Editor’s Note: There are two Republicans and two Democrats seeking nominations for Jasper County Supervisor in the June Primary Election. The winners from each party run for one open seat on the board in the General Election. This Q&A features Democrtas John Deegan and Sandy Shaver.
Q: What seem to be the top county issues, among the voters that have spoken up to you, especially in the part of the county where you live?
A: John Deegan
Since announcing my candidacy for Jasper County Supervisor, some citizens have expressed their views and concerns about various issues. Some of the topics mentioned to me include jobs and the economy, the condition of our roads and bridges, the environment, and wind energy. A Jasper County Supervisor represents the entire county of Jasper and its citizens, not just a particular area of the county. I would be proud to represent the residents of Jasper County. Communication with the constituents of Jasper County is vital and with a common sense approach I would work hard on their behalf. Local government must balance the need for services versus the cost of providing these services. I would tackle any and all issues while striving to keep taxes in check.
A: Sandy Shaver
First thing I always hear is roads and bridges. Of course this time of year it gets worse. But that is not an excuse, it just is. I believe in some of these places they need a better base before the top rock goes on. Second thing I hear is weeds in ditches. They need cut back. Weeds are scraping cars leaving scratches. We don’t want to damage our environment, no bad sprays, there are environmentally friendly sprays. Also, we don’t want to destroy habitats so don’t need to “clear out” the whole ditch. In flood plain areas, we need to keep the drainage areas open. Then I have been asked questions about the courthouse grounds. The handicap walks on the west side and trees; plant, take out, plant, take out.
Q: What are some county resident needs that have gone unaddressed in recent years?
A: John Deegan
I am not aware of any specific needs that have not been addressed by the current Board of Supervisors, but I am open to public input on any issue of concern. I do think that we have to guard against allowing taxes to get out of hand. I believe that we need to stay vigilant in maintaining our county roads and bridges. Obviously, first and foremost is public safety. Adequate funding is required so that our sheriff’s department can protect the citizens. I want to stay on top of mental health issues and make sure those who need assistance receive the proper services. The issue of economic development is always a work in progress. We need to continue to add jobs, especially better paying jobs in Jasper County. I would collaborate with JEDCO in this endeavor. The more people we have working, the bigger the tax base which means each individual’s share is less.
A: Sandy Shaver
Again this has to do with roads during the winter months. Salting roads tends to break down some surfaces, so roads need repair. Also, this causes our residences driveways and garage floor problems. There is definitely a cost difference. Some alternatives cause bridges supports to deteriorate. So what is the cost of these repairs? Plus cost of resurfacing? There are alternatives, but are there better products? Would the ends justify the means? These are some of the questions I have and want answers to! I have been talking and listening to road maintenance people and engineers in our counties and other counties. They are the experts not me. But, would like to get more answers and improve the situation and still be cost effective. We also have a mental health problem in our county. This is a regional problem a long with a state problem. As well as our counties get told “no beds” “not enough trained personnel.” We are losing people) THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE! Some way we need to help I don’t have all the answers. While we are addressing this problem and have improved) we need to continue to improve.
Q: What are some important principles county supervisors should keep in mind when determining the tax burden on residents? What do you think of recent tax increases?
A: John Deegan
The Board of Supervisors are the legislative body of the county. I feel some of the necessary guiding principles of a supervisor should be honesty, integrity, fairness and open mindedness. When we take the oath of office we are responsible to the citizens of Jasper County to maintain a healthy and safe county. I would have an open door policy and be willing to listen and gather information so that I could make an informed decision. I would collaborate with our elected and appointed officials. It is vital to have good communication skills. I feel the current board has been cognizant of the tax burden on the residents of Jasper County and have done a good job in difficult times. The loss of a Fortune 500 company has proven to be a challenge when dealing with budget appropriations. Decisions have been tough as a result of declining values and commercial value changes due to rollbacks and business property tax credits. It is a balancing act and I feel they have done their best to meet the challenges. . As we are not undertaxed, providing vital services while keeping taxes in check is a top priority for me.
A: Sandy Shaver
Cost of everything. We should keep the work in house whenever possible. Use businesses of Jasper County when and wherever possible and stay cost efficient and effective. I believe it was big jump. We have a lot of elderly in Jasper County on fixed incomes. We have a lot of people on minimum wages and we still have those part time workers not making minimum wages. Of course most of those probably don’t own their own homes or are working 2 or 3 jobs each to have their own homes. Any increase is a burden to most residents of Jasper County. We, as supervisors, must always keep this in mind as we make our financial decisions.
Q: Do you feel the county is taking enough initiative to maintain and repair roads and bridges? Should more focus be put on repairs for the roads and bridges than currently is being done?
A: John Deegan
Considering the available resources due to budget constraints, I feel the current board is doing a good job with the difficult task of maintaining and repairing our roads and bridges. There is always room for improvement, however, everything comes at a cost. The board is fiscally accountable to its citizens. Jasper County has 922 miles of gravel roads and 243 miles of paved roads. It is an enormous duty of the board. I feel some of the factors that contribute to their condition include increased load limits, the use of harsh chemicals during winter months, and perhaps a less expensive grade of limestone. The safety of our residents is paramount. Our focus should be to establish long range goals to maintain and improve the roads as well as our bridges. Budget appropriations are extremely difficult. If elected, I would do my best to make this a priority while keeping in mind the tax burden on the residents of our county. I want to keep taxes as low as possible while providing the necessary services.
A: Sandy Shaver
I believe our county has been taking initiative in the repair of roads and bridges. Can we do better, probably? Yes we need to focus on repairs of our roads and bridges. At the same time we have to be fiscally responsible and our present supervisors are doing just that.
Q: Most of the higher-level elected offices in Jasper County in both parties are held by men. What do you think your role is as candidates and party leaders to address the lack of diversity in the county’s elected offices and within the party itself?
A: John Deegan
With all due respect, I feel that Jasper County has an outstanding history of electing women to office. In addition, many women have also been appointed to department head positions. We should be proud. Diversity is good for our county. The position of Jasper county Recorder is currently held by a woman and her predecessor of many terms was a woman as well. The previous two Treasurers of Jasper County were women. Our longest serving auditor was a woman. There has been a woman elected to the Board of Supervisors. Many of these women served simultaneously. Our head of conservation is a woman. These are just a few examples and so as not to risk leaving anyone out, I chose not to name them or list them all. Many of the cities within our county also have women officials. The Jasper County Democratic party has many women actively involved in leadership roles and delegate roles. Several have been active for a very long time and work tirelessly for the party. I would encourage all people, regardless of gender, race or age, who are interested in public office to seek election, whether it be county, municipal, state or national.
A: Sandy Shaver
There have been a Jot of good women that have been office holders in our county, Jeanne Brindstein, lila Guthrie, Linda Gifford, Jana Lust, Nancy Parrott and presently Denise Allen. Our city leaders have had many women among them. Newton has had a woman mayor and now has women on our Newton City Council as we have had in the past; Joyce Hoen and Jane Ann Cotton to name two. Bobby Wade has been city clerk of Reasnor and Eva Henning served many years as Kellogg’s mayor! Just to name a few off the top of my head. As a candidate I have talked to a few of them. I would like to talk and listen to more of them, but I would value talking to and listening to all our office holders and people of Jasper County. As a party leader, political and union activist would and have encouraged women and men to run for office. There is a lack of diversity as far as ethnic groups. I would encourage ANYONE wanting to seek off to do so. Do your homework and run for office!