Responses from all candidates for elected offices:20240917 Meet the candidates – Brown County Democrat
Please complete the online questionnaire by Tuesday, September 10th, to meet the publication deadline for the Brown County Democrat newspaper. Publication is planned for the September 18th edition.
1. What is the status of the Comprehensive Plan for Brown County and what steps are needed for implementation and fiscal responsibility?
A consultant has been selected. The new plan should represent the voice of “all” residents as to what they want and do not want regarding the quality of life, cost of living, and development. The plan provides the basis for zoning, which influences the tax base. Steps in developing a new plan need to include commissioners and council members who represent the various districts that may have unique desires and needs in their respective areas. Residents need to see how the county (and their areas) are zoned, and they need to know what can or should be built in each of the areas. The council has a key role in any infrastructure-related funding. The commissioners have the overall responsibility to ensure an optimal plan for the county.
- APC Meeting Notes, Internally Lit Signs, Comp Plan, Code and Zoning Enforcement. Veridus Group, in partnership with Contacts Design, was selected as the consultant for plan development.
- A little history and context: Comprehensive Plan for Brown County and Town of Nashville
2. What strategies would you propose, if any, to balance the need for affordable housing with the growth of the tourism and rental sectors?
Affordable housing has been defined by the federal government as housing-related costs below 30% of income. The first step is to ensure that we all have a common understanding of the scope, extent, and definition of the problem as it relates specifically to Brown County. This includes reviewing the results of the efforts that have been made over the past several years at the state, regional, and local levels to include a reliance on government support. The acceptability of options by area should be included in the conversations in support of the development of the comprehensive plan. This plan should identify the desired balance between the interests of the residents, commercial interests, and investors.
- Draft: Brown County Affordable Home Strategy- Notes
- Brown County is a bedroom and retirement community with a robust tourism industry.
- GDP – County Economic and Income Base: In Brown County, “77% of the earnings realized by local residents originate elsewhere.”
- Brown County’s Economic Engine?
- ROI Ready Communities – Strategic Planning
- Affordable Housing Discussions – Completed ROI Study
3. Please outline your vision for the future of the Music Center? Specifically, how do you plan to address its potential for
either continued ownership by the county or sale, and what factors will influence your decision?
The Music Center has lived up to expectations regarding visitors, profitability, and economic impact. Covid resulted in the need for government funding of approximately three million, including funding from the county. I support a series of public meetings and presentations to allow citizens to voice their opinions and make a case for their preferred options. The presentation can be videotaped and made available 24×7. Written comments can also be accepted and included in the official record. The expected outcome is increased knowledge of the history, policies, practices, and options documented in a final report. Any significant changes will require public support and a majority vote by commissioners and council.
- Options for the BC Music Center
- Collaboration. My position on issues is to work to identify the best solutions for the county.
- Illustration: Management – Revenue from the Innkeepers Tax.
- May 23, 2019. Guest Opinion:: Time will tell what music center’s impact will be by Tim Clark
4. What do you see as the role of the county in continuing financial support for health and wellness programs initiated by grants for services such as reintegration support for incarcerated individuals and family counseling.
The county government is among the stakeholders in the health and wellness of the community. The county council continues to provide funding for support services such as for the jail services coordinator. The council was provided with an extensive presentation on Aug 19 on the results from a current grant focusing on Positive and Adverse Childhood Experiences (PACES). The Commissioners can advocate for a “whole-of-community” approach that can include supporting a proof-of-concept project by applying the strategies developed through the Brown County Leader Network (BCLN). The BCLN was created with a grant from Indiana’s Hometown Collaborative Initiative (HCI).
- Presentation – County Council Aug 19, 2024. Last hour of the meeting: Positive and Adverse Childhood Experiences Initiative (PACES)
- Brown County Leader Network (BCLN)
5. What are your thoughts on finalizing the middle segment of the Salt Creek Trail and how would you approach its completion?
Phase I of the trail from CVS to YMCA was supported by the commissioners at the time with the caveat that it would be funded with private donations. They did not support acquiring property through eminent domain. The county gave up this option when it accepted state funding to continue the trail to the State Park. The state now negotiates with landowners and has made generous financial offers for land that prevented any forced sale. Reportedly, state funding for land acquisition to complete the trail has been reduced, but grants from various sources may be available. The country has contracted with a grant writer and should apply for any funds available. State funding and private donations are additional options.
