Election 2007

Discussion

October 10, 2007

ELECTION Q&A: Charlestown City Council — At Large

Anonymous The News and Tribune Wed Oct 10, 2007, 06:19 PM EDT

Editor’s Note: Submissions appear as the candidates submitted them without editing.Candidates are listed in alphabetical order. If an answer length’s has been edited, it is because the answer extended beyond the predetermined limit. Unabridged answers appear on our Web site www.newsandtribune.com under the Election 2007 link. Except where noted, questionnaires are only being published for contested races.

Bruce M. Bottorff

• POLITICAL AFFILIATION: Democrat
• AGE: 74
• EDUCATION HIGHLIGHTS: 1950 Graduate of Charlestown High School
• CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: United States Army, 2 years, Engineering School at Fort Belvoir, VA and 13 months overseas active duty. Letter carrier for the United States Postal Service in the City of Charlestown, 35 years, from which I retired. I have been the Councilman at Large since 1996 during that time I have also served on the Board of Public Works. I’ve also served on the Police Advisory Board.

• FAMILY NOTES YOU WISH TO SHARE: I have been married to Beverly Reis Bottorff for 50 years and have 2 children son Clark and daughter Beth Ann.
1) What is your primary reason for seeking this position?
“I am a lifelong resident of Charleston and a councilman since 1996. I have and always will continue to be extremely interested in and concerned with the issues that affect the citizens of this community and its growth. I take the opportunity to serve this community as a privilege and will do so with the best interests of all residents in mind.”
2) If elected, which issue is your priority to address first and what is your suggested solution?
“Without a doubt, the most important issues are sewer and water problems. After an extensive study of water and sewer problems and heeding recommendations of the consulting engineers, bonds were issued to begin alleviation of these problems. We are now addressing the water problems and anticipate having our new water sand filtration system online by next year. At this time the sewer system utilizes 700,000 gallons daily, but we have the capability of handling 2.2 millions of sewage daily. New sewer customers that we are currently bringing on line as well new subdivisions that have been approved for construction will bring greater utilization of the system and therefore will result in a reduction of sewer bills.”
3) What specifically distinguishes you from your opponent in this race?
“I have and will continue to listen to both sides of any and all issues before making any decisions that affect the residents of Charlestown.”

Mark A. Goodlett

• POLITICAL AFFILIATION: Republican
• AGE: 40
• EDUCATION HIGHLIGHTS: Graduated Charlestown High School 1985 completed Paramedic Training 1996
• CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Firefighter for Town of Clarksville, US Army 86-90, Received the Soldiers Medal for Valor, Paramedic.
• FAMILY NOTES YOU WISH TO SHARE: Mother (Deceased) Dorothy Goodlett, Harold & Joann Hardy-Goodlett, Brother Harold Goodlett Jr. Sisters Rita Whitton(Roger), and Susan Staum (Lew).

1) What is your primary reason for seeking this position?
“My primary reason for seeking Election: To help change the course of the city and head in a positive direction. To help control city expenses, to encourage growth through annexation and smart development thereby lowering taxes. I would like to expand our parks and recreation facilities for the community. By working with all citizens of our city regardless of political differences and bring unity to our community.”
2) If elected, which issue is your priority to address first and what is your suggested solution?
“City fees and taxes is the big issue facing our citizens. I will work to lower fees and taxes and oppose frivolous lawsuits I will strive to bring efficiency back to city government and find ways to replace our aging police cars and broken equipment. I would cut the cost of recycling and find ways to reduce garbage pickup fees.”
3) What specifically distinguishes you from your opponent in this race?
“I will bring a vision and fresh ideas to the council. I will make decisions based on what is best for our community regardless of politics. As Councilman I Will work to ban the hiring of elected officials relatives as city workers. Having volunteered most of my life including the military service as a Fireman, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and Charlestown beautification I will encourage Volunteerism in our community through example. I will research thoroughly all issues before the council before casting a vote. I will personally research all avenues for grants available to our city and encourage our leaders to apply for such grants. I will fight (as I have in the past) to keep Charlestown water utilities in the Indiana Regulatory commission thereby bringing oversight to our water rates.”

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Election 2007

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It's Bob Hall heading back to the mayor's office in Charlestown The mayoral victory represented a near sweep for Republicans in Charlestown, as GOP candidates knocked off several Democrat incumbent councilmen.

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Jeffersonville voters bring back Galligan “Winning is better than losing,” said Galligan, to his supporters after results were posted. “In the next four years, I hope to prove worthy of your support.”

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Few changes on Jeffersonville City Council All of the Jeffersonville City Council members who had opposition Tuesday won re-election, meaning six of the board’s seven current members will return for four more years.
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He's Back: England tops Hubbard in New Albany mayor's race Doug England completed his historic return to the New Albany mayor’s office Tuesday night, taking 52 percent of the vote, and 21 of 34 precincts, against Republican and former sheriff Randy Hubbard.
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Democrats keep council control in New Albany New Albany voters kept all five incumbent City Council members in office Tuesday and chose four newcomers to replace current members not on the ballot.
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Democrats sweep Georgetown races; Greenville board unchanged The Georgetown Town Board will have a new look beginning Jan. 1, while the Greenville Town Board remained intact following Tuesday’s election.
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Democrats keep control of Clarksville Democrats hung on to control in Clarksville, as attempts by Republicans to gain a foothold on the Town Council failed during Tuesday’s election.
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Pierce pulls out win in hotly contested Jeffersonville judge’s race Democrat attorney Ken Pierce defeated fellow attorney and incumbent judge Scott Lewis for the Jeffersonville City Court judicial bench in Tuesday’s election, taking nearly 57 percent of the vote.
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Lowe retains judge seat in Sellersburg Sellersburg Town Court Judge R. Thomas Lowe kept his seat in the general election Tuesday, but may have to justify a need for the position to a new Democrat Party-controlled Town Council.
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ELECTION Q&A: Charlestown City Council — At Large

Bruce M. Bottorff

Mark A. Goodlett

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