PLATFORM

SPECIFIC AGENDA ITEMS

New Recreation Facility
Most Windsor Hills residents I personally contacted do not approve of this expenditure. Although this facility is being completed and will cost taxpayers millions annually for the next 30 years, we should make sure that future such endeavors meet specifically with taxpayer approval. Most Windsor Hills citizens do not approve of this facility.

Explore Park
In spite of our failure to make this 1100-acre asset a part of our recreation facilities, we should try to get it back under citizen ownership. With no resource commitment from the county, we can organize volunteer groups and solicit contributions to develop the area into one of our greatest natural assets. Hiking, biking, fishing, camping and other uses can be developed with volunteers. An outdoor amphitheatre would fit extremely well into the environment. The entire park can be developed with citizens in control and without county funds.

The County Industrial Park—Keagy Village, Slate Hill
These projects have not generated the income necessary to cover taxpayer involvement. In the future, we should not embark on such ventures without the certainty of payback to taxpayers. I will work for better control of these kinds of projects and not approve future ventures without taxpayer approval.

Lease Revenue Bonds
Never again should bonds of this type be issued by our county. They have deliberately been used to fund large projects, such as the Recreation Center, without citizen approval. They are deceitful and, in my judgment, bordering on illegal. General obligation bonds, approved by voters, should be used when borrowing is necessary.

Schools
Many families locate in our county because of the excellent schools. We must continue to support our school system while controlling costs. A close interaction with businesses, private schools, home school families and craftspeople of the area can offer learning opportunities to students who elect to pursue further education, as well as those who plan to enter employment after high school. It is also very important that we continue to adhere to the stated county principle of maintaining community gathering places that bring citizens together and unite the community. In rural areas, schools are the primary vehicle for doing this and are often the only publicly financed facility in the area. Community schools are a valuable asset and should be fully supported. I will work closely with the School Board to ensure the continued success of our school system.

Large Projects/Borrowing
Projects exceeding a reasonable dollar level should only be undertaken when benefits accrue to all county residents. Schools, libraries and fire stations should be maintained in approximate equal service capability in all county districts. If borrowing funds is necessary, taxpayers should approve the debt.

County Vehicles
Vehicles are currently assigned to some county employees as “take home”—those employees drive county vehicles back and forth to work. The criteria for this policy need to be changed to reduce the number of vehicles so designated. Taxpayers should not pay for this practice unless there is a very specific, demonstrated need for the individual to be assigned a vehicle for everyday transportation. We should utilize the same approach as businesses do, which results in very few “take home” vehicles.

Suggestion Plan
Our county employees are highly valued assets. They can contribute to more cost control efforts if we allow their ideas to be considered through a suggestion plan where they are rewarded when their ideas result in cost savings.

Ombudsperson
If an employee or citizen has a concern about county policy or actions that could be harmful to the county, taxpayer or their own interests, the person should have a way to express that concern without fear of retribution. A procedure should be established to facilitate such disclosures on an anonymous or disclosed basis. A required part of such a procedure would be supervisor involvement in making sure the employee’s or citizen’s concern is properly evaluated and that no harm is done to the person.

Assistance to Teachers
Our teachers are some of the most dedicated individuals in the workforce. Many hours are expended in extra-curricular activities and work at home. Lessons must be prepared, tests graded, PTA meetings attended and other activities performed, which result in teachers having to put in many hours beyond the normal school day. I will work for a system to reward those who show demonstrated excellence or creativity in teaching.

Eminent Domain
The use of this practice to confiscate citizens’ property can be abused—and often is. We should adopt strict procedures to control the use of eminent domain. The property rights of citizens should be given the highest priority. Unless the need to acquire a citizen's property for public use is one that benefits all citizens, and not private interests, condemnation of private property should not be pursued.

Advisory Council
Volunteers from Windsor Hills are currently involved with my campaign as advisers for the six precincts. They provide counsel and ideas on county affairs. We have many retirees and others who provide input on county endeavors encompassing their area of expertise. Increased citizen involvement in how our tax dollars are spent can strengthen county capabilities, increase citizen understanding of county expenditures and help control costs. Citizen input on proposed projects and on-going services is an asset in running our county. I support a county-wide citizen organization for communication of opinions on county direction.

Survey of Citizens Opinions
I will pursue an extensive survey of citizen opinions to assist county officials with decision making. The survey will be very specific and include an estimated impact on their tax bill for each question concerning new projects.

QUALIFICATIONS

I am a graduate of Berea College, which offers higher education at little or no cost to underprivileged young people from the Appalachian region. Students are required to work a minimum of ten hours weekly and, to a large extent, run many activities of the college. The resultant strong work ethic is a part of all graduates.

After receiving a bachelor's degree, I earned a Master's Degree in Education at Ball State University. I served my community as a high school teacher before joining General Electric Company.

At General Electric, I completed the company three-year management program while rotating through various positions of responsibility. Further career positions as cost accounting, government compliance and quality assurance manager provided a great depth of experience in challenging environments.

I am eminently qualified to review county contracts and proposals and will certainly do so.

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Please check this site occasionally for new information. As most political activity, including debates, will occur after September, more information may become available.

I appreciate your consideration of me as a candidate. I am already humbled, and even more dedicated to serve you, because of the response with the primary election. Your support will not be in vain—I WILL BE YOUR ADVOCATE!

If you agree with the platform I have outlined,
VOTE FOR ED ELSWICK

Please call or email me with your concerns.

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