County Commissioners Face Full Agenda

Delaware County Commissioners, now back to full strength after several months, face a full Agenda for Monday's regular meeting, including a motion to hire the Center for Economic Development Law" to establish a TIF (tax increment financing) district for the benefit of The Peninsula development on Monkey Island.
This item had previously been "no actioned" several weeks ago on the advice of the Assistant District Attorney, who said the commissioners must first establish a review committee per state law.
In this month's Chairman's Letter to Shangri-La members, Peter Boylan says "we are currently working with the Delaware County Commissioners who have expressed an interest in forming a TIF district and passing a lodging tax to facilitate the redevelopment for the benefit of the county and community. The approvals of these incentives remains vital for the redevelopment."
Other action includes a possible Executive Session to discuss the Paul Staten and Island Enterprises lawsuit against Delaware County, and the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission versus the Board of County Commissioners of Delaware County.
Motions to approve platting of several new subdivisions will be heard, including Mariner's Lookout, and Governors Retreat Phase III.

DA's Office Cites Law to County Commissioners

A move by Delaware County Commissioners Monday to hire an Oklahoma City law firm which specializes in legal consultation for setting up a TIF (tax increment financing) district was averted on the advice of the District Attorney's office.

Nick Lelecas, assistant district attorney for Delaware and Ottawa counties, asked that the matter be no actioned, citing State Statute 62-855 which first requires the governing body to appoint a review committee to review and make a recommendation concerning the proposed district.

The committee is required to be made up of a representative of the governing body, who serves as chairperson; a representative of the planning commission; a representative of each taxing district whose ad valorem taxes might be impacted; and three members of the public at large to be selected by the other committee members from a list of seven names submitted by the chairperson.

All meetings of the review committee would be subject to the Open Meetings Act and Executive Sessions could be held if necessary. At least two public meetings would be held, under the act.

In attendance at the meeting were Grove City Manager Bruce Johnson and Mayor Gary Bishop. Johnson told the commissioners that he had previous experience at setting up a TIF district and could offer advice if requested. Commissioner Ken Crowder said "we just wanted to look into it." Commissioner Dave Kendrick said phase One of the law firm's study would cost $25,000. One source said that Peter Boylan, who is developing the Peninsula Resort on Monkey Island, had suggested hiring the Center for Economic Development Law in Oklahoma City to develop the plan. Johnson said the key was "would the project happen with, or without, the TIF?" Kendrick said that Boylan would pay for the study if the project were not advanced.

A TIF district in Oklahoma City that helped finance the Bricktown development went to a vote of the people, Janet Warford-Perry, told the group, and she cited the Great Plains Airline debacle in Tulsa as one that did not go to a vote of the people.

The law firm cited several economic development projects in Oklahoma utilizing tax increment financing, including the OU Health Science Center, the Oklahoma Health Center Economic Development Project, Oklahoma City's Downtown Central Business District Redevelopment Program, and the Oklahoma City MAPS project downtown, the OU Campus Corner project, Shawnee Downtown Revitalization Project, and economic development projects in Guymon and Durant.

Cornell Wins Commissioner Race

Billy R. Cornell was elected Delaware County Commissioner District 2 with 64% of the vote over Janet Warford-Perry, who received 35.9% in Tuesday's election, according to unofficial county election board figures.

Perry carried both Grove precincts and the Zena precinct where she lives, but not by enough margin to overcome Cornell's showing in Jay and the south county area. (In 1907, Jay voters turned out in higher numbers than Grove and moved the county seat to Jay as a result) Straight party voting came to 71% for Democrat, 28% for Republican.

Cornell received 717 votes, Perry 402, for a total of 1119. There are 8,975 registered voters in District 2 precincts, which means only 12.8% turned out. (A higher percentage of Iraqis voted in elections in early 2007.)

Commissioners to Discuss Hiring TIF Specialists

Just one day before the election of a new County Commissioner, the remaining two commissioners will discuss the possible hiring of an Oklahoma City firm that specializes in economic development projects through TIF (tax increment financing) districts. The meeting is at 9 a.m. at the Jay Courthouse.
The firm, Center for Economic Development Law, is headed by James Dan Batchelor and offers legal services in the creation of financial strategies for economic and community development projects.
Sources said the proposed TIF district would specifically benefit the Peninsula project on Monkey Island headed by Peter Boylan. The matter is being considered while only two commissioners are seated, as Tuesday's election will decide who will represent District Two for the third seat.
The matter is listed as Agenda Item 11.

A Questionnaire to Commissioner Candidates...

The Grove Observer recently sent a questionnaire to both candidates for County Commissioner, District 2, regarding the upcoming Sept. 11 election, with a deadline of Sept. 1 for returning the questionnaire. Candidate Billy Cornell did not return the questionnaire. Candidate Janet Warford-Perry's responses are printed below:


1. What do you see as the top three problems facing the county the next two years?

An overcrowded jail, settling the MIDA lawsuit and stretching or finding the additional funds to build roads because the price of crude oil drives up the cost of all goods the county utilizes.

2. The county jail in Jay has been discussed at commissioner meetings for more than a year. How will you address the mandate of the state, building a new jail, and the financing of it?

It has never been my understanding that the state mandated building a new jail. The state has mandated the county to address the overcrowding situation in the existing facility.

I do not favor building a new jail because the citizens of this county, particularly in Grove, tell me they can't afford an increased city sales tax rate to finance another jail.

Instead of building another new castle for the incarcerated, I favor remodeling the old jail as a first step. In addition to that, I feel that county leaders need to find alternative methods of punishment instead of incarceration. For example, sentencing inmates to wear ankle bracelets and report in each day to a work crew that would, among other
things, clear brush left over from the tornado and ice storm, pick up trash, and a variety of county work.

If a jail must be built, I prefer setting up a work farm where prisoners grow their own food and don't have time to whittle a toothbrush into an implement of destruction. I have researched this type of set up and if elected, will share more detailed plans with the citizens.

3. The county may face payment of a $3 million debt due to the lawsuit over the Grand Lake Regional Airport on Monkey Island. Where will you come up with the money?

It is my understanding that the county's insurance policy may cover some of this liability, otherwise, the people of this county may have to share the costs via increased property taxes of a settling a lawsuit that was created by alleged backroom deals, mismanagement, racketeering and conspiracy by local officials.

4. Do you understand the Open Meeting Act? Will you follow it?

For years I've held local and state officials' feet to the fire regarding the Open Meeting Act and the Open Records Act. Not only will I adhere to those laws, but I expect the people of this county to hold my feet to the fire. I will not hub up in a backroom or anywhere else with another commissioner and discuss business--it's against the Open Meeting Act.

5. How will you administer county road funds?

First, I would design a five-year plan for road maintenance to expend county funds in the most cost effective manner. Instead of putting that five-year plan on a shelf to gather dust, it would become a living document that we worked from every day. I'd make sure the road foreman and his crew set and achieved weekly as well as monthly goals to better
maintain your roads.

6. What steps would you take to improve the efficiency of county government?

District 2 needs a commissioner who can plan its work and oversee as employees work its plan. Organization is probably the key to making this district or any other more efficient.

I also plan to keep the citizens of this district more informed than it has been in the past, specifically by creating a website where they can review upcoming projects and offer suggestions via email for road work that needs to be done in their neighborhood. Additionally, I hope to provide the public with a monthly newspaper column and/or periodic newsletter of accomplishments within the district.

However, I might caution that as with any job, whether it be government or with the private sector, until the new commissioner is elected and can review the present situation, it's impossible to foresee specific needs of this district.

An Editorial...County Commissioner Choices

Janet Warford-Perry, one of the two candidates running for Delaware County Commissioner in next Tuesday's election, does not wear a hat or know how to drive a road grader. But as she says, she can buy a hat and hire someone to run the road grader, it's the rest of the job that matters.

Actually, it is what's under the hat that matters the most, and this is why Janet should be elected County Commissioner by the voters. After all, she's already attended more commissioner meetings than even the sitting commissioners, as a reporter for the Miami News-Record for many years.

Her background in the insurance industry gives her the insight to manage a $4.1 million business that affects every man, woman and child in Delaware County-- your taxes, law enforcement, and a host of other issues. Running county government is a business and those in charge should be experienced in business, not just mowing or road grading.

The Observer urges all registered voters in the precincts affected to get out and vote on Tuesday and make the right choice for County Commissioner. Read her answers to our Questionnaire elsewhere in this edition, then cast your vote for Warford-Perry.

Commissioner Voting Information...

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, September 11, 2007 for the Special General Election and Dixie Smith, Secretary of the Delaware County Election Board, offered voters some tips on how to make their votes count.

Smith said a valid marking ---a filled-in arrow---is shown on posters at the polling place and inside the voting booths. If voters make mistakes marking their ballots, Smith said they should not try to correct those errors. Instead, voters should return the spoiled ballot to the Precinct Officials, who will destroy it and issue a new ballot to the voter.

Smith also urged voters to take their Voter Identification Cards to the polls with them. “Your voter identification card can help Precinct officials find your name in the Precinct Registry and it may also help them resolve the problem if you are not listed in the Precinct Registry.”

Voters whose names are not found in the Precinct Registry, or a voter who disagrees with the information shown in the Registry, may need to cast a provisional ballot. A provisional ballot is sealed in a special envelope and counted after Election Day if the voter’s information can be verified by the County Election Board.

Smith said voters who want to get through the line quickly should vote mid-morning or mid-afternoon, because those usually are the two slowest periods for voting during the day.

“Anyone who is eligible and in line at the polling place at 7 p.m. on Tuesday will be entitled to vote,” she added.

Following is a list of the precinct polling place locations in Delaware County for County Commissioner District #2 and Turkey Ford Schools:



Delaware County Polling Places
For County Commissioner District #2



Precinct Polling Location Address

210007

1st United Methodist Church
1005 Leisure Rd.
Grove, OK 74344


210009

Independent Baptist Church
11th and Grand
Grove, OK 74344


210012

Zena Community Center
36000 S. 575 Rd.
Jay, OK 74346


210014

1st Assembly of God Church
(In Jay)

908 N. Main
Jay, OK 74346


210015

Assembly of God Church
(In Topsy)
40867 S. 510 Rd.
Eucha, OK 74342


210017

Eucha Fire Dept.
7024 E. 432 Rd.
Eucha, OK 74342


210018

Mt. Hermon Church Rec. Bldg.
(6 miles E of Jay)
18035 E. 420 Rd.
Jay, OK 74346

Absentee Ballots Ready

Voters in Delaware County who want to have absentee ballots mailed to them for the County Commissioner District #2 Special General Election and the Turkey Ford School Special Election on September 11, 2007 should apply now, County Election Board Secretary Dixie Smith said today. Although the County Election Board can accept applications for absentee ballots until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, September 5, 2007 Smith urged voters who want to vote by absentee ballot to apply early. Absentee ballot application forms are available at the County Election Board office located at 225 South 5th Street in Jay.

“At least two mail transactions must be made,” Smith said. “The County Election Board must mail the ballots to the voter and the voter must return the voted ballots by mail.” Ballots must be in the hands of the County Election Board by 7 p.m. on election day in order to be counted.

Smith said any registered voter may vote by absentee ballot in any election in which he or she is eligible to vote. A voter must be registered and reside at an address within the geographical boundaries of County Commissioner District #2 to be eligible to vote in the Special General Election. Voters who are registered within the Turkey Ford School District may also apply for an absentee ballot. It is not necessary to give a reason ---or excuse---for voting absentee. “While anyone can vote absentee without giving a reason, the law still provides several excuses and it is to the advantage of some voters to use one of them,” Smith said. By stating one of the following reasons on their applications, these voters can activate some special conditions that make it easier for them to use absentee ballots.

The reasons are:
--Voters who are physically incapacitated and voters who care for physically incapacitated persons who cannot be left unattended may vote absentee. They may apply only by mail or by fax.

--Voters who are confined to nursing homes in the county may vote absentee. An Absentee Voting board actually goes to the nursing home a few days before the election, sets up a small polling place and allows these persons to vote under circumstances similar to those at a regular precinct polling place. They may apply only by mail or by fax.

--Military personnel and residents of the county living overseas and the spouses and dependents of each group are eligible to vote absentee without being registered. These voters may apply only by mail or by fax. Military personnel should contact the Voting Service Officers in their units for application forms and additional information. Residents of Oklahoma living overseas can obtain the same materials from any United States military installation and from United States Embassies and Consulates.

Cornell to Face Perry Sept. 11 for Commissioner Post

Billy Cornell won Tuesday's Democrat Primary race for County Commissioner District 2, Delaware County, and will face Republican Janet Warford-Perry on Sept. 11. The winner will fill the position left by the late commissioner Howard Payton.
Cornell received 358 votes; his nearest challenger was Wayne Dunham, Jay Mayor, with 218 votes.
Other unofficial results from the Delaware County Election Board are:
James Brown--46
Price Coble--115
Jamie Earp--89
Larry Gullett--132
Curtis Larmon--65
Ballots are expected to be certified by Friday. A total of 1023 votes were cast which was considered a "light" vote.
Cornell was a contract mower for District 2 for three years and put roads and courthouse operations including finances as a priority.
The three commissioners oversee an annual county budget of $4.1 million.

Guide for Selecting a County Commissioner

The County Commissioner election for District 2 is next Tuesday (Democratic Primary) and seven candidates are running. Do you know who would make the best commissioner? The following guide may be helpful:
What kind of background do I need to run for county commissioner?

County commissioners in Oklahoma come from a variety of backgrounds. Teachers, farmers, ranchers, and business people have all been elected county commissioners. No particular job experience or education is known to be the best preparation for success as commissioner. Familiarity with some aspects of road construction, budgeting, personnel management, communications, and the law can be useful. But no one expects a commissioner to be expert in every facet of the job.
Once elected, county commissioners and other newly elected county officers are requested, prior to taking office in January, to attend two-day orientation training program conducted by the Association of County Commissioners in order to become familiar with the job. In addition, the legal aspects of hiring and firing will be discussed during this orientation program.
What are the duties and responsibilities of a county commissioner?
County commissioners exercise the administrative powers given to them by the Oklahoma Statutes and the Oklahoma Constitution. County Commissioners:
• The governing body of the courthouse
• Exercise direct control over the county highway system
• Audit the accounts of all officers handling county money
• Make general financial plans for the county including the county budget
• Audit and approve claims against the county
• Issue calls for bond elections and other special elections
• Organize and direct "911" services
• Approve the county payroll
• Approve bids for major purchases or construction projects
• Develop personnel policies for the county
• Responsible for appointments to various county boards and positions
• Supervise affairs in small communities
• Organize solid waste management districts
• Selling or purchasing public land or buildings for the county
• Responsible for improving efficiency of county government.
What is the make-up of county government?
There are 77 counties in the State of Oklahoma. Counties and county government are created by the Constitution of Oklahoma. Counties are a subdivision of state government. The powers it exercises are primarily delegated by the State as a quasi municipal corporation.
All the county officials are elected to staggered four year terms except for the Election Board Secretary who is appointed by the local state senator. Counties are made up of the following elected officials:
District 1, 2, and 3 County Commissioners
County Assessor - Have the duty and responsibility to determine the true worth of real and personal property for the purpose of taxation.
County Clerk - Functions as the custodian of records for the county, acts as registrar of deeds, and acts as the county’s purchasing agent.
County Court Clerk - Maintains all proceedings of the Court of Record in the county.
County Treasurer - Acts as the tax collector and banker for the county.
County Sheriff - Preserves the peace and protects life and property and suppress’ all unlawful disturbances.
What are some of the big problems facing county government today?
Mandates
A new county commissioner taking office may discover that many decisions affecting his or her term have already been made. State and federal law mandates many of the activities of county government. Often, local government mandates are passed without funding by state and federal lawmakers. Some examples of unfunded mandates are those setting requirements for waste management, treatment of prisoners, providing disabled citizens with easy access to government buildings, drug and alcohol testing for commercial drivers license holders, environmental requirements for road and bridge projects, and training for various personnel.
So, before promising to eliminate this program or that program, make sure it is not legally mandated by the federal or state government.
General Fund Revenue Sources
Paying the bill for mandates is just part of a bigger challenge that commissioners face-raising the revenue to pay for all the services that county government performs. Citizens these days expect government to deliver more and better services to meet the needs of growing and changing populations, but they aren’t enthusiastic about paying the bill. Increasing taxes in any way is never popular.
Counties in Oklahoma are looking at ways to spread the tax burden by expanding their sources or revenue or finding new ones to keep up with increasing demands. Oklahoma law limits the county general fund from receiving more than 10 mills of the counties ad valorem dollars. The general fund is used to pay the administrative expenses of county government and is the primary source of funding for the courthouse offices and the sheriffs office. This limitation requires commissioners to find ways to conduct county business more efficiently and to eliminate any waste so that tax dollars are spent wisely. However, many counties in Oklahoma must find other tax bases such as county-wide sales taxes to adequately fund courthouse operating expenses.
County Road Revenue Sources
County commissioners receive road funds primarily from the state and federal fuel taxes, motor vehicle excise taxes and gross production taxes. County commissioners are responsible for 86,820 miles of road and 15,000 bridges that are 20 feet or longer. Local and federal funds replace 100 bridges that are 20 feet or longer per year in Oklahoma. Road funds are divided up among all 77 counties based on a formula which considers the number of bridges in each county, population, road miles and terrain. County road funds have not grown with inflation since the "oil bust" in the 1980’s. With the rising cost of construction equipment and materials, county road funds must be planned, prioritized and stretched in order to adequately maintain county roads and bridges.
Liability
Being held personally responsible for official actions is a matter of great concern to anyone seeking public office. Sometimes, county officials have had to learn the hard way-being sued, for instance-that they may be held accountable personally for injuries resulting from enforcing county policies or customs (for example wrongful termination) when they are carried out in good faith! The good news is that when proper procedures are followed, the likelihood of public officials successfully defending such liability suits is excellent.
A good approach to minimize this problem is to learn the basic procedures for reducing or eliminating the possibility of successful suits against the county or its officials. The Association of County Commissioners of Oklahoma (ACCO) provide opportunities to attend workshops on the subject. Written materials are available, too. Legal advice from the District Attorney, ACCO staff, and attorneys representing the ACCO insurance programs plays a key role.
How will I spend my day if I’m elected to be a county commissioner?
Some people say that being a county commissioner is a 24-hour-a-day job, not because you need to work at it for 24 hours each day, but because you are "on call" at all hours. Some parts of the job are more time-consuming than others.
Talking with constituents is a big part of the job. They may call you at home hoping to influence you in an upcoming bridge or road project, collar you at the local hardware store or at a local restaurant to complain about potholes in their road, or expect you to help them solve a drainage problem in front of their house on a Sunday afternoon. You will soon learn that on controversial issues you seldom hear from supporters but are certain to hear from opponents. As an elected representative you have to make a decision that is in the best interests of the entire county.
To be effective and make good decisions, a commissioner needs information. Gathering information requires time. Regardless of what sources you choose, you can be sure that gathering reliable information will take a good chunk of your time.
Attending meetings will take time, too. Your schedule will have to allow time for regular board meetings, work sessions, executive sessions, special meetings, budget meetings and public hearings. Also, as an elected official, you will be expected at many unofficial gatherings-from pancake breakfasts to fish fries.
Your life will be much easier if you are communicating with other county officials. Making the effort to know other county officials and their operations is worth the time. These relationships will help you get things done and provide knowledgeable leadership. You have to approve the budget for all these offices, and knowledge of their functions and responsibilities will help you in your decision making.
Communicating with and educating your constituents will be a high priority. Time will be spent on working through the local newspaper, public hearings or gatherings, maybe even a newsletter to make sure the public knows what you are doing and why. For example, often the public doesn’t understand state and federal road and bridge programs and funding formulas, and part of your job will be to explain what these programs mean.
How much time does it take to be a county commissioner?
This is a question that many people new to the office wish they had asked before they ran. For most commissioners other than the chairman of the board, a majority of the time is spent in the road districts. The chairman of the board spends more time working at the courthouse solving administrative duties than the other two commissioners and must rely more on their county road foreman to carry out supervisory duties in the road district.
The number of hours per day or week varies widely, depending on a county’s size and demand for services. One thing is certain. Those first six months in office will be a period of adjustment-getting acquainted, learning purchasing laws, road fund accounts, general fund budgeting, as well as day-to-day road maintenance, and learning how to juggle all the new activity in the context of family and job demands.
Why would anyone want to be a county commissioner?
Of the different levels of government, local government has the most immediate affect on people’s lives because it is so close to where they live. Also, citizens are apt to participate more directly in local government because their elected officials are so readily accessible. Being a county commissioner provides an opportunity to deal with people’s most immediate problems, which are often the ones that affect everyone. And sometimes just providing individual constituent service, such as regularly grading their road, can be rewarding. A commissioner who does a good job provides a true public service and is a leader in the community.
Sometimes people run for office for all the wrong reasons. For example, they have one personal gripe that they want to do something about. Or they are out to make county personnel changes based on personal dissatisfaction rather than on professional evaluation of employee performance. They don’t seem to be very interested in the "public good." After getting elected, they may be disappointed to find that getting what they want is not as easy as they thought. Budget constraints, federal and state laws, or the priorities of other commissioners and of citizens may stand in their way. Once in office, though, they may realize that their own personal agendas are not so important compared to the rewards of knowing they can help improve life for the citizens of their community.
Is a government really like a business?
You may think of government as being similar to a business. A private business has the objectives of operating efficiently and providing consumers with goods or services they demand. In the same way, a government seeks to operate efficiently and provides citizens with the services they want. But government is different from business in certain fundamental ways. Government is designed to serve the people-all the people, rich and poor. While private business also serves the public, its main goal is to make a profit.
In the private sector, if a product line is not popular you can discontinue it and add a line that is. In government, the products are mostly service-such as running the courts, maintaining roads and bridges, and operating the county jail and cannot be dropped just because they may be unpopular. Although government can be improved to perform more efficiently in many ways, it probably can never be as cost-effective as well-run private business.
How can I find out more about county government and the Association of County Commissioners of Oklahoma?
If you want to know more about being a county commissioner or county government, please Contact the Association of County Commissioners of Oklahoma, 429 N.E. 50th, Oklahoma City, OK 73105. Phone: 405-524-3200; FAX: 405-524-3700.
(information courtesy the Association of County Commissioners of Oklahoma)

Sample Ballots Available for Aug 14 Election

Sample ballots now are available at the Delaware County Election Board office for voters who want to get a preview of what will be at stake in the Special Election on August 14, 2007.

Dixie Smith, Secretary of the County Election Board, said that sample ballots can be viewed at the Election Board office, located at 225 South 5th Street in Jay during regular office hours, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Sample ballots also will be posted outside every precinct polling place Tuesday, August 14, 2007 so that voters can review them before casting their votes.

Ballots that will be issued to voters on Tuesday August 14 include the following:

• County Commissioner District #2 Special Election
• Kansas School Special Bond Election

Observations...

Kudos to the Miami News-Record…the nice folks at FEMA tried to unload several dozen of those camper trailers that had been stored in Hope, Ark for use in Miami for flood victims. We guess FEMA figured that nobody in northeast Oklahoma watched TV last July when "60 Minutes" did a story on the fact that the trailers might have formaldehyde in them, causing people to get sick. But the News-Record reminded some FEMA people and the Miami government officials said "no thanks" until some tests can be run, which would cost $2500 per trailer. Why wouldn't FEMA go to the manufacturer of the trailers and demand construction details. As for when the tests will be run, and how, FEMA does not yet have answers. Meanwhile, the flood victims remain homeless. Great job, Brownie…The Grove Sun Daily is running a series of articles on the seven candidates for County Commissioner, District 2. Pay attention, voters! Would you trust some of these candidates to manage a $4.1 million budget? The Democrat primary is Aug. 14 and there are about 3,000 Grove voters who will be affected, out of the 7,000 in the district. None of the candidates are from Grove. Judging by their photos, many of them have been showing up for dinner regularly…

Eight Persons File for County Commissioner Post

A total of eight candidates have filed for the office of Delaware County Commissioner District #2, which is the northern portion of the county and includes portions of Grove.

These include James R Brown, Price Coble, Billy Cornell, Wayne Dunham, Jamie Earp, Larry Gullett and Curtis Larmon, all Democrats; and Janet Warford-Perry, Republican.

The Democrat primary will be held Aug. 14 and the general election will be Sept. 11.

Perry Running for County Commissioner Post

Janet Warford-Perry, reporter for the Miami News-Record, has announced that she will seek the post of District 2 Commissioner in Delaware County.
The filing period for the special election will be July 16-18, according to the lieutenant governor's order.
"I don't profess to know everything there is about running the business of a county, but I will try my level best to apply sound business practices and common sense to all matters that come before me," said Warford-Perry.
She went on to say that all the people of Delaware County presently face serious issues that could cost the taxpayers millions--an overcrowded jail, the federal MIDA lawsuit filed against the county two years ago and a newly proposed tax break for a development on Monkey Island in addition to a proposed county-wide hotel tax.
"District 2 doesn't need another heavy equipment operator--we have those on staff. The people need a commissioner who will research the issues at hand and work toward a sensible resolution. It also wouldn’t hurt the county to have someone on board who knows how to feed a family of four and half the neighborhood on a bag of pinto beans and a pan of cornbread,” said Warford-Perry.
Warford-Perry said as commissioner she would promise the people a county leader with an open door policy, where voter opinions were valued as well as a place where meetings and records are readily accessible to the public.
"After carefully studying the facts, I will deal with all matters that come before the commission fairly and honestly," said Warford-Perry. "I guarantee I won't be caught paving my own driveway or other corrupt practices."
First and foremost, Warford-Perry said she hopes voters will exercise their right and vote during the primary race on Aug. 14, and again in the runoff slated for Sept. 11.
Constituents can contact Warford-Perry via telephone at (918) 314-1439 or 786-3760 or via email janet@warford-perry4commish.com
In a very non-traditional move, Warford-Perry said she would post no signs to litter county roadsides or add to the landfill.
"Besides, every election there always seems to be way too much drama involved with a candidate claiming his or her signs were stolen or defaced. I don't have the time to walk down that road," Warford-Perry said.
Years ago, Lavona Webster won the mayor's post in Grove without putting out one sign, according to her daughter former Mayor Carolyn Nuckolls.
"Ms. Webster knocked on doors, greeted folks and made herself known personally to the voters. I intend to follow that same path," Warford-Perry added.
She said in lieu of signage, other marketing techniques will be utilized to promote the campaign. One example is weekly updates that will be posted on an official campaign website: www.warford-perry4commish.com