Don’t forget the Candidate’s Panel on Sunday, October 29, 2006 at 3:00 p.m. in the County Commission Chambers in the County Administration Building (old courthouse).
Home in Henderson will be there to not only provide coverage of this last major event before the November 7 election, but also to assist in screening audience questions for the moderators.
In the mean time, here’s a list of the questions that Home in Henderson readers provided for the candidates and that we, in turn, submitted to the sponsors of the event (The Daily Dispatch, the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce, the Vance County Farm Bureau, and WIZS Radio). We originally solicited the questions on earlier this month. Look for yours!
Question to Incumbent County Commissioners
What is the county’s fund balance and what is the county’s plan for the proper use of this money?
Question to Tommy Hester
As a resident of Henderson, do you think it is fair for the city taxpayers to pay for the library and recreation?
Question to Scott Hughes
As a resident of Henderson, do you think it is fair for the city taxpayers to pay for the library and recreation?
Questions to All County Commissioner Candidates
How does Leandro money impact the school budget?
Who should own the new library?
How should the debt on the new library be paid off?
Who should finance the operation of the new library?
What is your position on the Armory, the old library on Rose Avenue, and the historical museum as far as ownership, upkeep, and maintenance is concerned?
What is your position on the county providing incentives for retail development?
What are the future water and sewer needs of the county?
Why can’t the county clean up their abandoned buildings, junk cars, and dilapidated houses?
Question for State Senator Doug Berger
Please explain your relationship with and endorsement by Equality North Carolina, the largest and most vocal gay and Lesbian activist group in the State.
Questions for Candidates for Vance County Sheriff
What is your agenda on dealing with the drug problem and the inflow of drugs from the outside of the county?
How do you foresee county-wide coverage (number of patrols and their target zones) on a typical shift?
The Vance County Jail has been a source of problems over the last few years. What are some specific improvements you plan for the jail?
Routinely, we see a lieutenant transporting prisoners to and from the jail to the courthouse. This seems to be his only duty and now I see that he has been promoted to captain. Does the Sheriff’s Office really need a captain to be a driver? Isn’t that a waste of resources?
Who is going to be your S-2?
Why does it take more than 24 hours for the Sheriff’s Office to pick up warrants from the Clerk’s Office and distribute them to the appropriate jurisdiction?
What is the appropriate role for a sheriff? To be out on the street or to be a manager?
It is an acceptable practice for the deputies to transport their children to and from school? Will this practice continue with the new sheriff? Is the county liable if the kids are injured in an accident? What would the deputy do if he witnesses a robbery while transporting family?
If you are elected Sheriff, are you going to put your deputies on a physical fitness program?
If elected Sheriff, how will you handle the numerous unsolved murders in Vance County?
Will you make yourself available to the family members to answer their questions and address their concerns?
Will you have “open door” policy for the public?