Forum brings out similarities, differences
Commissioner candidates goals for the office similar
By Bob Robinson
Three candidates for Darke County Commissioner – David Niley (D), Keith Smith (I), and Mike Stegall (R) – faced off Monday at the League of Women Voters Candidates Forum, clarifying their positions to Darke County voters.
Attendees discovered differences were minor, mainly in their approaches to the issues. Regarding the “hot” items, such as economic development, sales taxes increases and county ownership of Wagner Avenue, all three candidates were in agreement: yes, no and no.
On the courts facility issue, both Stegall and Smith indicated the commissioners were handling it appropriately, a little at a time using grants and dollars set aside for Capital Improvement. If and when it happens, it could be 5, 10 or 15 years down the road. Niley said he was against it, adding that two of three judges have already indicated they weren’t in favor of it.
One attendee asked how candidates could justify a new courts facility when Greenville voters wouldn’t approve a new school facility. Stegall said the issues are different, that the courts facility would involve no additional debt. Smith noted that the school problem goes back years and has left a “bitter taste” with voters. Niley was adamant: not in favor of a courts facility, adding however that he supports education.
There were differences in how the candidates would approach lost dollars in local funds from the state. Stegall talked about cutting non-essential services, but doing so carefully so as not to lose matching funds. Niley said he was opposed to actual cuts, preferring to work with staff to decrease hours so everyone would still have a pay check. Smith said he’d listen to the people, seek their thoughts. He added that he didn’t feel a need to cut anything now.
Another attendee asked candidates to explain why they might be in favor of a courts facility if they are against county owned buildings such as Wagner. Smith said the facility was “down the road.” Stegall said it isn’t the same thing, a courts facility would be built “for ourselves” as opposed to commercial use. Niley reiterated he wasn’t in favor of the courts facility.
Would any of the candidates support an increase in the County Conveyance Fee? Niley and Smith both said no. Stegall said maybe down the road, because the largest portion of these fees are used to support economic development.
There was also disagreement regarding public indebtedness. Smith said he hates borrowing but sometimes there is no choice. Stegall said there was no reason to go into debt except possibly for big ticket items, noting that we do that with our homes. Niley said he was against being in debt, adding that the interest takes money that could be used elsewhere.
While most questions were asked of all candidates, some were addressed to specific individuals.
Niley was asked how he could accomplish his proposed Senior Citizen Center without raising taxes. He said the county owns property that could be used for this and felt he could talk the commissioners into providing seniors a “spot they could call their own.”
Smith was asked why he didn’t run as a Republican. He said it was too late when he decided to file, adding that his main reason for doing so was discovering the county lost a multi-million dollar employer to Mercer County because the process in Darke County was too difficult.
Stegall was asked why he was moving from Greenville Township Trustee to run for county commissioner. He said people came to him because he “seemed to have ideas, and I have a big mouth.” He said they noted his leadership qualities, adding that he likes “helping people solve problems.”
Regarding other questions, all three candidates said they are willing to invest whatever time is necessary to serve the people, would insist on fiscal responsibility, and want to promote the positives of Darke County, such as parks, Garst Museum, Eldora, KitchenAid and other assets.
In addition all are current or former business owners and have invested time in learning about commissioner responsibilities and budget concerns. None indicated they would make changes in the current Commissioners office or staff.
Niley said he can’t “give it up” (this is his fourth run for commissioner).
“I really care about Darke County,” he said. “I wish to serve you.”
Smith called upon his army experience as a leader, adding that his business (Keith’s Service & Towing) is a 24-hour business and that would be his approach to commissioner.
Stegall said he wanted to bring the office back to the people, with regular newspaper columns, radio interviews and meetings with the constituents. He also noted that one of the campaign points he was running on was “fixing what’s broken.”
The position is listed as part-time with an annual salary of $44,421.
Also making presentations at Meet the Candidates were Dick Adams (R), incumbent candidate for State Representative 79th District; (left to right) Bill Beagle (R), challenger, and Fred Strahorn (D), incumbent, candidates for State Senator 5th District; Justin Coussoule (D), candidate for U.S. House 8th District; Carol Ginn (R), incumbent candidate for Darke County Auditor; and Kelly Ormsby, incumbent candidate for Darke County Prosecutor. Ginn and Ormsby are running unopposed. Photos courtesy of Lyn Bliss.
Bob Robinson is the retired editor of The Daily Advocate, Greenville, Ohio. If you wish to receive a daily notification of his comments, opinions and reports, send your email address to: opinionsbybob@gmail.com. Feel free to express your views.
2 comments:
It is unfortunate that people cannot look at this race without their biases and party affiliations clouding their vision. I was there for this, and there was- as there always has been since May - a very clear choice. You really managed to smooth this article out to seem nice and even...particularly unoffensive to anyone- but c'mon! Let's be honest here! Whoever gets this nod will be representing OUR county, trying to convince businesses to come here and spend money to help US. It is of vital importance that this person be able to at least make some modicum of sense when they speak. Smith was almost incoherent, and Niley was also difficult to understand (particularly for a guy who has been through this FOUR times- I would have expected him to be better at it by now). Of course, that was when they weren't just repeating what Stegall said, which has been the case over and over.
Yes. I am a Stegall supporter - and there is a reason. What I saw Monday night illustrates that reason perfectly. Maybe it makes me a snob or whatever, but I cannot envision those other two men being taken seriously by big business, and I would, frankly, have serious reservations about their ability represent us well in this capacity - I don't care how nice or what a good neighbor they are or whatever. They aren't running for "Nicest Guy in Town," they are running for Commissioner. It's a serious job during a serious time, and voting based on emotions can have serious consequences. Haven't we all learned that YET?
That's my rant.
Go ahead, folks -send me hate mail. I can handle it. :)
No hate mail from me. I appreciate the comments.
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