Election 2007

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October 10, 2007

ELECTION Q&A: Charlestown City Council — District 4

Anonymous The News and Tribune Wed Oct 10, 2007, 06:21 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.

Dan Roberts

• POLITICAL AFFILIATION: Republican
• AGE: 34
• EDUCATION HIGHLIGHTS: Graduated from Hanover College with a major in Business Administration and Graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University with a Masters in Business Administration.
• CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Currently working for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield as a Business Analyst.
• FAMILY NOTES: I have been married for 5 years to Alison Roberts, the Daughter of Ralph and Lana Cecil. I also have two wonderful children named Danielle and Connor.

1) What is your primary reason for seeking this position?
“The primary reason why I am seeking this position is because I feel Charlestown is a great place to live and raise a family but I believe that there are issues that need to be changed to make it an even better place for its citizens. Part of this is by making it more affordable for its citizens to live and work here.”

2) If elected, which issue is your priority to address first and what is your suggested solution?
“In the last 4 years in the city we have had an increase of 108% in our water bills, 149% increase in the City's Property Tax Rate, 135% increase in sewer rates and the City Debt has doubled. That's a big problem for everyone in the city. We need to lower the Cost of Living. This issue that will be a priority for me to address will be the cost of living here in Charlestown. It is by examining and restructuring the budget, which is the primary responsibility of the city council that I hope to address the cost of sewage, sanitation and the city taxes for everyone here.”

3) What specifically distinguishes you from your opponent in this race?
“By being a father and a husband I believe I have a different perspective than my opponent. I certainly understand the burden these enormous increases in cost create. As I look to the future of the City of Charlestown with all its potential for being a great place to live and raise a family, I am very optimistic that we turn things around. This can be done with having a vision and a goal for the city for smart growth and development.”

Brian Walker

• POLITICAL AFFILIATION: Democrat
• AGE: 49
• EDUCATION HIGHLIGHTS: Graduate 1976 Charlestown High School; Attended I.U.S. 2 years
• CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Store manager — Huber Tire Co.
• FAMILY NOTES: Large, calm, and friendly
1) What is your primary reason for seeking this position?
“To see our clean water project finished. Charlestown has suffered through dirty water for years, our 5 step plan is almost complete; 1) New lines, 2) New water tower, 3) A circuit of looped lines for better circulation, 4) A scrubbing out of debris in the entire system, and a sand filter treatment plant to eliminate brown stains — All of this through grants we have obtained, so there is no increase in rates. It has taken 3-1/2 years of work, but the citizens will benifit for far more years to come.”

2) If elected, which issue is your priority to address first and what is your suggested solution?
“I want better ordinance enforcement, loud music, tall grass, junk cars, unruly animals, slum dwellings, all of these need a tougher hand. Because of past debt it was difficult to fund enforcement, now that we have we have been able to pay off former mayors Bob Hall’s past due bills; we will have the funding to clear these problems.”

3) What specifically distinguishes you from your opponent in this race?
“I do not really know him. I do know the name and needs of most of the people in my district. I do not make promises that I cannot legally keep, just to get votes. I will debate my opponent on any issue, any time, any place.

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Election 2007

NEWS ANALYSIS: New Albany's races by the numbers Three of every eight people who voted in Tuesday’s city elections took care of business with one stroke of a pencil.

November 7, 2007 1 Photo
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.

November 7, 2007 1 Photo
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.”

November 7, 2007 1 Photo
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.
November 7, 2007 1 Photo
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.
November 7, 2007 1 Photo
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.
November 7, 2007 1 Photo
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.
November 7, 2007
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ELECTION Q&A: Charlestown City Council — District 4

Dan Roberts

Brian Walker

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