2002-03 Boone County Candidates

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November 4, 2003, Lebanon Mayor and City Council General Election:

Ordinary candidates try to control votes with name recognition, party loyalty, feel-good advertising, behind-the-scenes negative attacks, and all the other manipulative schemes their money can buy. In an effort to inject the rational influence of the independent voter into this vacuous partisan process, Watchdog Lebanon asked all Lebanon mayor and city council candidates to answer pertinent questions. These questions about good local jobs, city services, spending increases, the new municipal building, library expansion, property tax relief, utility rates, a Boone County Wheel Tax, and spending priorities help identify public servants who will be results-oriented, compassionate, and fiscally conservative.

Jerry Trapp is the only candidate to respond to the questions. He is not afraid to be held accountable for what he believes. Jerry is not an ordinary politician who thinks his best interests are served by a low and uninformed voter turnout on November 4. He will be a real public servant who is honestly open to input from all citizens. Jerry's leadership position in favor of a downsized library addition is Taxpayer Friendly.

How can the independent voter identify potential Taxpayer Friendly public servants when most candidates refuse to take public positions on important issues? There is one key issue where candidates cannot avoid having their position known. This issue is the alley that must be vacated by city council to enable the Lebanon Public Library Board to construct its extravagant and over-built $12 million library addition. A Taxpayer Friendly candidate is one who opposes vacating the alley.

In addition to Jerry Trapp, city council candidates Freddie Crane, Eric Hungate, and James Urban are likely to vote against vacating the alley. Their reasons for not vacating the alley range from a desire that the library addition be downsized, to a belief that a branch library should be built. All the other city council candidates are likely to follow the lead of their political friends on the library board and vote to vacate the alley so the oversized library addition can be built.

 The Watchdog Lebanon Candidate Rating for each candidate is listed below. Two candidates, Huck Lewis and Dick Robertson, would present a real challenge to citizens who oppose excessive local government growth.

Huck Lewis came off the golf course to cast the deciding library board vote in a failed attempt to put a large parking lot in the middle of a residential neighborhood. There is a parallel between his drastic efforts to increase library property taxes and his willingness to increase city property taxes to replace the revenue that will be lost from next year's elimination of the manufacturing inventory tax. Instead of property tax increases, the city's general fund spending could be cut about 3 percent to absorb the lost inventory tax revenue. There is ample room in the budget for modest cuts because the city's per capita general fund spending increased 45.75 percent, or 3.74 times more than the rate of inflation, from 1999 to 2002. Huck obviously cares more about government budgets than controlling citizen taxation.

Dick Robertson spoke in favor of a Boone County Wheel Tax before the county commissioners earlier this year. He stated that voters would have short memories and not hold county politicians accountable. A Wheel Tax is completely unnecessary because of the county's considerable COIT revenue and ample cash reserves. It is apparent that Dick will not be an ally to those citizens trying to keep cynical governments from taking more money out of their billfolds.

Lebanon's next city council needs to have enough Taxpayer Friendly members to give a fair hearing to those citizens who don't think tax increases are the only solution to every perceived government problem.

One of the Fundamental Watchdog Beliefs is that candidates and elected officials who are results-oriented, compassionate, and fiscally conservative must be identified and supported. For this reason, each Lebanon mayor and city council candidate has been assigned one of the Watchdog Lebanon Candidate Ratings listed next.

Uncertain - It is uncertain if the candidate is Taxpayer Friendly or Taxpayer UNfriendly.

Taxpayer UNfriendly - The candidate is not results-oriented, compassionate, AND fiscally conservative.

The Watchdog Lebanon Candidate Rating for each Lebanon mayor and city council candidate is listed next. 

Mayor (all Lebanon precincts)
James H. Acton (mayor@in-motion.net or 482-1201): Uncertain.
Huck Lewis (huck_l@hotmail.com or 482-6758): Taxpayer UNfriendly.

City Council District #1 (Center precincts 1 and 4)
Jim Messenger (482-4556): Taxpayer UNfriendly.

City Council District #2 (Center precincts 3 and 8)
Freddie J. Crane (mustangabode@netzero.net or 483-0569): Taxpayer Friendly.
Emmadell Sturgis (482-2030): Taxpayer UNfriendly.

City Council District #3 (Center precincts 10 and 13)
Andrea L. Hester (lebanoncouncilpersonhester@yahoo.com or 482-3588): Taxpayer UNfriendly.

City Council District #4 (Center precincts 2 and 11)
James Urban (urban@in-motion.net or 482-0766): Taxpayer Friendly.
Jeremy Lamar (jlamar@gennaro-lamar.com or 482-4662): Taxpayer UNfriendly.

City Council District #5 (Center precincts 7, 9, 12 and a couple of houses from 14 due to recent annexation)
Jerry L. Trapp (482-1900): Uncertain.
Kay Geisler (DAKEGEISLER@aol.com or 482-0270): Taxpayer UNfriendly.

City Council At-Large (all Lebanon precincts)
Eric D. Hungate (483-0854): Taxpayer Friendly.
Richard J. Robertson (dicksand@in-motion.net or 482-9079): Taxpayer UNfriendly.
John W. Lasley (sunny1@netusa1.net or 482-4268): Taxpayer UNfriendly.

The foregoing Candidate Ratings were assigned using positions and answers for the 2004 Watchdog Lebanon Candidate Questions listed next.

2003 Watchdog Lebanon Candidate Questions
Lebanon Mayor and Lebanon City Council

Question #1: What are your plans to bring high-pay, full-benefit jobs to Lebanon?
James H. Acton - (October 21 Candidate's Forum) "We've created over 2,000 jobs in the past few years," and a lower percentage of residents are now employed outside Boone County. At least 26 new businesses have come to Lebanon the last 20 years, and only three have left. Some of the businesses have provided high-tech, high-pay jobs, and a local high-tech business is being encouraged to complete its planned expansion in Lebanon.
Huck Lewis - (October 21 Candidate's Forum) He hopes to develop a comprehensive plan that would bring a variety of industries and a broad job base to Lebanon, and prepare the city for growth. He will use the sales and marketing experience he gained while working in the private sector in his efforts to promote Lebanon.
Jim Messenger - (October 21 Lebanon Reporter) I want to encourage elected officials to work toward attracting better-paying jobs while also attracting some affluent residential development.
Jerry L. Trapp - We have the need for jobs, with competitive pay. Across the nation, there are changes in job benefits and I am not sure a business can offer "full-benefits."
DID NOT RESPOND - Freddie J. Crane, Kay Geisler, Andrea L. Hester, Eric D. Hungate, Jeremy Lamar, John W. Lasley, Richard J. Robertson, Emmadell Sturgis, James Urban.

Question #2: Are city services adequate or inadequate to meet the needs of our population today? In two years? In four years? Please specify those areas you feel are inadequate.
James H. Acton - (October 21 Candidate's Forum) City services are currently adequate. The need for future sewer service is being addressed now with the recently begun interceptor sewer expansion north of the city.
Huck Lewis - (October 21 Candidate's Forum) City services are currently adequate. Expanded fire, police, and library services will be needed.
Jerry L. Trapp - The services offered by the City of Lebanon appear adequate, at present. As growth happens, we must meet the needs of that growth.
DID NOT RESPOND - Freddie J. Crane, Kay Geisler, Andrea L. Hester, Eric D. Hungate, Jeremy Lamar, John W. Lasley, Jim Messenger, Richard J. Robertson, Emmadell Sturgis, James Urban.

Question #3: Compared to inflation, what percentage increase in per capita city government spending is reasonable? What percentage is unreasonable? Please explain your answers.
BACKGROUND: Lebanon general fund disbursements per citizen in 2001 and 2002 increased 16.16% and 15.90% respectively from the prior year. The average annual inflation increase was 2.17%.
Jerry L. Trapp - The business salaries are based on a community and its needs. I feel the pay scale demands to be adjusted and be upgraded.
DID NOT RESPOND - James H. Acton, Freddie J. Crane, Kay Geisler, Andrea L. Hester, Eric D. Hungate, Jeremy Lamar, John W. Lasley, Huck Lewis, Jim Messenger, Richard J. Robertson, Emmadell Sturgis, James Urban.

Question #4: Will you ask City Council to build a scaled-down Municipal Building without issuing bonds? Please explain your answer.
BACKGROUND: City Council approved a $8,056,316 Municipal Building Project (and a $6.5 million bond issue) on August 25. Action will have to be taken before the bonds are issued if City Council is to reverse its Municipal Building decision.
James H. Acton - Approved the August 25 Lebanon City Council vote in favor of issuing bonds for the Municipal Building Project.
Kay Geisler, Andrea L. Hester, John W. Lasley, Huck Lewis, Emmadell Sturgis, James Urban - Voted August 25 in favor of issuing bonds for the Municipal Building Project.
Jerry L. Trapp - No. We do need adequate facilities to accommodate the municipal functions of the city.
DID NOT RESPOND - Freddie J. Crane, Eric D. Hungate, Jeremy Lamar, Jim Messenger, Richard J. Robertson.

Question #5: If $6.5 million in bonds are issued for a Municipal Building, what will you do to keep property tax and utility bills from increasing?
BACKGROUND: Bond payments would start in 2004 and conclude in 2024. Money for the bond payments will come from leasing the new Municipal Building to the city for an average of $615,000 annually. The city will use COIT revenues to make the lease payments. To offset some of the COIT revenue loss, the city will sub-lease the new Municipal Building to Lebanon Utilities for about $369,000 annually (which creates the possibility of utility rate increases). It is feared property taxes will go up to replace the remaining COIT revenue loss.
Jerry L. Trapp - No comment.
DID NOT RESPOND - James H. Acton, Freddie J. Crane, Kay Geisler, Andrea L. Hester, Eric D. Hungate, Jeremy Lamar, John W. Lasley, Huck Lewis, Jim Messenger, Richard J. Robertson, Emmadell Sturgis, James Urban.

Question #6: Do you think the alley adjacent to the Lebanon Library should be closed so the Library Board can issue $8 million in bonds to expand the Library? Please explain your answer and include your opinion regarding the Library expansion.
BACKGROUND: For the Library Board to go forward with the Library expansion as currently designed, the City Council will have to approve the alley closing.
James H. Acton - The October 15 Indianapolis Star describes his library position as "neutral." At the September 22 Board of Works meeting he stated "no one here opposes expansion of the library." At the June 16 Lebanon Plan Commission meeting he voted to give favorable recommendations for the square footage, setback, height, parking, and alley closing variances the library board needs to build its desired library addition. As current mayor, he can put a stop to the grandiose library addition by simply stating he will veto any City Council decision to close the alley. As mayor, he is likely to appoint at least one Board of Works member who opposes over-built and extravagant expansion plans from the Library Board.
Freddie J. Crane - He opposes a library addition and favors a branch library. He will vote against closing the alley. October 30 Lebanon Reporter: I am opposed to closing any alley in Lebanon that would jeopardize public safety and/or have an adverse effect on area businesses and residents.
Kay Geisler - She is likely to follow the lead of her political friends on the library board and vote for closing the alley. October 21 Lebanon Reporter: I feel with the library board delaying action on the library expansion, there is really nothing to comment on at this time. I feel the library board had many issues to work out before the actual vote on the request is taken.
Andrea L. Hester - She is likely to follow the lead of her political friends on the library board and vote for closing the alley. October 21 Lebanon Reporter: At this time that has been removed from the table, due to the fact that they were not able to get variance for offsite parking. If it comes up again I will promise to listen to all sides and if there is a suitable compromise then I will support it.
Eric D. Hungate - October 21 Lebanon Reporter: If the library board can bring an updated building plan that downsizes the expansion to provide the parking it needs and give the businesses to the north the access that they rquire and can live with, I feel something should be worked out to give them the variance.
Jeremy Lamar - He is likely to follow the lead of his political friends on the library board and vote for closing the alley. October 21 Lebanon Reporter: ...I feel confident the library board is checking into every option possible to satisfy our community's needs. I look forward to making an objective decision when the board comes forward with proposals.
John W. Lasley - He is one of the two current City Council members who, along with the mayor, is on the Board of Works. At the September 22 meeting of the Board of Works he stated that the library addition "is a good project for the City of Lebanon." As a member of the City Council, he will vote for closing the alley. October 21 Lebanon Reporter: ...I would hope that the library would come up with an alternate plan of using the east/west alley between the current library and Minute Print It by widening an area of that alley to allow vehicles to make a wide right turn into the north/south alley. When there is a suitable alternative for the deliveries in that area, I would work with the library board to vacate the alley for its expansion.
Huck Lewis - He is a member of the library board. He voted for the library addition at the February 26 library board meeting. He was called off the golf course on August 27 to cast the deciding library board vote in a failed attempt to put a large parking lot in the middle of a residential neighborhood. If mayor, he will (1) likely appoint Board of Works members who support over-built and extravagant expansion plans from the library board, and (2) not veto a City Council vote in favor of closing the alley. October 21 Candidates Forum: The library is a critical cornerstone for downtown Lebanon that needs more room for literacy and lifelong learning programs. It is misleading to call the library addition a $12 million project when $8 million in bonds will be issued, even though bond interest payments will eventually total another $4 million.
Jim Messenger - He is likely to follow the lead of his political friends on the library board and vote for closing the alley. October 21 Lebanon Reporter: ...An expanded facility will continue to provide more and more needed programs to all age groups and to all households, regardless of income levels. Additionally, what an opportunity to add onto a cornerstone of our downtown square, and in the process, attract more attention, more potential shoppers, more retailers back to the square. It is my hope that by working with concerned neighbors and the one business owner that has expressed concerns about vacating the alley, that a reasonable compromise can be reached.
Richard J. Robertson - He is likely to follow the lead of his political friends on the library board and vote for closing the alley. October 21 Lebanon Reporter: As long as the library could provide easy access to the north half of the alley for the businesses north of the library, I would not have a problem closing the library for expansion....
Emmadell Sturgis - She is likely to follow the lead of her political friends on the library board and vote for closing the alley. October 21 Lebanon Reporter: The law requires that the City Council receive a favorable or unfavorable recommendation from the Board of Works on issues like this. Since the expansion project has been tabled for the time being and the alley may not need to be vacated, this is really not an issue at this time....
Jerry L. Trapp - (At the September 15 Lebanon Plan Commission meeting he favored downsizing the library addition and stated that the library board is "spending taxpayers dollars foolishly.") The alley, adjacent to the Lebanon Library, should not be closed. The alley is used by many businesses. The closing of the alley would restrict delivery to my business and others; the IGA, Pizza King, Reporter, and trash pick-up. As for the Library, only 10-15% of the town's people use the Library. The building appears costly, to build, and the second floor will not be completed at present time. So, in the future we will need an increase in the tax to complete the second floor.
James Urban - He is one of the two current City Council members who, along with the mayor, is on the Board of Works. He will stop the $12 million library addition by not seconding a Board of Works motion to close the alley. As a member of the City Council, he will vote against closing the alley. October 21 Lebanon Reporter: Most of the citizens of Lebanon already know that I am against vacating the alley for the library expansion. The reasons are, No. 1, public safety, and No. 2, I am not for raising the tax rate to pay for such an expansion, especially after a major renovation 10 years ago.

Question #7: Do you support property tax relief for Lebanon's homeowners? Please explain your answer. If you favor property tax relief, how do you propose re-structuring local taxes to provide such relief?
BACKGROUND: One option for property tax relief is provided by Indiana Code 6-3.5-6-13 (b), which allows the Boone County Council to use County Option Income Tax revenues to increase the homestead credit by an amount up to 8 percent (from 20 to 28% in 2004). Should the County Council decide to do this, COIT revenue received by the City of Lebanon would be decreased by an amount that would be used to provide the increased homestead credit.
Jerry L. Trapp - No comment.
DID NOT RESPOND - James H. Acton, Freddie J. Crane, Kay Geisler, Andrea L. Hester, Eric D. Hungate, Jeremy Lamar, John W. Lasley, Huck Lewis, Jim Messenger, Richard J. Robertson, Emmadell Sturgis, James Urban.

Question #8: Will you support a Lebanon City Council resolution asking the General Assembly to restore the property tax relief promised to homeowners during the 2002 special session through a Manufacturing Inventory Tax Credit or other acceptable means? Please explain your answer.
BACKGROUND: The Indiana General Assembly in its 2002 special session promised a certain level of property tax relief to residential homeowners through an increase in the Homestead Credit. This year the General Assembly allowed the governor to reduce the promised Homestead Credit increase with a so-called "correction." Establishing a Manufacturing Inventory Tax Credit will allow the state to make up the inventory tax revenue the City of Lebanon will lose next year without a property tax or individual income tax increase. The inventory tax will decline next year because that is when the exemption of manufacturing inventory from inventory tax calculations will be phased in. The cost of a Manufacturing Inventory Tax Credit will be almost the same as the reduction in the Homestead Credit caused by this year's "correction."
Jerry L. Trapp - No comment.
DID NOT RESPOND - James H. Acton, Freddie J. Crane, Kay Geisler, Andrea L. Hester, Eric D. Hungate, Jeremy Lamar, John W. Lasley, Huck Lewis, Jim Messenger, Richard J. Robertson, Emmadell Sturgis, James Urban.

Question #9: Even if the General Assembly does not establish a Manufacturing Inventory Tax Credit, what will you do to absorb next year's reduction in inventory tax revenue without a property tax or individual income tax increase?
BACKGROUND: Lebanon's inventory tax revenue will decline about $500,000 next year when manufacturing inventory is exempted from inventory tax calculations. If this revenue loss is divided equally between Lebanon's general fund and TIF district, the city will have to cut spending $250,000 (about 3 percent of total general fund expenditures) to avoid a property tax increase or a personal income tax increase (through the establishment of a county economic development income tax). The TIF district has enough of a cash surplus to absorb a $250,000 loss in inventory tax revenue without a problem.
Jerry L. Trapp - No comment.
James H. Acton - October 21 Candidates Forum: If the Boone County Council does not impose a new County Economic Development Income Tax to replace next year's reduction in inventory tax revenue, the Property Tax will have to be increased to offset the lost revenue.
Huck Lewis - October 21 Candidates Forum: If the Boone County Council does not impose a new County Economic Development Income Tax to replace next year's reduction in inventory tax revenue, the Property Tax will have to be increased to offset the lost revenue. Growth in assessed property values will absorb some of the increase, but the remainder will have to be made up by a property tax rate increase.
DID NOT RESPOND - Freddie J. Crane, Kay Geisler, Andrea L. Hester, Eric D. Hungate, Jeremy Lamar, John W. Lasley, Jim Messenger, Richard J. Robertson, Emmadell Sturgis, James Urban.

Question #10: If you decide that Lebanon Utilities should have a sewer rate increase, will you insist that it be offset with a water rate decrease? Please explain your answer.
BACKGROUND: Dwindling net margins is one reason why wastewater utility reserves will decline to an estimated $311,252 at the end of 2003. Because of this, Lebanon Utilities plans to request a sewer rate increase next year. Water utility reserves, which are estimated to be $3,997,671 at the end of 2003, may be robust enough to absorb a water rate decrease if net margins are properly managed.
Jerry L. Trapp - Personally, I don't think we need an increase. We are having more building and growth which should "off-set" the need for rate increases.
DID NOT RESPOND - James H. Acton, Freddie J. Crane, Kay Geisler, Andrea L. Hester, Eric D. Hungate, Jeremy Lamar, John W. Lasley, Huck Lewis, Jim Messenger, Richard J. Robertson, Emmadell Sturgis, James Urban.

Question #11: Are you in favor of using public money to support a Boone County Family YMCA? Please explain your answer.
BACKGROUND: Paul Kruse, Boone County Family YMCA President, insists, "We will not be seeking or requesting public funds. We will be raising funds from memberships, donations and grants to pay for everything, in the same fashion as all other YMCAs."
Jerry L. Trapp - A multiplex facility would enhance physical fitness in all ages. The YMCA would need support from the community thru taxes and private donations.
DID NOT RESPOND - James H. Acton, Freddie J. Crane, Kay Geisler, Andrea L. Hester, Eric D. Hungate, Jeremy Lamar, John W. Lasley, Huck Lewis, Jim Messenger, Richard J. Robertson, Emmadell Sturgis, James Urban.

Question #12: Do you support a new Local Option Highway User Tax (or "wheel tax") on all vehicles registered in the County? Please explain your answer.
James H. Acton - He included on the April 14 City Council agenda presentations both in favor of and against the imposition of a new Boone County Wheel Tax.
Richard J. Robertson - He spoke in favor of imposing a new Boone County Wheel Tax at the March 17 Boone County Commissioners meeting.
Jerry L. Trapp - Yes. The Wheel Tax is a needed tax and most everyone would contribute.
DID NOT RESPOND - Freddie J. Crane, Kay Geisler, Andrea L. Hester, Eric D. Hungate, Jeremy Lamar, John W. Lasley, Huck Lewis, Jim Messenger, Emmadell Sturgis, James Urban.

Question #13: Do you support a stop light on State Road 39 at the Flying J Truck Stop? Please explain your answer.
Jerry L. Trapp - Yes. A stoplight is needed due to the volume - traffic flow.
DID NOT RESPOND - James H. Acton, Freddie J. Crane, Kay Geisler, Andrea L. Hester, Eric D. Hungate, Jeremy Lamar, John W. Lasley, Huck Lewis, Jim Messenger, Richard J. Robertson, Emmadell Sturgis, James Urban.

Question #14: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? Do you have a website? What is your preferred E-mail address?
DID NOT RESPOND - James H. Acton, Freddie J. Crane, Kay Geisler, Andrea L. Hester, Eric D. Hungate, Jeremy Lamar, John W. Lasley, Huck Lewis, Jim Messenger, Richard J. Robertson, Emmadell Sturgis, Jerry L. Trapp, James Urban.

November 5, 2002, Boone County Council District 3 General Election:

District 3 is the only contested seat on the Boone County Council in the November 5 election. District 3 consists of Center voting precincts 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13, and 15.

While not everyone will be voting in District 3, the outcome of this election has the potential to significantly impact ALL Boone County residents. The District 3 candidates are Charles H. Eaton and Roy E. Wood. To help District 3 voters make an informed decision, listed next are the responses of both candidates to the Watchdog Lebanon Candidate Questionnaire.

1. Do you support an increase in the homestead credit on our property tax bills by an amount up to 8% (i.e. from 20% to 28% in 2003) as allowed by Indiana Code IC 6-3.5-6-13 (b)?
Eaton: DID NOT RESPOND.
Wood: Owing to the uncertainty at the State legislative level, it is unclear how the homestead credit will affect the counties at this point in time. You would best be advised to check with the county auditor to understand how the Homestead Replacement Credit will be calculated.

2. As it is now, we are spending more money on attorneys than we are on all our judges combined. What are you going to do to help stop this waste of money?
Eaton: DID NOT RESPOND.
Wood: I really do not consider spending money for legal services a waste of money. When a unit of county government is being sued or initiating legal action, you need legal counsel. The County Council has made a sincere effort to minimize this cost.

3. If the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission revokes the Boone County Utility certificate of territorial authority, how much money are you willing to spend for a County-controlled regional water and sewer district?
Eaton: DID NOT RESPOND.
Wood: I am not willing to venture a figure at this time.

4. Assuming you follow through with your desire to build a "convention center" at the Boone County 4-H Fairgrounds, how do you think this project should be paid for?
Eaton: DID NOT RESPOND.
Wood: It is my hope that the "convention center" be built. This is one of the most forward-looking projects to come to Boone County. It will be paid for by several sources: (a) 2 % of 5% of the Innkeeper tax (Tourism Fund), (b) the 4H will contribute annually monies generated in excess of operating expenses from the center. These two sources will repay the funds borrowed, with interest, from the COIT fund.

5. During its special session earlier this year, Indiana’s General Assembly concocted a complex scheme to eliminate the Inventory Tax through (a) a phased-in property tax shift to all other types of property through an increased property tax rate and (b) a shift (in those counties choosing to do so) to a tax on the income of individuals through the establishment or increase of a County Economic Development Income Tax (CEDIT). The County currently does not impose the CEDIT. Because of all the distribution centers in Boone County, the inventory tax shift to homeowner property taxes would be particularly onerous. Will you support a County Council resolution directing the General Assembly to find a better way to eliminate the Inventory Tax?
Eaton: DID NOT RESPOND.
Wood: Any effort to eliminate the State Inventory Tax should not be at the expense of the individual property or homeowner. This needs to be discussed by the entire County Council before a Council Resolution could be passed.

6. Do you support a new County Economic Development Income Tax?
Eaton: DID NOT RESPOND.
Wood: No.

7. Do you support a new Local Option Highway User Tax (or "wheel tax") on all vehicles registered in the County?
Eaton: DID NOT RESPOND.
Wood: From 1996 through 2002 the County Highway Department has received $14,314,999.96 in COIT revenue. It was, and still is, the intent to use some funds for county roads – stone & gravel etc. With decreasing COIT revenue we will not be in a position to fund the highway with COIT in the year 2003. In order to enact a "wheel tax" we must have the support of cities and towns. They would receive 21% of the wheel tax revenue & the County would receive 79% of the revenue. I would support some type of wheel tax proposal.

8. Do you support an increase in the Emergency Telephone System (E911) fee? If so, how much?
Eaton: DID NOT RESPOND.
Wood: Some consideration was given to funding dispatcher salaries from the E911 account. However, I do not feel that this will happen. I would support increasing E911 fees only to the extent of what is needed to modernize equipment to meet State mandates.

9. Do you support the creation of a Boone County animal shelter? If so, how will you pay for it?
Eaton: DID NOT RESPOND.
Wood: I do not support the creation of a Boone County Animal Shelter. I feel it is the responsibility of individual animal owners to care for their pets.

10. Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? Do you have a website? What is your preferred E-mail address?
Eaton: DID NOT RESPOND.
Wood: It has been my pleasure to serve on the County Council for 20 years. I have made every effort to be honest, straightforward, and understanding. I have attempted to represent all of the people of Boone County. I have listened to their concerns and have responded to the best of my ability.

Please contact the candidates directly to get YOUR questions answered. Charles Eaton can be reached at 765-482-7170 and cheulen@hotmail.com. Roy Wood can be reached at 765-482-4007.

Neither candidate is results-oriented, compassionate, and fiscally conservative. In the present environment where county revenues are decreasing, neither candidate favors reduced spending so the county can live within its means. In fact, BOTH candidates are cheerfully poised to increase both county spending and taxes.

The best an informed citizen can hope for is that whichever candidate is elected will listen to differing opinions in an "honest, straightforward, and understanding" manner. Roy Wood is clearly the candidate who will most likely lend all Boone County citizens a courteous ear.

Roy Wood has shown the courage of his convictions by fearlessly responding to the Watchdog Lebanon Candidate Questionnaire. As laudable as Roy Wood’s character may be, there are some personal characteristics of Charles Eaton that should disturb one even more.

On April 29,2002, there was a joint meeting of the Boone County Board of Commissioners, County Council, and Tourism Council. The purpose of this meeting was to discuss funding options for the proposed "convention center." During the middle of this meeting, Commissioner Wendy Brant stood up, walked around the table, and whispered something in the ear of Charles Eaton, who nodded in apparent agreement. No public comment was made about what transpired between the two of them, but this action demonstrated to me how Charles Eaton and Wendy Brant have a few disturbing characteristics in common.

Charles Eaton, like Wendy Brant, has his heart in the right place. However, he is prone to excessive gathering of data, and then analyzing that data in such a way as to identify "conspiracies" where there really are none. Charles Eaton also can react in a petulant manner towards someone who has an opinion different than his.

At least District 3 voters have the comforting opinion of a local barber to fall back on. This barber was asked who he supports for County Council – Eaton or Wood. The barber quickly pointed out that there is a choice between a Democrat and a Republican. When told that party is not important, and after being asked who is the best man for the job, the barber, who almost always has an immediate answer for everything, actually hesitated – and finally stated that both Charles Eaton and Roy Wood are good men.

May 7, 2002, Boone County Commissioner District 1 Republican Primary:

If you vote in the Tuesday, May 7, primary to re-elect Wendy Brant as County Commissioner, you will be voting for a tax increase. For this reason, I hope you will vote for Betty Lee Cooper.

Wendy has gone on record repeatedly in favor of a "wheel tax" to help pave those county roads that are now unpaved. The wheel tax is officially known as the Local Option Highway User Tax, and "state officials" encourage its use. The wheel tax can be a flat tax of the same amount – perhaps $15 or $20 or $25 – on all vehicles registered in the county. Or, the tax could be adopted on a sliding scale based on the type of vehicle. The tax would be paid annually when motorists renew license plates.

Wendy describes the wheel tax as a "user fee." It is really just a tax increase in disguise. If it were truly a user fee, then there would be a corresponding decrease in other taxes when the wheel tax is implemented. Wendy has NOT gone on record in favor of any tax decreases.

Betty Lee has declined to take a specific position on the wheel tax. However, she expresses a strong general inclination against tax increases. When publicly asked about road projects during this campaign, Betty Lee acknowledges the recent decline in county highway funding, but states that those funds that are available should be used to keep the county’s existing roads in good repair until funding improves in the coming years. Betty Lee has declined to go on record in favor of any tax increase for new road projects.

I am voting for Betty Lee Cooper this Tuesday. I do not want to see any new taxes imposed during this time of recession and property reassessment.

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