• NAME: Kelly Khuri

• OFFICE SOUGHT: Clark County Council at Large

• AGE: 39 +

• CITY OF RESIDENCE:  I live in an unincorporated area of  the county

• POLITICAL PARTY: REPUBLICAN

• POLITICAL EXPERIENCE:  I have never held a political office

• FAMILY: Married with two children

• OCCUPATION: Office Manager

• RELATED PERTINENT EXPERIENCE:  I have acquired knowledge of the workings of our council     by attending the meetings.

 

•WEBSITE (IF APPLICABLE): Kelly Khuri for Clark County Council (on Face Book)

 

• WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR THIS OFFICE?:

I have been attending the Council (and Commissioner) meetings for over two years. I am running to bring a fresh perspective to the council.

 

• WHAT QUALIFICATIONS OR SKILLS WOULD YOU BRING TO THIS OFFICE?:

I have been an advocate for the taxpayers for over two years. With the help of fellow citizens, we have thwarted the attempts by the council, in the past, to raise the maximum tax levy and enact a wheel tax.

 

• WHAT IS THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE FACING THIS OFFICE AND HOW WOULD YOU ADDRESS IT IF ELECTED?

WASTEFUL SPENDING.

The Dept. of Local Government Finance, traveled from Indianapolis, to put on budget workshops last August. Most of our Department Heads did not attend. As our employees, they should use every tool at their disposal, to be good stewards of our money.

*Please note- We do have some Department Heads, along with their staff,  that do a great job*

I will put together a team of interested volunteers to assess each department. With the goal of  determining where we can reduce, restructure or eliminate non-essential services.

 

• HOW DO YOU PLAN TO MANAGE THE COUNTY'S EXPENSES ON THE BUDGETS BEING APPROVED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT FINANCE?

After a thorough review of each department’s budget we will be better prepared to efficiently accomplish the People’s business.

As a side note:

We need to complete the listing of our county governments assets.

We need to evaluate all of our technology, to determine if it is servicing our needs at the lowest possible cost.  Utilizing our government website, to make public our expenditures, and the council and commissioner meetings, will aid in keeping the citizens and Department Heads informed.

 

 

• DO YOU THINK IT IS NECESSARY TO INCREASE THE COUNTY'S REVENUE?  IF SO, WHAT ARE SOME OPTIONS FOR RAISING THE REVENUE THE COUNTY IS BRINGING IN?

 

No. "Collecting more taxes than is absolutely necessary is legalized robbery".- Calvin Coolidge

By eliminating wasteful spending, and streamlining county government operations, we will be poised to capitalize on future growth.

 

• ARE YOU IN FAVOR OF MANDATES IF THE COUNTY IS UNABLE TO COVER ITS EXPENSES AGAIN? WHY OR WHY NOT?

 

It is every American Citizen’s right, to a fair trial, under the 6th Amendment of our U.S. Constitution.

When considering funding for our courts, we must ensure that appropriations are constitutional and statutory.

 

See below for information  on mandates:

 

The courts, as the third branch of government, are dependent upon the legislative branch for funding. If the legislative body fails in its duty to provide adequate funding, then the court through a mandate can require the legislative body to do so.

 

The Indiana Supreme Court has provided the procedures for a mandate action in Trial Rule 60.5. Mandate of funds: Courts shall limit their requests for funds to those which are reasonably necessaryfor the operation of the court or court-related functions.

Mandate will not lie forextravagant, arbitrary or unwarranted expenditures nor for personal expenditures ( e.g., personal telephone bills, bar association memberships, disciplinary fees).