Potter County candidates discuss taxes, public access

Here's the third and final installment of an interview series with the four nominees for Potter County Commissioner. They are Susan Kefover and Cathy Bowers, Democrats, and Doug Morley and Paul Heimel, Republicans.

The county's real estate taxes have risen substantially, on top of an even bigger tax bite from school districts and in many cases by townships or boroughs. Can anything be done to reverse that trend, at least at the county level?

Heimel: It's frustrating that so much of the county's operating budget is out of the commissioners' hands. State mandates require the county to provide some very important programs that help those in need, but part of the money has to come from the county.

Fiscal management is one of the most important facets of a commissioner's job. With so many fixed expenses, it's critical to keep a very close watch on those costs that CAN be controlled.

I like the idea of zero-based budgeting. Every department starts the process with zero dollars and justifies each expense line by line. Too many times, when a government entity starts something, there's not enough accountability for sunsetting it.

Another obvious alternative to raising taxes is to lift the local economy through jobs and long-term strategies. I'm very committed to pursuing these as a commissioner.

I have always considered frugality to be a virtue and I am a fiscal conservative to boot. So I feel confident in pledging to keep a close watch on spending.

The current commissioners will apparently not be raising taxes in 2008. That's good news. Maybe taxes could even be lowered, since the county is getting another $240,000 from the state in lieu of taxes on state forest and game lands.

Bowers: As a commissioner, I am expected to make decisions regarding higher spending for increased services, or limiting services and reducing local taxes. Either way, I soon realized that decisions made at the state or federal level too often did not provide the resources to fulfill these mandated requirements.

This leaves two choices: (a) raise taxes, or (b) decrease services.

As an elected official, I am committed to providing public services that provide for the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Potter County. Therefore, I will continue to work with our legislators and oppose adopting legislation which mandates unfunded or under-funded mandates.

I will continue to cut spending at the county level and work with our legislators concerning the impact of state mandates on our local government, our county budget, and most importantly on the pocketbooks of our citizens.

I will provide our citizens with strong leadership, a positive vision for a better tomorrow, and the courage to make tough, responsible decisions.

Kefover: Reversing the trend of increasing taxes begins with smarter government. Making the best use of all resources available to solve problems doesn't have to include money.

For example, when Galeton Borough needed 20,000 tons of silt removed from Berger Lake, Pa. National Guard troops were enlisted to use this as a training project. It saved Galeton taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Making the dollars we do have go farther includes matching them with state and federal dollars for better projects. That jumping of hurdles can be worth the effort when dollars are doubled. Remaining informed about every grant opportunity and forming coalitions with other community agencies to tackle problems strengthens our efforts and prevents duplication.

I want Potter County to lead other counties in innovation and progress. Good planning, creativity, and forming coalitions are beginning steps. Besides this, I will aggressively make economic growth a priority so our businesses can grow, our residents can work for a good living wage, and entrepreneurs will want to start planting their dreams here. I know what businesses are facing with heavy regulations, taxes, and more demands with less resources. The Commissioners' Office can be the voice and champion of their cause.

Morley: Communication between the three taxing bodies is essential. Establishing structured meetings including all three taxing bodies would be a priority of mine as commissioner.

Reducing taxes means either reducing services or becoming more effective in the delivery. We should become more effective in delivery and make informed decisions on how to cut costs without reducing services. When it's not possible or is unacceptable to the taxpayer and the expenses continue to increase, it may appear increasing taxes is the only path.

My alternative path is to stem tax increases by growing a more vibrant economy. We should provide strong support for initiatives that enhance expanding economic sectors and make sure all job-creating opportunities are pursued. We need to identify and understand struggling sectors and develop strategies to strengthen those areas.

Success will be measured by increases in family incomes, employment opportunities, and a strong stable economy. This path would increase the tax revenue base and minimize or even prevent tax increases.

It is a tall order, but by working together and having open communication among those that have the power of taxation, we can affect taxes in a positive way.

Do you feel that the viewpoints and suggestions of Potter County citizens are welcomed by the current Board of Commissioners?

Kefover: Communication remains a constant challenge for every governmental body in this county. We must all strive to meet this challenge, because it is vital that the citizens understand the decisions that are made by their elected representatives and that the representatives understand fully the needs, priorities, and thoughts of their constituency.

An informed citizenry helps contribute to a stronger county. The more disconnected residents feel with their government, the more frustrated and distrustful they become of government decisions.

I will make every effort to encourage communication and keep it open to the citizens of Potter County. Potter County is full of individuals with excellent ideas- ideas worth pursuing- and I want to hear about them.

Morley: True leadership begins by listening with an open mind. The viewpoints and suggestions of all Potter County citizens are essential to the future of the county. If the commissioners are not listening to the citizens, how can they possibly make decisions that reflect the true desires of the citizens?

Most people will support a fair decision if they know a sincere effort was made to include them in the process, they have a genuine opportunity to state their position, and their viewpoints are seriously considered. I support holding town meetings across the county in the evenings to improve citizens' access to the Board of Commissioners. Furthermore, I'll have an open door policy and be available for constituents when they need to communicate to me.

The biggest mistake leadership can make is to adopt a bunker mentality or begin to believe they have all the answers. On Nov. 7, I intend to be listening very closely.

Bowers: I welcome the viewpoints and suggestions of the citizens of Potter County, and believe me, I have heard many. From the Bed Tax issue to the Wind Farms, I have listened to both sides.

From the first day of my term in office, I have had an open door policy for citizens as well as employees, and I promise to continue that policy for the next four years. No one person knows everything and that is why it is always important to stop and listen and learn from others.

Heimel: I don't know. In talking with voters in Harrison Valley, Roulette, Genesee and elsewhere, I get the impression that they feel somewhat disenfranchised, but then again I'm not sure how much they have tried to become involved.

Generally, I believe we can develop the best solutions to a problem when we weigh as many viewpoints as practical. Different people have different experiences and levels of expertise. Our cemocratic system of government functions best when there is a healthy dialogue, because no one has all the answers.

To that end, I favor holding some of the commissioners' meetings outside of Coudersport. I'd also like to see occasional evening meetings.

The current board meets at 11 'clock Thursday morning in the courthouse. That's not convenient for many people who might otherwise like to attend, ask questions and be heard.