Virtual Forum between Bill Brown and Marla Irving
The fact that no debate came into being has been a hot topic of discussion throughout the primary. Thanks to technology and the candidates' own campaign materials and statements we are able to provide you with a short forum where the views of the candidates can be provided side by side for comparison.
I would also like to thank Mike Sylvester for providing us with his interview with Marla Irving (Full Interview).
IP
Consolidation of local government is a hot topic once again. Where do you stand on the issue?
Irving:
I do not think we should consolidate just to consolidate. I believe that we should reorganize those services where there is a savings to the taxpayers. I look at statistics and comparisons and I ask the professionals in charge of the related County and City Departments for their professional opinion on an issue by issue basis.I feel that I have been very open to consolidation.
I feel that the County has been a leading force in favor of consolidating certain functions and that the County is waiting on Fort Wayne to respond to The County’s proposals.
Brown:
I believe responsible and effective government happens when services are integrated and efficient.
In short I believe in cooperative government, not consolidation just for the sake of consolidating. Speaking with local citizens every day convinces me that people want their leaders to be cooperative and seek better solutions. They want leaders that will listen to them and understand their point of view. The diversity of the people in Allen County makes listening and learning a big job, yet from that process the knowledge gained can be transformed into energy and ideas that will drive good government and positive outcomes.
IP:
What do you bring to the table for the issue of economic development?
Brown:
My background in business development and community service enables me to relate to a broad range of individuals.
I believe in solving old problems with new ideas and creative ways to retain jobs and develop new business opportunities in our community.
Irving:
As a board member for the Fort Wayne - Allen County Economic Development Alliance, as co-chair of the Downtown Fort Wayne Revitalization Task Force, and in my efforts to develop a joint County-City Comprehensive Development and Land Use Plan, I have learned much about what we can do to retain and attract the businesses that serve as the economic engine of a thriving community. We should develop these strategies from an employer’s perspective. Knowing what companies are looking for with regard to infrastructure, labor, financing, and amenities will allow Allen County to be selective in pursuing economic development opportunities.
IP:
What other issue do you rank as being important for a County Commissioner?
Irving:
The rapid rise of information technology has led to innumerable changes in the way we do business. The best of these changes allow citizens to access services where and when it’s convenient for them, while also allowing for efficiencies in government. When these converge, everyone wins. Allen County has firsthand experience with the benefits that information technology can bring to taxpayers. Our most recent success is making Commissioners meetings available via podcast, allowing constituents—including those without cable television—to listen to them at any time. We also developed a new Allen County website that has attracted more than 300,000 visitors since its launch in 2002, providing them with a number of convenient features, including the ability to pay taxes online. We will soon add yet another website enhancement: online permit payments. By harnessing the power of the Internet, we are putting government in a rightful position as a servant to the people, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Brown:
There needs to be an emphasis on integrity, professionalism, and civility in the Commissioner's office. I will bring professionalism to my conduct worthy of the office I hold.
I have a passion for contributing to the common good with hope and optimism for the future. Allen County needs people who are dedicated to serving.
I would also like to thank Mike Sylvester for providing us with his interview with Marla Irving (Full Interview).
IP
Consolidation of local government is a hot topic once again. Where do you stand on the issue?
Irving:
I do not think we should consolidate just to consolidate. I believe that we should reorganize those services where there is a savings to the taxpayers. I look at statistics and comparisons and I ask the professionals in charge of the related County and City Departments for their professional opinion on an issue by issue basis.I feel that I have been very open to consolidation.
I feel that the County has been a leading force in favor of consolidating certain functions and that the County is waiting on Fort Wayne to respond to The County’s proposals.
Brown:
I believe responsible and effective government happens when services are integrated and efficient.
In short I believe in cooperative government, not consolidation just for the sake of consolidating. Speaking with local citizens every day convinces me that people want their leaders to be cooperative and seek better solutions. They want leaders that will listen to them and understand their point of view. The diversity of the people in Allen County makes listening and learning a big job, yet from that process the knowledge gained can be transformed into energy and ideas that will drive good government and positive outcomes.
IP:
What do you bring to the table for the issue of economic development?
Brown:
My background in business development and community service enables me to relate to a broad range of individuals.
I believe in solving old problems with new ideas and creative ways to retain jobs and develop new business opportunities in our community.
Irving:
As a board member for the Fort Wayne - Allen County Economic Development Alliance, as co-chair of the Downtown Fort Wayne Revitalization Task Force, and in my efforts to develop a joint County-City Comprehensive Development and Land Use Plan, I have learned much about what we can do to retain and attract the businesses that serve as the economic engine of a thriving community. We should develop these strategies from an employer’s perspective. Knowing what companies are looking for with regard to infrastructure, labor, financing, and amenities will allow Allen County to be selective in pursuing economic development opportunities.
IP:
What other issue do you rank as being important for a County Commissioner?
Irving:
The rapid rise of information technology has led to innumerable changes in the way we do business. The best of these changes allow citizens to access services where and when it’s convenient for them, while also allowing for efficiencies in government. When these converge, everyone wins. Allen County has firsthand experience with the benefits that information technology can bring to taxpayers. Our most recent success is making Commissioners meetings available via podcast, allowing constituents—including those without cable television—to listen to them at any time. We also developed a new Allen County website that has attracted more than 300,000 visitors since its launch in 2002, providing them with a number of convenient features, including the ability to pay taxes online. We will soon add yet another website enhancement: online permit payments. By harnessing the power of the Internet, we are putting government in a rightful position as a servant to the people, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Brown:
There needs to be an emphasis on integrity, professionalism, and civility in the Commissioner's office. I will bring professionalism to my conduct worthy of the office I hold.
I have a passion for contributing to the common good with hope and optimism for the future. Allen County needs people who are dedicated to serving.
posted by Indiana Pundit at 9:28 PM
1 Comments:
There's a debate tonight at the FW Chamber
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