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.

Douglas B. England

* POLITICAL PARTY AFFILIATION: Democratic

* AGE: 63

* EDUCATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS YOU WISH TO NOTE: Air Traffic Controller School, United States Air Force. Indiana University Southeast, BS in Business (GI Bill) Completed a course in Management and Design for Build Indiana

* CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:

United State Air Force (Viet Nam Era) Air Traffic Controller at Standiford Field

Certified State Probation Officer

Local Home Builder

City of New Albany, Building Commissioner and Economic Development Director

Koetter Construction Company, Public Relations and Economic Development

Mayor of New Albany

Hughes Group, inc., Director of Business Development

Quarry Bluff Development, Partner

• FAMILY NOTES YOU WISH TO SHARE: "I have been married for forty-one years to the former Michelle "Shelle" Kesler of Floyds Knobs. For thirty-eight years, Shelle has been an elementary school teacher. Our son Damian graduated from Providence High School and Purdue University. He and his wife Kimberly have three sons, Cody, Cade and Clay�



1) WHAT IS YOUR PRIMARY REASON FOR SEEKING THIS POSITION?

�I have seen New Albany from both inside and outside city government. My years as Mayor, extensive background in private industry and active involvement in many community organizations have given me a unique perspective and insight into the problems and opportunities in our city. I feel that I have the experience and the knowledge to cooperate with the City Council, citizens, community groups and the business community so that New Albany can live up to its potential.�



2) IF ELECTED, WHICH ISSUE IS YOUR PRIORITY TO ADDRESS FIRST AND WHAT IS YOUR SUGGESTED SOLUTION?

�Although there are many issues and challenges to be addressed, the first priority must be to closely examine all of our city�s finances to determine what resources are available and how they can best be allocated. To that end, I will seek the advice of outside financial professionals to assemble a picture of New Albany�s finances and provide advice as to financial priorities. Only then can decisions be made as to priorities.

�A full assessment of city finances is particularly important in this period when our property tax burden are increasing dramatically and the citizens need to be assured that their government is doing its part in containing unnecessary expenses.�



3) WHAT SPECIFICALLY DISTINGUISHES YOU FROM YOUR OPPONENT IN THIS RACE?

�I believe that my background and experience sharply define my differences from my opponent. My background as a veteran of the military, as an air traffic controller and my experience in private business and as a former Mayor distinguish me from my opponent.

�As I have during the campaign, I plan to make my priorities well-know and conduct city government in the open by sharing my plans and priorities with the public and the City Council.

�I had hoped to debate and openly discuss our differences in a public forum so that our citizens could make an informed decision, but my opponent does not wish to participate at this time.�



4) HOW DO YOU BELIEVE YOU COULD GET THE RAILROAD COMPANIES� ATTENTION OR TAKE CONTROL OF THE LOCAL CORRIDORS-ESPECIALLY DOWNTOWN-TO MAKE THEM SAFE AND MORE PASSABLE?

�The local corridors are the right-of-way belonging to the railroads. In order to make them safe and more passable, I will assertively work with the railroads, as I have in the past, to get them to live up to their responsibilities by providing safe and smooth crossings. If necessary, I will meet with them at their corporate headquarters to press our point.

�Fifteenth Street is of particular concern because the rail cars sway as they pass homes and businesses along that corridor. This is a dangerous situation that the railroad must address.

�I will coordinate street and railroad repairs and that of all other utilities so that improvements made by one will not interfere with the permanent improvements of the other.�



ARE YOU SATISFIED WITH THE CITY�S RIVERFRONT AMPHITHEATER AND ITS USE? IF NOT, WHAT IDEAS WOULD YOU BRING TO THE DISCUSSION DURING YOUR FIRST YEAR AS MAYOR?

�I am disappointed with the amount of use of the entire riverfront. I will work with the Director, community groups, booking agents and the public to bring a variety of entertainment, civic and other activities to the riverfront so that this unique facility can again be enjoyed fully by the community.

�Under the past England administration, we built the restrooms, the skateboard facility, installed the amphitheater seating and sought and received Greenway funding to enhance New Albany�s riverfront while providing a variety of programming--including big name entertainment. I serve on the Tourism Bureau which recently secured funds to replace the deteriorating canopy.�



6) WHAT ARE YOUR IDEAS FOR DEALING WITH THE CITY�S DRAINAGE BOARD? SHOULD OVERSIGHT BE COMBINED WITH THE COUNTY?

�The city was mandated to create an entity to deal with the surface drainage problems that have existed here for years. The work of the board has recently been privatized and that contract is currently awaiting a court�s decision on its validity.

�I will support the drainage board whether it continues to be a private or reverts back to the city and will do whatever possible to enhance its efforts. We will explore combining efforts with the County and, in the interim will share information and resources and cooperate in any way possible.�



7) HOW WILL YOU WORK WITH OTHER CITY LEADERS SUCH AS THE COUNCIL, ESPECIALLY IF THEY DISAGREE WITH YOU AND YOUR PLANS FOR CITY RESIDENTS?

�Past administrations (including the years I served as Mayor) have had disagreements with the City Council and other officials. There will, no doubt be disagreements in the future. We must all realize that each individual, in his or her own way, is trying to better our city and we should always look for areas where can agree or at least compromise.�



READER SUBMITTED QUESTIONS



THE MAYOR IS THE CHIEF NEGOTIATOR WITH THE FOUR CITY UNIONS. WHAT PLANS DO YOU HAVE FOR ADJUSTING THE BURDEN OF THE CITY�S FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENT BUDGETS TO A MORE MANAGEABLE LEVEL CONSISTENT WITH OTHER CITIES OF OUR SIZE?

�New Albany is fortunate to have among the finest police and fire departments in the state. Our costs, however, are extremely high and we will work with the unions and fiscal managers to bring the expenses to a more in line with other cities of our size.�



DO YOU AGREE OR DISAGREE THAT SIGNAGE AND AESTHETICS OF THE CITY HAVE DETERIORATED TO AN EMBARRASSING LEVEL? IF YOU AGREE, THEN WHAT CAN YOUR ADMINISTRATION DO IN ITS FIRST YEAR TO BEAUTIFY THE CITY TO MAKE IT MORE WELCOMING TO VISITORS AND RESIDENTS?

�I agree that the signage and aesthetics in New Albany have slipped badly.

�Initially, stricter enforcement and the administration�s support for the firmer enforcement of ordinances already in place would bring about at least some relief. With the City Council I would monitor the effect of the new emphasis on enforcement and determine if further ordinances are necessary.

�The problems go beyond aesthetics. Trash in our streets and alleys, weeds, unsightly and unsafe buildings are also potentially harmful to the health and safety of our citizens.

�It will take more than simply citing violators and therefore, some mechanism such as a City Court should be created as there is no entity currently in place to adjudicate such violations.�



WHAT IS YOUR POSITION ON THE CREATION OF A CITY COURT TO INCREASE ENFORCEMENT OF CITY-ORDINANCE FINES?

�I agree absolutely to the concept of a City Court and its power to levy and collect fines for violations. The creation of such a court should probably be on a part-time basis at least initially. The effectiveness of the Court�s action and its caseload would dictate whether it should expand its hours or become full-time in the future.�



WHAT IS YOUR POSITION ON CITY EMPLOYEES THAT MAY BE MILITARY RESERVISTS? WILL THEY RETAIN THEIR JOBS DURING THEIR DEPLOYMENT?

�As a veteran, I know first-hand the importance of a strong military. Employees who may be called up for active military duty will absolutely retain their positions should they be deployed. If a vacancy caused by a deployment creates problems with the delivery of city services, I would first rearrange schedules and job responsibilities to cover the vacancy or, if necessary hire a temporary employee for the time the vacancy exists.�



WHEN WILL THE CITY DEMAND BUDGETS FROM DEPARTMENTS AND ENFORCE THEM?

�City departments will submit budgets in a timely manner by at least June 1, of each year. This will allow time for the Controller, the Mayor and Council to thoroughly examine each budget, and prepare them for submission to the state

�In addition, regular monthly reviews will be conducted to determine if each individual department is maintaining proper control of expenditures so that the need to go back to the Council for additional funding will be limited to emergency situations.�



HOW WILL YOU CONTROL OVERTIME EXPENDITURES, SUCH AS THE $800,000 FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT LAST YEAR?

�Part of the duty of the initial full examination of city finances will be find ways to address the causes of extraordinary expenses such as the overtime problem.

�It may be that staffing levels or job responsibilities will need to be adjusted to prevent these situations�

Randy D. Hubbard

� POLITICAL PARTY AFFILIATION: Republican

� AGE: 64

� EDUCATION HIGHLIGHTS: Graduate � New Albany High School 1961Graduate � Kentucky School of Mortuary Science 1965BGS degree general studies I.U.A. 1978A.S. degree criminal justice Indiana University 1977F.B.I. national academy 1977

� CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: 37 years in law enforcement2 time police chief (responsible for administrative and budgetary policies along with supervision of personnel)2 term Floyd County Sheriff (responsible for Floyd County Police Department and the Floyd County Jail)

� FAMILY NOTES YOU WISH TO SHARE:

Married � Martha (Allen) Hubbard � married 40 years2 daughters � Kimberly Ann and Holly Lee3 grandchildren



1) WHAT IS YOUR PRIMARY REASON FOR SEEKING THIS POSITION?

�I am a lifelong resident of New Albany and care very much about this city and it�s residents. I have dedicated 37 years as a public servant to this community and wish to continue to serve. I have a young grandchild that lives in New Albany and I want him to grow up in a city that he can feel safe and proud to live in.�



2) IF ELECTED, WHICH ISSUE IS YOUR PRIORITY TO ADDRESS FIRST AND WHAT IS YOUR SUGGESTED SOLUTION?

�My first priority is to appoint qualified department heads. They will help me evaluate the condition of the city. Budgets, available personnel, what financial state the city has been left in, and the material resources available. As a team we need to establish priorities based on urgency and need. Certainly cleaning up New Albany is a priority.�



3) WHAT SPECIFICALLY DISTINGUISHES YOU FROM YOUR OPPONENT IN THIS RACE?

�I am a lifetime resident of New Albany and have served the city for over 28 years. I have the insight and knowledge of the city�s past, present, and future problems. I want to put NewAlbany back on a progressive track and stop it�s present decline. There have been improvements to the downtown area but I hope to help enhance and accelerate progress. There needs to be a balance of old and new. Scribner Place is certainly an asset to build on and draw from. I am committed to a bipartisan effort to improve our community.�



4) HOW DO YOU BELIEVE YOU COULD GET THE RAILROAD COMPANIES� ATTENTION OR TAKE CONTROL OF THE LOCAL CORRIDORS � ESPECIALLY DOWNTOWN � TO MAKE THEM SAFE AND MORE PASSABLE?

�All Mayors of New Albay have faced the frustration of 2 major railroad corridors being routed through our city. It is difficult to cooridinate issues with the railroads. There has been recent progress with some repair to crossings and new signal gates being installed at East 6th Street and the floodwall. I will continue to be persistent in making the railroads aware of safety and maintenance issues. There is a serious discussion going on concerning a possible overpass over the railroad on Grantline Road.�



5) ARE YOU SATISFIED WITH THE CITY�S RIVERFRONT AMPHITHEATER AND ITS USE? IF NOT, WHAT IDEAS WOULD YOU BRING TO THE DISCUSSION DURING YOUR FIRST YEAR AS MAYOR?

�NO. Improvements from the Greenway Project have begun and the riverfront is taking shape. I will help continue it�s completion. We need to showcase our riverfront. We need more family oriented events held there. It is certainly an asset to our city that we can promote more strongly.�



6) WHAT ARE YOUR IDEAS FOR DEALING WITH THE CITY�S DRAINAGE BOARD? SHOULD OVERSIGHT BE COMBINED WITH THE COUNTY?

�There should certainly be a dialogue with the County concerning a joint board. It would be easy to separate income from the city and income from the county for use where needed. It would also be easy to establish what are county or city drainage issues. There are probably some issues that are of mutual concern. Savings in staffing 2 different boards and offices by having only one need to be looked into.�



7) HOW WILL YOU WORK WITH OTHER CITY LEADERS SUCH AS THE COUNCIL, ESPECIALLY IF THEY DISAGEE WITH YOU AND YOUR PLANS FOR CITY RESIDENTS?

�I will have open and honest discussions with any and all council members that are willing to meet with me and discuss any disagreements or have imput they wish to share. I have always believed in an open door policy for the public and other elected officials. No one wins, especially our community, when lines are drawn in the sand and no one wants to look for an acceptable solution.�



READER SUBMITTED QUESTIONS



� THE MAYOR IS THE CHIEF NEGOTIATOR WITH THE FOUR CITY UNIONS. WHAT PLANS DO YU HAVE FOR ADJUSTING THE BURDEN OF THE CITY�S FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENT BUDGETS TO A MORE MANAGEABLE LEVEL CONSISTENT WITH OTHER CITIES OF OUR SIZE?

�It is necessary to talk to each Union individually. A Mayor needs to listen to their concerns and requests. An exchange of accurate information is absolutely essential. The Unions need to have access to exactly what the financial status of the City is. Through negotiations we can hopefully come to an agreement that satisfies the Unions and is acceptable to the taxpayers of the city.�



� DO YOU AGREE OR DISAGREE THAT SIGNAGE AND AESTHETICS OF THE CITY HAVE DETERORIATED TO AN EMBARRASSING LEVEL? IF YOU AGREE, THEN WHAT CAN YOUR ADMINISTRATION DO IN ITS FIRST YEAR TO BEAUTIFY THE CITY TO MAKE IT MORE WELCOMING TO VISITORS AND RESIDENTS?

�AGREE. There are existing sign ordinances. It may be necessary to add language to them that requires levels of maintenance. Enforcement of ordinances is certainly important in all areas, and this one is no different. I would consider addition to an existing ordinance that would require a business to remove signage if they close or move to another location. There are many signs in our city that are still on display even though the business is long gone. They have become real eyesores.�



� WHAT IS YOUR POSITION ON THE CREATION OF A CITY COURT TO INCREASE ENFORCEMENT OF CITY-ORDINANCE FINES?

�New Albany has had a City Court before. It was done away with. Enforcement can be obtained through the current system with some modifications to existing ordinances. A City Court is an option, however, there is a level of expense to it�s creation, location, and staffing that would need to be examined.�



� WHAT IS YOUR POSITION ON CITY EMPLOYEES THAT MAY BE MILITARY RESERVISTS? WILL THEY RETAIN THEIR JOBS DURING THEIR DEPLOYMENT?

�All employees, city and private sector, are covered by Federal Law concerning their jobs and the retention of employment. There is a State wide organization called Employee Support of Guard and Reserve that is available to help reservists with questions or issues.�



� WHEN WILL THE CITY DEMAND BUDGETS FROM DEPARTMENTS AND ENFORCE THEM?

�All departments will be required to submit budgets. Department heads will be held responsible for creating a budget that is realistic and once approved, living within it. They may request additional appropriations if necessary, but this does take approval from the City Council which is the Fudiciary Body of City Government.�



� HOW WILL YOU CONTROL OVERTIME EXPENDITURES, SUCH AS THE $800,000 FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT LAST YEAR?

�Department Heads determine if and when overtime is necessary. Responsible scheduling of personal days and vacations can help with this problem. Many people do not realize that some Union contracts have overtime guarantees built into them. Proper management could certainly reduce overtime costs. Maintaining full staff instead of filling openings by using overtime has created some of the large numbers. I cannot comment specifically on the $800,000.00 figure concerning the fire department. I do not have any information available to me that would indicate why and how this number became what it is.�