someone to return your phone calls and get back with you.

BROOKS: Support community watch committee, increased black topping over gravel roads, District 1 funding increased.

CORDER: Jobs, jobs!

MANN: I am running for magistrate to bring back the true meaning of public servant. I'm not running for any political gain and I'm not running for the money. I'm running to be a voice for our community, serving the people.

COX: Having held the position of Magistrate in previous years, I understand the needs of my neighbors and people of not only my District but of others also. My visions are to see everybody have quality services such as water, and equal opportunities such as more jobs for our younger generation and needs of the roads and all other businesses and public concerns.

BALL: Economic prosperity and financial opportunity for our residents.

R. PHILLIPS: To improve quality of life for citizens of district 2 and McCreary County.

M. BRYANT: I have the same concerns as YOU do, like the safety and welfare of Pine Knot, recreation here for OUR children and adults. I would also like to see the Industrial Park being used instead of being unoccupied. I would also like to say that I will be available year round and not only at election time. I will set up meetings for my district and invite everyone to attend so that YOU can share your thoughts and ideas with me and I will take them back to Fiscal Court.

McCreary County has all the beauty the county has to offer and the need to attract more people to the county, with advertising. The county needs to be active in seeking new jobs, we need to work with the state and federal government to make this happen and give tax breaks to companies that want to do business in the county.

D. PHILLIPS: My vision for District 2 and McCreary County are one in the same; economic growth, practical governance, and an adopted long-term plan for county government.

BOZEMAN: I hope to improve the workforce in McCreary County and I hope to make positive changes for the youth and elderly.

STRUNK: I would like to see the two empty factories filled. I would like to see the coal wash at Mud Cut sold to someone that would operate it again. We need better roads in District 3. Promote Stearns, Barthell and Mine 18 to bring in more tourists.

D. JONES: My vision for district 2 is to help ensure better and safer roads for public transportation of our people and our school system. I would also like to see more family oriented recreational opportunities for people of the county. My vision is to see a safe and prosperous county for all.

REDDEN: To see the construction of Hwy. 92 completed. To wee some industry move into our new Industrial Park Building at Pine Knot to continue to improve our roads and our infrastructure. To eventually see the airport extend its runway. To work with the Forest Service to open up more trails on Forest Service Lands. All these things will be of a great benefit to McCreary County.

BAIRD: My vision for the district is to see all county roads maintained, to see all those who want a job with work, and to see the district be financially stable. Is my vision one that can be accomplished you might ask. Without setting goals we will never reach them. If you do not set a goal for yourself then you have nothing to work for. I know some of these goals seem far-fetched. However, I think sometimes we must set our goals high in order to rise above the mark. One of my goals is for the county to have a park where our kids can play ball, enjoy a playground, and even a walking track.

R. BRYANT: I hope to keep the people in my District involved in the county government by providing them insight on where their tax dollars are being spent and what their money is being used for. My vision is for McCreary County to continue growing. We need to encourage industries to locate here, thus creating more opportunities for jobs in our area.

GILREATH: I'm sure all of us would like to see total employment and very much-improved economy for our county. I want the same thing our people want, namely, jobs, homes, good school and safety for our families. Local government cannot provide everything, but I want to see our citizens have the same opportunity as other counties have for their people.

How do you feel about adopting a nuisance ordinance and/or land use planning?

ANDERSON: A nuisance order must be looked at, before I can determine what I would do with the order. I need to see what its purpose is. A few Orders, could be Noise, Garbage, and Pan handling. Land use permits may be needed to keep undesirable businesses for being to close to Churches, Schools and Residential areas in general.

JONES: I don't think any Government has a right to tell private citizens how to use their land or property.

This county has no zoning ordinances, and I feel that will be a great tool for attracting new industrial opportunities here. Many Corporations around the country are relocating due to strict zoning ordinances and high property taxes.

As for nuisance ordinance, I feel an ordinance needs to be in place to regulate insurance companies to be responsible for cleanup expenses and disposal of structures that has suffered severe fire damage.

As for land use planning, Fiscal Court should assist business owners in the marketing of commercial properties within McCreary County. In Whitley City alone, there are 54 available commercial lots and businesses for sale, lease/rent. With a good marketing strategy, we would create new business and job opportunities with the small business industry in McCreary County.

WINCHESTER: I am against adopting a nuisance ordinance. No one wants anyone to come on their land and tell them what they can and cannot do. They pay their taxes. It is their land.

SPRADLIN: Not for it.

COFFEY: Regarding the nuisance ordinance I would need more information and public opinion before making a commitment. On land use planning, I would need more information and public opinion before making a decision.

W. JONES: I feel that land owners take pride in their land and the land owners pay taxes. So therefore we don't have the right to tell them what to do with their land. The county could encourage more countywide cleanups and do a better job at educating those people instead of forcing them or telling them what to do with their land.

BROOKS: In close neighborhoods, excessive noise, safety infractions, environment hazards and health concerns may be best monitored by a citizens group.

CORDER: I would like to talk to the voters first!

MANN: I'm all for a clean McCreary Co. however with that being said, I don't think anyone should have to tell us to clean up around our home. We should do that on our own. We don't need government telling us what to do on everything. I would like to thank Noel King and Bruce Perry with the 109 Board for their hard work keeping McCreary Co. clean.

COX: I don't feel like that a nuisance ordinance and/or land use planning would ever work for this county.

BALL: I believe a Nuisance Ordinance is not necessary at this time.

R. PHILLIPS: Without seeing an exact plan of the ordinance, it would be hard for me to comment to that question.

M. BRYANT: Adopting a nuisance could be a good thing and it could be a bad thing but it is according the guidelines that would have to be followed. However, WE do live in a beautiful county.

D. PHILLIPS: I doubt the effectiveness of a nuisance ordinance and question the roll county government should play. I believe this matter would be better handled by a municipal government if McCreary County ever adopts an incorporated city.

BOZEMAN: If it is your land you can do what you want as long as you don't violate any KRS law.

STRUNK: At the present time our county is too rural and lacks funding to enforce the policy. Something to consider in a gate community or subdivisions that hold restrictions in the property sale.

D. JONES: I feels such an ordinance or land use planning would infringe on our freedom.

REDDEN: With the Forest Service and the Park Service owning the biggest part of McCreary County, we have very little private land, people resent being told what they can or can not do on their private property, we do need to take pride in our beautiful County and be good stewards of our land, we all should strive to keep McCreary County a cleaner and safe place to live, in my opinion a nuisance ordinance and /or land use planning would have to start in an incorporated town, where the people could vote to have it or not. Always keeping an open mind for the betterment of our county.

BAIRD: As far as a Nuisance ordinance goes, I do not feel that everyone would respond positively. In some areas of the county it would help to make the scenery look much better, however in other areas you would have those who would obviously resist. I feel that before a Nuisance ordinance could be put into place it would need to be thoroughly examined and given careful consideration by the citizens of the county. Countywide opinions need to be very carefully considered.

R. BRYANT: One has to be very careful if they attempt to tell people what they can or can't do with the property they bought, are buying, renting, or are paying taxes on. I would encourage people to do what is necessary to improve and maintain their property, but I would be reluctant in trying to force an ordinance on them.

GILREATH: I am absolutely against any more government intervention in our lives. I believe in smaller government form the local to federal. These types of things can become so broad that citizens can have little say about use of their land or what's parked in the driveway. I've seen this with neighborhood organizations where you can't have a basketball goal or park your camper in the driveway for even a few days without being harassed or threatened with legal action. If this ordinance is pushed I believe in making the ordinance and letting the voters have their say.

How are road conditions in your district?

ANDERSON: General road conditions in District 3 are below average. This past winter has taken a rough toll on our roads. This can be prevented, by doing proper maintenance. Some roads need widened out, graveled and re-chipped and sealed. Ditches and Culverts need cleaned out. Some roads need repaved, and shoulder work done.

JONES: Fair, but could be better. I've heard many complaints about road maintenance needed at some of our cemeteries. If I'm elected magistrate, the citizens of district #1 will have numerous avenues of communication to contact me about issues they are concerned about. I will be a magistrate that will answer and return your calls. My first action as Magistrate will be to ensure district #1 has enough salt and sand for the upcoming all 2011 winter.

WINCHESTER: Very bad. Chip and seal is broken up or gone in places. Potholes are bad. Shoveling black top in a hole does not fix a road.

SPRADLIN: Fair but could be a lot better. If elected I'll be focused & ready to take care of that.

COFFEY: Due to a bad winter our roads are in need of repair and with the weather improving we will be able to get out and start improvements. We have 140 miles of road in District #1 that I will be looking at.

W. JONES: Road conditions for the most part are fair. But due to the recent bad weather many of the roads are in need of repair or fixing. If elected I will work to the best of my ability on getting the roads repaired and fixed.

BROOKS: Ongoing improvements and maintenance

CORDER: Winter has left roads in BAD SHAPE!

MANN: The roads in my district vary from place to place. Some are well cared for and some haven't been touched for years. If you live back in the country or in town all roads need to be maintained. I believe in treating everyone the same.

COX: Several of the roads are in poor condition due to all the rain last year and all the snow and freezing conditions this winter.

BALL: Fair, however after the winter weather we have had they will need work.

R. PHILLIPS: Roads are in fair condition considering the winter we have had. I think for the most part District 2 roads have continually gotten better year after year.

M. BRYANT: The road conditions in District 4 are good but some areas can use some improvements.

D. PHILLIPS: Roads in District 2 are fair for the most part. Many roads however, mainly outlying rural roads, are poorly built and/or repaired. Numerous roads do not have adequate water drainage and as a consequence require preventable repairs and the associated costs. If we build and repair roads right the first time, we can avoid unnecessary expenses and save tax dollars in the long run.

BOZEMAN: We can always improve the conditions of the roads by continually chip and sealing or even trying to pave roads as money becomes available.

STRUNK: Road conditions in District 3 are in bad shape. Roads like Tom Meadows, Lum Strunk Rd, Shirt Factory Rd just to name a few. These roads need to be fixed right so we don't have to keep working on these roads.

D. JONES: I haven't seen all of the roads in district two as of today but as we are coming out of the winter thaw most are in poor condition. Mother Nature is to blame for this.

REDDEN: Road work is an on going process with the county maintaining over 500 hundred miles of county roads. Roads in district are in pretty good condition when you take into consideration all the rain, snow, freezing, thawing that we have had this winter our road crews are out everyday working to maintain them to the best of their ability with the amount of funds that are available for roads. I will strive to keep the roads in district 4 in good condition.

BAIRD: Most of the roads in District 4 are in good shape but there may be some roads that require some work. Most of this would obviously depend on the budget and recommendations from the county road department and the county road supervisor.

R. BRYANT: Although the road conditions are good, my goal would be to make improvements to make them better.

GILREATH: The 4th district is the largest district by population and area. Road conditions depend on what area you are in. An example is the road in front of my home. It is a very heavily traveled road being a major entrance to the elementary school. It has had no attention except for a few shovels of asphalt for the last 20 years. Some roads have had a lot of money spent on them although no one lives there. Although most of the roads are in fair condition, improvements could be made.

Fiscal court grants franchises for garbage collection and cable television. Discuss the value of these and other government-involved services (911, ambulance, water/sewer). Are there others you feel could improve quality of life for your constituents but are not yet offered?

ANDERSON: Franchises are issued to the best companies, enabling the county to get the most return for their investment. We need to look into our spending habits, and make collective decisions as leaders to improve our Public Park, Library and Senior citizens center. Allowing the county to operate within budget and make these services affordable to the people in McCreary County.

JONES: I believe in the free market system, and I do not like any monopolies. I think the citizens as consumers should choose who they want to provide their garbage collection, cable services. By keeping the government out of the free market system, we encourage business competition and job growth, while keeping costs of services low.

WINCHESTER: Garbage and cable is a good service, but this is a poor county so the prices should be kept down so people can afford them. Cable should be ran to the outlying areas now that TV has gone digital and people can't get local channels. 911 and the ambulance service are an asset to our county but it is like everything else, it has to be monitored to keep it from getting out of hand.

SPRADLIN: Not for franchises. Competition is not a bad thing. 911 & Ambulance Service need improving. They are a vital part of everyone's well being.

COFFEY: My opinion regarding garbage & cable services should be what will best help our community and competition should bring better services and competitive prices. 911 Enhancement should be completed this year. With the purchase of 2 ambulances, our ambulance personnel will be able to respond more efficiently. We are continuously working to improve upon all the county's needs and welcome all input and concerns. With the new pumping station and water filtration system at Big Creek in District #1, has improved water conditions and will continue to work toward improving our sewer system with the help of grants.

W. JONES: I think it's ok to grant franchises as long as it's benefiting the county or the county's people. Competition is good because for the most part it means lower prices or better rates for the people of McCreary County.

Yes, I feel they are other franchises that could be brought to the county that would improve the quality of life for us.

BROOKS: Recycle program using green grants. EMS and law enforcement should have equal pay comparable to surrounding counties. GPS implemented at our 911.

CORDER: If I get to Fiscal Court we will look at the services then!

MANN: Franchises are valuable, they offer jobs to McCreary Co., not to mention how valuable the ambulance service is.

COX: Franchises are bid out to try and keep the cost down. Water and sewer are a big concern for our county. And to work with them on getting grants.

BALL: These are very important services for the people in our community and I'm thankful as a citizen in our community. I'm sure there are other services that needs further looking into.

R. PHILLIPS: Both garbage and cable franchise enables the county to have oversight. In return helps to create better services and cheaper rates for our citizens. Later this year 911 will go enhanced. Which will allow faster responses for emergencies. With recent purchase of two new ambulances this will allow the department to provide better, more reliable service. No other service has impacted and improved the quality of life than the extension of water lines throughout my district.

M. BRYANT: As far as the garbage, not sure of all the issues there but the cable we would need to invite other companies in to compete, so that way they will keep their prices reasonable. All the services like 911 and the ambulance should be top priority and never should cut from them. SAFETY OF THE PEOPLE COMES FIRST. You improve the quality of life by giving people more choices like cable, offer more programs for the seniors, get them involved with the younger people and work with the schools.

D. PHILLIPS: Cable television (including telecommunications services like affordable high speed internet) is a valuable asset in today's high tech world and many citizens in McCreary County do not have access and I would like to see these services expanded into outlying areas of the county. Garbage collection is available to almost every citizen in the county and I feel this service meets standards. However, I would like to see the county adopt a recycling program. I truly believe many people would benefit and take advantage of a recycling program. Other services including 911, ambulance, and water are sufficient in their availability and service provided.

BOZEMAN: I don't have a problem with any franchises as long as the Fiscal Court monitors the services to insure that our residents are receiving what they pay for. In the long run, the franchises will save the Fiscal Court money.

STRUNK: The 911 enhanced components are very important when minutes count. We have been waiting for this for over twelve years. We need to limit franchises to less than ten years in order to allow for county growth. Franchises are developed to give county and corporations involved better service. To improve the quality of life for the future of my constituents would be to address our needs in case of natural disaster or terrorism.

D. JONES: These are all valuable services to the county. I would like to see these services easier accessible to more people. I would like to see more than one ambulance station and the roads all clearly marked to ensure a quicker response time to 911 calls. I would also like to see a recycling incentive program with more than one drop off station in the county. I feel that a program like this would keep our roadsides cleaner.

REDDEN: With the Fiscal Court being able to grant franchises it opens the door for competition (which is good) these services, water, sewage, garbage 911, cable, ambulance are of all great importance to the citizens of McCreary County. While Fiscal Court has made great progress in all these areas there is still room to improve. I would very much like to see cable service provided into the outlying areas of the county. Since we do not have a hospital an urgent care and dialysis Center would be great.

BAIRD: The fiscal court grants franchises for services that are suppose to improve the quality of life for the citizens of our county. In our county franchises are granted, one for garbage collection and two for cable television. I feel that both of the cable services are valuable if we can get jobs produced from them. I do not receive cable TV and I do not think many of the voters in my district can receive cable TV, but that is due to location and I realize that you cannot tell a private company how to run it's business through a franchise agreement. The garbage collection franchise is very valuable but I think the decision about who gets it and who has to get it needs to be looked at. Other government-involved services like 911 and the ambulance service are necessary services. It would be hard to have a governed society without an ambulance service. Also, the 911 service adds to the ambulance service and the law enforcement of our county making them function much more smoothly. I do however have a question, and intend to look into the enhanced 911. The water/sewer service is something that will benefit some in the county but once again I live too far out to receive sewer services.

R. BRYANT: These services are good for the people who are fortunate enough to have them but my goal however would be to see that these services will be provided to all the people in District 1, not just the areas that are most convenient or with a highest concentration of people.

GILREATH: The ambulance service, 911, and water are very necessary. Of course we pay for all of them with either taxes and/or monthly bills. We also pay for cable and garbage and in most cases this is more than our neighbors pay. I do believe where the court grants a franchise to provide service, that service should be provided or offered to every household. I believe the ambulance service should be granted the ok from the court to bill Medicare and Medicaid the full amount they will pay instead of a partial pay. I believe this would make the service more financially sound and maybe not need the occupational tax money they receive.

The occupational tax ordinance expires next year. Would you vote to keep or end the tax? If you are in favor of it, are there any changes you would make to how the revenue is spent?

ANDERSON: I am in favor of the tax to a point; the burden could have been passed on to the property owners, who already are over taxed. We need to look at what is taken in and how effectively the revenue is spent. What have we to show for what we have spent? The tax should be taken out of the net instead of the gross income; we shouldn't be taxed on money that never makes its way into our pockets.

JONES: I would vote to keep the occupational tax but would like to see adjustments to it. I would like to see increases in Industrial Development and Tourism to spur economic development.

WINCHESTER: I would vote to end the tax. Most people would like to keep this money. That would give them more money to pay their bills or feed their family.

SPRADLIN: End it. We can't afford to pay it in times like this.

COFFEY: I am in favor of it. The Fiscal Court needs to evaluate the previous years and look at each category individually and decide as a whole if changes are needed. The reason I am for the tax, if you took it off, the county would not function properly.

W. JONES: I realize that is a big issue for some people and others are okay with it. Most of everyone's concern is that the money not being spent to the benefit of the county.

I feel we should do more to educate the people about the purpose of the Tax. We should also ask more input from the taxpayers. I myself don't mind paying the tax if it's going to benefit the county. But I'm like everyone else I like to see its purpose.

BROOKS: If it's making a positive growth and it's helping bring in future jobs I think the citizens of District 1 would keep the occ. tax.

CORDER: It takes four magistrates to change anything! And Judge!

MANN: No one likes paying taxes and I'm no different. However, I don't see how we can do without it. The revenue supports so many different things.

COX: Yes. It is not popular but needed especially for our emergency services and there may be room for adjustments. In this Administration the tax came up for vote to keep it or end it. They all voted to keep it.

BALL: At this time I don't have enough information to make an informed decision.

R. PHILLIPS: Without the occupational tax the county budget would be crippled. Many of the services provided by the county would shut down such as 911, ambulance, etc. While Jails are mandated by the state, these vital services are not mandated by the state. Deputies would be taken off the streets; the county park and new multi purpose (Senior Citizens) building would shut down due to lack of funds.

By voting against the occupational tax, I would feel I would not be making the best decision for the welfare of the citizens of McCreary County. I would like to let the citizens of District 2 know, I will NEVER vote to increase the occupational tax.

M. BRYANT: I would vote to keep this tax with no increase because this tax does benefit McCreary County.

D. PHILLIPS: I would vote to keep the occupational tax. The OC tax provides much needed funding in several critical areas of county government and we cannot afford to lose this vital revenue. One change I would recommend includes cutting back or removing the 10 percent jail fund disbursement to increase funding provided to tourism and the general fund. Increasing income to the general fund could make room to possibly hire a fourth deputy and increase public safety in the county.

BOZEMAN: I don't believe in bringing new taxes, but we have to have occupational tax to fund the county government and to provide services that are being offered today. I have not seen the basic breakdown of the budget, but if elected I will put the money in the best possible place for our residents.

STRUNK: At this time I would need to see how the funds are being appropriated. I would like to have input from the citizens, especially the working man who needs every dollar he earns due to the economy.

D. JONES: I would only be one vote. I will vote for what the people in District two want. I will be seeking input from people throughout the district and will vote accordingly to keep or end the tax. I will be their voice in this matter.

REDDEN: I originally voted against the occupational tax. The working people in district 4 felt that they were already taxed enough and they would not see the benefits of it. Now that the tax is in place being managed properly, General Fund/Three Deputies 22 percent, Ambulance Service 20 percent, Economic Development 20 percent, Park 20 percent, Jail 10 percent, 911 5 percent, and Tourism 3 percent and seeing results they don't seem to mind as bad. (No one likes taxes). If we do away with the tax at this time all these services would suffer greatly and some of them could not exist.

BAIRD: Considering the occupational tax ends next year, the citizens of McCreary County have an important decision to make. I feel that it is important for all of the citizens to have an input and communicate their concerns when making the decision whether or not to keep the tax. Many counties in Kentucky do have an occupational tax. However, when an occupational tax is in place in a county, I feel the citizens should be able to see the progress of the money being spent. I feel an appropriate plan should be in place for the money and show the citizens exactly how their money is being spent. Myself, along with many other citizens, would like to see that the money is really benefiting the county. No one wants to feel like his or her hard earned money is being wasted. After reviewing the county budget, I found that a large portion of money was received in occupational taxes this past year. The budget also reported that the same amount was spent. According to the report, a portion of the tax money was spent on tourism and other appropriations. A greater portion was spent on economic development and parks support. As a concerned citizen myself, I would like to have seen more evidence of this. I do see that work has been done on the park to level ground and begin construction. However, it seems to be at a standstill. Citizens need to be more informed of progress and exactly how money is spent.

R. BRYANT: I would vote to continue the occupational tax as is. I realize that any tax is an unpopular decision but I also feel like the citizens in District 1 deserve to have the services that this tax provides.

GILREATH: It's my understanding the occupational tax was applied to pay for certain services and can't be used any other way. I have been told the ambulance service could stand alone with a few changes as mentioned in the prior item. Up until the last few years, the sheriff's office has been able to provide service with fee money collected from taxes. I'm not sure why they can't do this now. Again, I'm an outsider looking in and I'm not sure of the legality of promises made by this court in regards to the use of this tax. We pay for 911 with the tax on our phone bills. Enhanced 911 always surface every election, but it sure doesn't seem to be moving fast. I think the occupational tax is very unfair. Taxing the working people who already pay too much tax. Hopefully the judge, whom-ever is elected, will have a better or new idea about financing various programs. Local government needs to learn to live with-in its means the same as we do. If a used Chevy will do the same job, we don't need to go in debt to buy a new Cadillac. I have been told the ordinance will be up for a review and redistribution next year. If so I would look at every avenue to see if it could be reduced or dropped. Before the ordinance expires, I would be in favor of telling the people of this county exactly what the tax pay for and why, and let them vote in favor of or against being taxed for those services.

What are your views on the local economy? How effective are the McCreary County Industrial Development Authority and McCreary County Tourism Commission in spurring economic development?

ANDERSON: The local economy is in terrible shape, the people of this county need jobs, we should provide incentives for companies to come into the county. We have to have jobs in order to support our tax revenues, most of our work force has to leave the county to find work, and those dollars need to stay here in the county.

JONES: Our economic development boards (including tourism) are handicapped with low operation budgets. Plus I feel that Fiscal Court should have a presence within these boards to prevent board members from being influenced by special interest groups to monopolizing projects. I think better location choices could have been made for county park and industrial park locations.

McCreary County has a great potential in the tourism industry. We have many resources that need developed to attract more tourists here. We must quit trying to fund failed projects and invest more into communities to make them more attractive to tourists and potential future residents.

For more info on my plans for economic development visit my facebook page notes, call or email me.

WINCHESTER: My views on the local economy is that it needs more help. People are losing jobs here everyday. Tourism is mostly seasonal. We need more work in the county and anything that can be done should be done.

SPRADLIN: The economy is very bad and what the board is doing as of now is not effective. If elected I will be focused on jobs for our people. If we don't turn it around now we are headed for a major crisis.

COFFEY: Our county is still in need of employment opportunities. The Development Authority continues to work on bringing in more employment opportunities and when I am in conferences/meetings I speak to officials about other industries, for example the coal industry, as well as listening to their suggestions on bringing more development to our county through grants or other services we may be eligible for.

With the appointment of a new tourism director, I feel we will continue to promote our county's natural attractions and resources to help improve our county's economy.

W. JONES: Many people are taking a hard hit from the economy! I will be someone that will work with the McCreary County Industrial Development Authority and the McCreary county Tourism Commission.

BROOKS: Enhance website on marketing McCreary County. Employ full time grant writer. 24-hour emergency care clinic. Create a senior assisted living project in each district.

CORDER: If I get to Fiscal Court I would look at the views then.

MANN: The local economy is not doing well right now. Too many empty factories, stores closing and layoffs. This upcoming election the voters need to use their best judgment possible putting people in office. Everyone has to work together from the office of Economic Development, the County Judge-Executive, the Chamber of Commerce and all four magistrates. Not one magistrate can bring jobs here. It's a team effort. If you want to stimulate the economy, bring jobs. Put people to work, put money in their pocket.

COX: I would like to see more job opportunities for this county. As well as can be expected for the shape the economy is in.

BALL: [No response]

R. PHILLIPS: Our Local economy is much like the state/federal economies, not very good at the present time. I am optimistic. Trends will turn around in the next few years. The McCreary County Industrial Development Authority is being as effective as possible in today's economy.

The Tourism Commission is working very hard. Taking every avenue to get people to visit McCreary County.

M. BRYANT: The local economy is not as good as it could be. WE need to work with the state and federal government to bring new jobs into the county. And with more tourism comes more dollars and attention to the county.

D. PHILLIPS: Our local economy is weak and in need of proper insight. While I do believe the Industrial Development Authority has worked hard to spur economic growth, maybe it is time for a different approach. McCreary County has the potential for economic growth and we must find the key to success. The McCreary County Tourism Commission in my opinion has been very successful in organizing community events and keeping money in the county. This, to an extent, helps local businesses for short periods of time, but lacks the security of long-term economic stability and growth. We must find avenues to success and explore different approaches to find what works for McCreary County. I will suggest organizing a study of similar counties and communities to find what has worked for them. This will allow us to possibly find an answer to our economic problems.

BOZEMAN: Our economy is not what it could be, but I believe that each citizen deserves the opportunity to obtain a high paying job to provide for their family. I'm sure that both agencies have worked to bring jobs into the county and I will be willing to work diligently with both agencies.

STRUNK: Economy is too low at present time. We need to build on tourism as much as possible. Promote unique things within our town. Use what we have and present it well. Ask small companies what they need to move to McCreary County. We have two factories empty that need to be filled and several closed businesses that need new ownership.

D. JONES: We are in tough economical times but we have good people willing to work, and this should be an easy sell to draw industry to our county. When and if elected, I would be willing to help any organization to better our county.

REDDEN: Our local economy is suffering the same as all our surrounding counties, and as well as the nation as a whole. We can't do anything about jobs going to Mexico and China. We have provided the McCreary County Industrial Development Authority with 20 percent of the occupational tax and the McCreary tourism Commission with 3 percent of the tax to help with jobs and tourism. The Industrial Authority has helped with a new building at Pine Knot, ready for someone to move in. We have a beautiful county hopefully the tourism commission will capitalize on this and spread the word.

BAIRD: I feel that the local economy is under a strain as we are currently going through a national problem concerning the economy. I know people who have lost their jobs, and I also know people who have lost their jobs and have gone back to work. I do wish there more jobs in this county for those coming out of the high school and secondary schools. I know people who are much older than me who are well-qualified individuals who have never worked in this county. The McCreary County Industrial Development Authority is a great thing but there are still few factories around. This however may be due to factors that are not in their control. The industrial park at Pine Knot, KY would have been a wonderful idea if there had been businesses interested in establishing a business there.

R. BRYANT: We have buildings available and an Industrial Park in Pine Knot. The potential for employment is there but this far our results have not been productive. McCreary County has a very sizable workforce. We just need an opportunity for employment. The Tourism Commission needs to continue and improve. We have a lot to offer tourist, our county is beautiful with many available areas of interest, bur our results in the number of visitors must improve.

GILREATH: We have a nice building on East Highway 92, which has been sitting vacant several years. We've heard several rumors of companies moving in but seems something always happens to stall or prevent that happening. If there are other projects the industrial authority has completed or started, I am unaware of them. I can't say they have been effective in creating jobs or helping the economy. If we are going to base our economy improvement on tourism, we need to attract more development to areas surrounding the Big South Fork Park. This can only be done if the federal government will ease restrictions on development of attractions within the park area. Since the government owns the majority of the county and pays very little tax on that land, they are more of a hindrance than asset.

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