CANDIDATE MONTRASTELLE RESPONDES TO CCO

POLITICAL SURVEY Recently the City County Observer sent Pete Swaim and John  Montrastelle questions that we felt would give our readers a better understanding how these two candidates feel about important local political issues.  Both individuals were asked the same questions and understand that the CCO would post their answers without opinion, bias or editing.  

Pete Swaim and  John Montrastelle are running against each other in the 4th  District County Council seat in the Republican primary for the right to represent the Vanderburgh County Republican party in the November general election.  The date for the primary election to be held is May 6, 2014.

Posted below are the answers that GOP primary County Council candidate John  Montrastelle submitted to us for our readers to analyze and respond  accordingly.  We also have posted Pete Swaim responses to our political survey without opinion, bias or editing in todays CCO.

Responses Political Survey questions to the City County Observer by GOP primary candidate John Montrastelle for County Council are posted below.

 1) Why do you feel that you can do an effective job as our next Vanderburgh County Councilman?

I’m a fiscally conservative Republican who is hard working and committed to the success of Vanderburgh County. I currently work as the manager of the International and Government Department at Anchor Industries. I’ve had the pleasure of working at Anchor for 17 years. I have been married to my wife Karen for the past 29 years and we have raised three successful daughters. For the past 3 ½ years I have served the County on the Evansville Convention and Visitors Bureau, 2 ½ years as board President. The most recent public project I’ve been involved with is our new Softball/Baseball sports complex that will be built on North Green River Road. Throughout my business career in the private sector, I have balanced budgets and made tough decisions within the departments I’ve lead. I believe being a conscientious listener and a creative thinker are important assets that I will bring to our community. I feel my 30 plus years of experience in the private sector as a successful manager and my leadership on the ECVB have given me a strong foundation and put me in a position to become an effective and successful County Councilman.

2) Explain why your education and professional expertise qualify you take on the task of leading our county in a positive direction for the next 4 years.

Answered in question #1

3) Tell our readers what you feel are the strengths about your opponent?

I understand my opponent served as a Vanderburgh County Deputy Sheriff for many years. Having three close friends who have served and are currently serving on the Sheriff Department, I understand what it takes and admire those that do this type of work.  

4) Tell our readers what you think are the short comings of your opponent? I’ll let the readers point out my opponent’s short comings.

5) What are the main challenges the county faces for the next 4 years?

Balancing the needs of our community with the constraints of our budget is certainly an issue. Public safety and fighting the current meth problem our county is experiencing is also a top issue. Quality of life issues are important to me. Good roads, parks, and neighborhoods enhance our infrastructure. We also need to attract and retain good, high paying jobs to keep our county vibrant and successful.

6) What’s your stance on future tax increases for the next 4 years?

The real key to increasing our revenue is thru economic development and job creation not tax increases.

7) What areas of county government can we make creative cuts to help keep budgets in line with income stream?

The first thing I will do is listen to the department heads and elected officials who control their budgets day in and day out. I also want to hear from the community and better understand their concerns. After which, I will work with the elected officials responsible for fiscal matters to make the tough decisions required to live with the reductions in county revenue. The real key to maintaining needed services is to increase our revenue through economic development and job creation.

8) What new county funded programs do you think should be considered during the next 4 years?

I’m hesitant to fund any new programs unless there is a return of investment to our community. The county council trimmed the budget by about 4 million last year and more cuts may be required this year. If we’re going to consider new programs, as stated earlier, we first need to increase our revenue through economic development and job creation.

9) Do you feel elected county officials should or shouldn’t be allowed to hire family members to work in county funded jobs?

From what I understand, there already is a law on the books that prohibits family members from being hired and working for other family members in government positions. To me, this law makes sense. It’s best not to put an elected official in a position of choosing to discipline or not discipline a family member. No to elected officials hiring family members.

10) What’s your opinion on political patronage appointments?

As an elected official or private sector manager, it’s best to have department heads who share your same mind set and believes. Not that you and that person couldn’t have disagreements along the way and think differently from time to time. That’s okay and healthy for the department. However, at the end of the day, you want managers and department heads that you can trust and believe in.

11) Do you feel that candidates running for public office should or shouldn’t accept political donations from those doing business with the County?

They should not.  

12) Do you feel that professional services should be formally bid out ?

Yes and no, it really depends on the type of service needed. Two examples would be Insurance and legal services. Insurance is a service that I would have bid out. Legal service maybe not, you want an attorney that is good and that you can work with and have a good relationship with. That is not always going to be the lowest bidder.

 13) Closing remarks shall cover any issues about your campaign as deemed necessary.

As many may know, this is my first run at a political seat. Some people have asked me “Why in the world would you want to get involved in the political arena?” My answer to that question has a lot to do with my father and some things he was involved with in his career. My dad, Bill Montrastelle, was recruited by a doctor friend in the mid 50’s to come to Evansville and start the new the Physical Department at Welborn Hospital. While dad grew the department, he also served the community in a variety of ways. He was on the YMCA board, the Museum board and also worked on the Freedom Festival and Thunder on the Ohio. He was the first Civil Defense Director in Vanderburgh County. Dad was also Arad McCutchan’s athletic trainer at the University of Evansville for many years as a volunteer. He later did the same at Memorial High school. All of this community service was done while running the PT department at Welborn and serving as an officer in the Army Reserve for more than 30 years. While I am not my dad, I do have the same drive and passion for community service that he instilled within me. My mother and father led by example by being active and involved parents for my sister, three brothers and I. Discipline, work hard, studies, Church, athletics, and a strong family bound was my early background. That’s how I grew up and that’s who I am today. I want the best for Evansville and will work hard to better our community.

Thank you CCO readers for your support and please Vote on May 6th!

CANDIDATE PETE SWAIM SURVEY RESPONDES

Before I gladly answer your questions, I would ask in all fairness for an apology and posted correction to you previously calling me “Bruce Swaim.” This was done on your April 7 page announcing the CCO has sent out these questions to the 4th  District County Council Candidates. I would think you would first of all want to be accurate and in no way mislead the voters of Vanderburgh County.

With that said, here are the responses submitted by Peter M. Swaim, County Council Vice-President and District 4 County Council Member to the City County Observer.

1) Why do you feel that you can do an effective job as our next 4th District County Council member?  

Without a doubt I can do the most effective job. I’ve been doing it for the last three years. As Vice-President of the County Council, I’m proud of how all the council members have worked together with office holders and department heads, regardless of political party to hold the line on spending despite shrinking revenues and the state imposed tax caps, we’ve been able to make $4 ½ million in real cash cuts to the current county budget. We have been able to do this with NO reductions in county services, layoffs or spending of any of the county’s Rainy Day Funds. So, my question to you is why would anyone want to make a change in those doing that kind of job for the residents of Vanderburgh County?

2)  Explain why your education and professional expertise’s that qualifies you take on the task of leading our county in a positive direction for the next 4 years.

I earned two Bachelor’s Degrees from the University of Evansville during my 29 years on the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office. I later served as Executive Director of Evansville’s Department of Transportation and Services, managing 8 departments with a work force of over 200, when fully staffed. We were responsible for street maintenance, snow removal, cemeteries and traffic light maintenance, among other things. During that time I saved the city taxpayers over $1.2 million in energy and maintenance costs by installing L.E.D. traffic lights throughout the city.  I was nominated by Former President George W. Bush and confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the United States Marshal for the Southern District of Indiana, serving in that capacity for nearly 5 years. I was then elected by Republican Precinct Committeemen to the 4th District County Council seat.

 3)  Tell our readers what you feel are the strengths about your opponent.

I can’t tell your readers what I think, either good or bad, about someone I don’t know, would be improper.

4)  Tell our readers what you think are the short comings of your opponent?  

See above answer.

5)  What are the main challenges the county faces for the next 4 years?

Obviously the overall money crunch and its impact on paying for the operation and maintenance of county services.

 6)  Whats your stance on future tax increases for the next 4 years?

My stance on tax increases is simple, I don’t believe in them and we don’t need them.

 7)  What areas of county government can we make creative cuts to help keep budgets in line with income stream?

This is a process I’ve been involved in for the past three years. That’s when the council began asking office holders and department heads to cut their operating budgets by 3 to 5 per cent. We’ve also expected them to cut staff through attrition. This has been very successful and will continue. These cuts have resulted in a 3 per cent reduction in county property taxes for 2014.

 8)  What new county funded programs do you think you should consider during the next 4 years?

There is a project in the works that will make Burdette Park, that undiscovered jewel of the west side, a major attraction and an income producing destination, rather than merely a place for picnics and a dip in the pool. I also like the possibility of a West Side Sheriff’s Sub-Station that could be operated from Burdette Park since we already own the property.

9)  Do you feel elected county officials should or shouldn’t be allowed to hire family members to work in county funded job positions..

We are required each year to sign a compliance agreement prohibiting the employment of family members as county employees. That document speaks for itself.

10)  Whats your stance on political patronage appointments? 

Political patronage appointments are decisions each office holder has to make for themselves. My goal is to simply employ the most qualified person who applies for the job.

11)  Do you feel that any candidate running for public office should or shouldn’t accept political donations from anybody doing business with the County?

Same criteria applies as the answer above.

12) Do you feel that profession services such as general liability and health insurance, engineering and architectural services, grading and paving work and sewer installation work should be should be formally bid out? 

YES!

13)  Closing remarks shall cover any issues about your campaign as deemed necessary.

It is important to know I am currently working closely with the County Commissioners on two long term projects. Once finished they will provide considerable savings as well as producing new income for the residents of Vanderburgh County

It is also important for the taxpayers to know that my opponent, as a member of the Convention and Visitor’s board voted to award a $6 ½ million dollar contract for work on the new ball park complex to the same construction company being sued by the county, for failing to make good it’s work on the North Green River Road widening project. Not only is this irresponsible use of the taxpayer’s money, IT’S JUST PLAIN WRONG!

My faithful years of public service, I believe should warrant your vote on May 6th.

The City County Observer has just posted  Tri-State Voices TV show on the CCO Mole TV network featuring the highly respected and well known Vanderburgh County Chief Deputy Coroner Steve Lockyear.

INFORMATION ABOUT STEVE LOCKYEAR

Steve Lockyear is part of a family that first moved to Evansville in the early 1800’s. Using all of the modern technology available at the time, including sailing ship, wagon, then flatboat down the Ohio River, the family arrived in Evansville. Since then 8 generations have called Evansville their home.  Following a career path similar to past generations of his family, Steve has focused his future on running for Coroner.  Steve’s Great-grandfather was elected to the Indiana Court of Appeals and his father was Superior Court Judge.  “Service to the community has been an expected part of our family”.

   Currently Steve is the Chief Deputy of the Vanderburgh County Coroner’s Office, an office that provides morgue services to 37 counties in southern Indiana and Illinois.  Steve’s path to the coroner’s office came through The Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s office. His twenty-four (24) years with the Sheriff’s department, a majority of that as a detective, provided valuable experience and insight into crime scene and death investigation.  Retiring from there and coming to the Coroner’s office in 2009 was a natural progression.  “Here the focus is not only on the investigation of the death but helping families cope with what is probably the worst day of their lives”.  I’ve been amazed at the strength of our local families and community and how they deal with tragedies”.

Steve has been a part of the response to some of the largest tragedies in Evansville’s history, including the C130 Crash at the Drury Inn and the tornado strike at the Eastpark Trailer Park.   Steve observed that in both instances the victims of our community had the same response –  rather than giving up hope, they overwhelmingly rose to the occasion to help one another.  It is Steve’s desire to continue to serve this community that has made him so proud.

Recently the City County Observer sent Bruce Ungethiem and Marsha Abell questions that we felt would give our readers a better understanding how these two candidates feel about important local political issues.  Both individuals were asked the same questions and understand that the CCO would post their answers without opinion, bias or editing.  Mr. Ungethiem and Marsha Abell are running against other in the 2nd District County Commission seat in the Republican primary for the right to represent the Vanderburgh County Republican party in the November general election.  

County Commissioner Marsha Abell has failed to respond to the Political Survey questions we e-mailed her last week.  Because of that reason Ms. Abell forfeit the opportunity  to allow our readers to learn how she stands on important issues and challenged that faces our county over the next four years. It is also important to point out that Ms. Abell also declined to make a joint appearance with Mr. Undethiem on the City County Observer  and Woods and Woods TV program last week.

Posted below are the answers that GOP primary County Commissioner candidate Bruce Ungethiem submitted for  our readers to analize and respond  accordingly.

1) Why do you feel that you can do an effective job as our next 2nd District County Commissioner?

During my time as a community volunteer and leader, I learned the skill of listening to the people I served and understand their needs. I will use this skill to make county government more responsive to the people who elect me. I will use my experience and skills I learned in the private sector to bring professionalism to the county government that will improve efficiency and treat people with respect. I will use my knowledge of private business to develop a long range plan to bring new industry and jobs to our county.

2) Explain why your education and professional expertise qualify you take on the task of leading our county in a positive direction for the next 4 years.

With a bachelor’s degree in engineering and a minor in political science from Rose Hulman, and my experience as a professional engineer, project manager and business leader for 33 years at Mead Johnson, I am uniquely qualified to lead our county forward. I will bring the best practices of the private sector to local government and make it more efficient at a time when we need to do more with less.

3) Tell our readers what you feel are the strengths about your opponent?

I will let her answer that question.

4) Tell our readers what you think are the short comings of your opponent?

I will let her past actions and dealings with the citizens of Vanderburgh County speak for themselves.

5) What are the main challenges the county faces for the next 4 years?

The biggest challenge to our county is to increase revenue by increasing and managing growth. Growth is the key for our community to continue to provide the services required by the people. With the State tax cap on property taxes we will need to tighten our belt as well as generate new revenue. Bringing new industry into the county and building new homes the county will realize more revenue as a result of more assessed value. We need promote growth and manage it to ensure the needs of our citizens are taken into consideration as we grow.

6) What’s your stance on future tax increases for the next 4 years?

A tax increase should be the last resort in order to balance the budget. The State has capped the property taxes on homes, farms and businesses so increasing property taxes are not an option. I would prefer increasing the assessed value of property in the county by attracting new industry to the county to provide jobs and those jobs would spur new residential building. Both of these additions would increase revenue to the county.

7) What areas of county government can we make creative cuts to help keep budgets in line with income stream?

I believe we need to look at all of our current departments and the current processes and streamline those processes to make them more efficient. In addition, we need to look for synergies between departments to see if there are ways we can provide the same or better service at a lower cost. I look forward to working with the department heads to make this happen.

8) What new county funded programs do you think should be considered during the next 4 years?

I do not have specific new programs in mind at this time. If we do initiate a new program it must fit within the budget and as tight as the current budget is that may mean reducing another program.

9) Do you feel elected county officials should or shouldn’t be allowed to hire family members to work in county funded jobs?

I know that this practice has occurred in the past and I do not support this activity. If elected, I pledge not to hire any of my immediate family in a county position.

10) What is your stance on political patronage appointments?

I do not support political patronage appointments. I will hire and promote people based on the qualifications for the job and not who they voted for or financially supported in an election.

11) Do you feel that candidates running for public office should or shouldn’t accept political donations from those doing business with the County?

I believe this to be a conflict of interest and should not be allowed in government. If elected I will not accept donations to my committee from a company conducting business with the county.

12) Do you feel that professional services should be formally bid out?

I believe all contracts over $10,000 should be competitively bid with at least three qualified bidders submitting a bid. The low bid would be awarded the contract unless there were extenuating circumstances that the three commissioners agreed upon.

13) Closing remarks shall cover any issues about your campaign as deemed necessary.

As our community faces limited revenue from property taxes, our leaders will need to find new ways to continue to provide services the people need. It is time to bring new leadership to county government to meet these challenges. I believe that my experience as a project engineer and manager who has faced these challenges in the private sector makes me uniquely qualified to lead our county into the future. I hope you will agree and vote for me on May 6th.