Republican voters will select their candidate for county supervisor from District 5 in the June 7 primary. Incumbent Guy Richardson is challenged by Peter Bardole for the spot on the ballot.
In Greene County, supervisors must live in the district they represent, but voting is at large. All voters elect supervisors from all five districts. Also up for election in the Nov. 8 general election are supervisors for District 1 and District 4. Primaries are not required in those districts.
To assist voters in making informed decisions, GreeneCountyNewsOnline asked candidates to respond to pertinent questions. Both candidates responded; their answers follow.
Q: What qualifications or experience would you bring to the county board of supervisors?
A: Peter Bardole – I have I have lived in Greene County my entire life. I was raised in southeastern Greene County and have lived in Jefferson for the past 17 years. That background gives me a unique perspective of the challenges and opportunities that Greene County faces in both rural and city settings.
I have earned a business administration degree from Briar Cliff College. I have experience serving on many boards in community organizations. I have served on the Greene County Farm Bureau board for nearly 20 years holding the offices of vice president, president and voting delegate. I am a member of the Rippey United Methodist Church and I currently serve as financial chair. I have also been the administrative board chair, served on the staff-pastor-parish-relations (SPRC) committee, and the board of trustees. I served on the board for the Greene Bean Project, an organization searching to create value-added crops that could be grown in Greene County. I have also been a member of the Community Players of Greene County board.
A: Guy Richardson – I am in my 16th year as a county supervisor. The experience I’ve gained over those years is invaluable to doing the job. I have experience in all facets of the County’s business, from dealing with budgets to staffing of departments. In those 16 years I’ve also formed relationships with both people and the entities they represent, that help to give me a big advantage in working cooperatively to get things done for all of Greene County.
Q: What should be the county’s top three priorities and why?
A: Bardole –
- Bringing new business/industry to the county and maintaining the current business/industry we do have. The more business and industry in Greene County creates a wider tax base and allows the board to provide better service to our citizens.
- Maintaining the county’s infrastructure. Agriculture and manufacturing compose a large part of the county’s economic engine. County roads and bridges must be maintained for goods to be moved in and around the county.
- Public safety. People want to feel safe and protected so I believe we must have a respected and well equipped sheriff’s department and medical services. This is a major consideration for those looking into moving to Greene County.
A: Richardson –
- Infrastructure needs: We need to begin projects to update the courthouse needs regarding heating/air conditioning, windows and doors, and electrical and plumbing. We also need to address the critical need to the main stained glass dome above the courthouse rotunda. Continuing needs regarding county road infrastructure and our county jail.
- Continuing to encourage and help Greene County’s agricultural, industrial and business entities prosper and grow. This increases employment and economic activity in the County and helps to grow the tax base, lessening the tax burden on individual farmers and home owners.
- Housing in Greene County. Now, more than ever, we need to focus on encouraging developers to help us solve our critical need for housing in the County. We need to promote those who now commute to work here to come and live in Greene County. This, again, helps to build tax base. It also stimulates our retail sector and helps support our schools, local hospital, and civic organizations.
Q: Should the county participate in efforts to stimulate housing development? If yes, what should the county commit to that effort?
A: Bardole – Yes, I believe the county should participate in efforts to stimulate housing development when specific need for type of housing (rental apartments or homes, single family, etc.) and it’s location in the county is better understood. A drive around the county or a look in the paper would lead many to believe that there are plenty of homes for sale or rent in Greene County. There is everything from brand new homes to fixer-uppers, apartments to single family rentals. The county needs to be involved in gathering and evaluating the data survey that I understand is being created so the programs available from the county can be best utilized.
A: Richardson – Of course we should participate. This again supports building our tax base. But we should take care to ensure that whatever steps we take to help stimulate this development isn’t ultimately put on the backs of the taxpayer. We can be proactive in making zoning regulations that are friendly to developers, possibly offering tax incentives for development such as short term abatement, or even creating tax increment financing districts that help provide infrastructure for housing. The key is that the County needs to be part of developing and instituting a plan that encourages housing development.
Q: The county provides funds to Greene County Development Corporation. Are there other ways the county should be involved with economic development?
A: Bardole –The Greene County Development Corporation “was created to encourage a proactive business environment, resulting in diversified and balanced growth in the county’s economic base.” I believe the board of supervisors’ role in that development is to provide the infrastructure and incentives for businesses and industry to want to locate in Greene County.
A: Richardson – There already are other ways we are involved. Examples include helping Bauer Built with their new Paton plant by improving the road leading to the facility, and helping ensure Scranton Manufacturing remained in Scranton through involvement in efforts to seek outside grant monies and funding for facility improvement and expansion.
Q: The county now has no outstanding debt. Are there instances or projects that would justify assuming debt? If yes, what projects?
A: Bardole – I cannot think of any projects at this point that would justify putting the county into debt. I believe the county is stronger without going into debt and provides more financial security in case of emergency.
A: Richardson – Yes, I think so. A good example is the courthouse infrastructure needs I mentioned above. It would make sense that doing heating and air-conditioning, and doing windows and doors, as well as addressing electrical and plumbing needs might be more efficient and cost effective if done all at once. While we don’t currently have “hard costs” for these improvements, it is probably safe to assume they will cost in excess of $1,000,000. That amount is not one that could be generated during a normal budget cycle and would probably require bonding to accomplish. As long as we are diligent in paying back the borrowed money in a short term, and as long as we don’t pile debt on top of debt, I am not afraid of the County having a small amount of debt.
Q: Rural dwellers, town dwellers, and rural dwellers who do not farm sometimes have different views on agriculture’s role and obligations in matters of air and water quality. How should the supervisors balance the desires/needs of all residents when it comes to air and water quality?
A: Bardole – I believe people within and outside of agriculture have the same goals when it comes to clean air/water. The state has created rules for the placement of livestock facilities. I believe these rules are fair. As a supervisor I would encourage producers to use all means at their disposal to be good neighbors and maintain the air and water quality. In an agricultural setting whether you raise livestock, row crops, or both, there is an effect on air and water quality; however, town dwellers have an effect as well.
A: Richardson – We should be proactive in listening to and working with individuals and businesses to learn more about what can be done to address water and air quality issues. And let’s be perfectly clear that agriculture is not the only entity that is responsible for those issues. Heavy fertilizing of lawns and gardens in our cities and towns is also a significant contributor to the problem we have with air and water quality. The ag community is very aware of the issue and many individual farmers are taking steps to begin to help the problem with bio filters, wetlands, and measures to help decrease runoff of soil nutrients.
Q: The county will receive an estimated $150,000 per year from Wild Rose Casino. How should the county use those funds?
A: Bardole – I would like to see a portion of these funds ear-marked for upgrades in heating, cooling, and energy efficiency to the county courthouse. The rest of the money should go into the general fund.
A: Richardson – The county is not segregating those funds; they are currently a part of the general fund. In that regard they can be looked at having the effect of “tax relief” funds. They are helping the county avoid having a levy increase to pay for ever-increasing costs of providing services to county residents. At the same time, they do provide a possible source to meet special funding requests and unanticipated expenses.
Q: In fewer than 50 words, why would you be a great county supervisor?
A: Bardole – I bring a new perspective that combines the challenges and opportunities of rural and town dwellers because I live and work in both settings. I listen and respect others’ opinions regardless of my views about the person or situation. I am focused on the goal of making Greene County GREAT.
A: Richardson – I have the experience that only comes with having served in the position. I am trustworthy, level headed, fiscally responsible, and a good listener. I’m a lifelong resident of the county and my utmost concern is to make decisions that help make Greene County the best it can be.
