Dems discuss economic development, taxes
posted by Greg Goodnight for Mayor at 5:51 AM
The Kokomo Tribune
By KEN de la BASTIDE
The three candidates seeking the Democratic Party nomination for mayor of Kokomo attacked Mayor Matt McKillip's administration during the first of two scheduled debates.
Greg Goodnight, Bob Hayes and Andy Castner answered questions from a panel of journalists during a debate Wednesday sponsored by the Kokomo Tribune and the Kokomo Perspective in the United Way Building.
...
Goodnight said this year's election is important to the city and his party, adding he will do what is best for both.
Goodnight vowed to work hard and bring leadership to the office for the city's future.
...
Goodnight said before taxes can be lowered, there has to be a decrease in spending.
He said user fees have been a part of city government for many years and getting rid of those fees would increase property taxes.
The candidates were asked if they would consider a repeal of the $13 million excess levy the city obtained in 2004?
Goodnight said he couldn't promise the repeal of any property tax or user fee in the future until a complete evaluation of city finances was completed.
"There was a $15 million mistake," he said. "The city did put in for two appeals in 2004 and the mayor asked for a third; council members went to the state and asked them to repeal the third increase."
Goodnight said he is hesitant to believe the city has a $15 million surplus because the current city controller, Phil Williams, is not a certified public accountant.
"If elected, I would do a quick audit to determine the situation," he said. "If there is excess money, I will give it back to the taxpayers."
...
When asked about economic development efforts and the use of Economic Development Income Tax funds, the three candidates agreed that spending should be approved by the council.
Goodnight said he supports the concept of putting all economic development groups under an umbrella organization to channel efforts in one direction. He said the measure would add accountability on how the funds are used.
A part of his economic development plan includes education and the use of the Early Education Center to help adults obtain a General Education Diploma and to provide child care.
read full article...
The Kokomo Tribune
By KEN de la BASTIDE
The three candidates seeking the Democratic Party nomination for mayor of Kokomo attacked Mayor Matt McKillip's administration during the first of two scheduled debates.
Greg Goodnight, Bob Hayes and Andy Castner answered questions from a panel of journalists during a debate Wednesday sponsored by the Kokomo Tribune and the Kokomo Perspective in the United Way Building.
...
Goodnight said this year's election is important to the city and his party, adding he will do what is best for both.
Goodnight vowed to work hard and bring leadership to the office for the city's future.
...
Goodnight said before taxes can be lowered, there has to be a decrease in spending.
He said user fees have been a part of city government for many years and getting rid of those fees would increase property taxes.
The candidates were asked if they would consider a repeal of the $13 million excess levy the city obtained in 2004?
Goodnight said he couldn't promise the repeal of any property tax or user fee in the future until a complete evaluation of city finances was completed.
"There was a $15 million mistake," he said. "The city did put in for two appeals in 2004 and the mayor asked for a third; council members went to the state and asked them to repeal the third increase."
Goodnight said he is hesitant to believe the city has a $15 million surplus because the current city controller, Phil Williams, is not a certified public accountant.
"If elected, I would do a quick audit to determine the situation," he said. "If there is excess money, I will give it back to the taxpayers."
...
When asked about economic development efforts and the use of Economic Development Income Tax funds, the three candidates agreed that spending should be approved by the council.
Goodnight said he supports the concept of putting all economic development groups under an umbrella organization to channel efforts in one direction. He said the measure would add accountability on how the funds are used.
A part of his economic development plan includes education and the use of the Early Education Center to help adults obtain a General Education Diploma and to provide child care.
read full article...
By KEN de la BASTIDE
The three candidates seeking the Democratic Party nomination for mayor of Kokomo attacked Mayor Matt McKillip's administration during the first of two scheduled debates.
Greg Goodnight, Bob Hayes and Andy Castner answered questions from a panel of journalists during a debate Wednesday sponsored by the Kokomo Tribune and the Kokomo Perspective in the United Way Building.
...
Goodnight said this year's election is important to the city and his party, adding he will do what is best for both.
Goodnight vowed to work hard and bring leadership to the office for the city's future.
...
Goodnight said before taxes can be lowered, there has to be a decrease in spending.
He said user fees have been a part of city government for many years and getting rid of those fees would increase property taxes.
The candidates were asked if they would consider a repeal of the $13 million excess levy the city obtained in 2004?
Goodnight said he couldn't promise the repeal of any property tax or user fee in the future until a complete evaluation of city finances was completed.
"There was a $15 million mistake," he said. "The city did put in for two appeals in 2004 and the mayor asked for a third; council members went to the state and asked them to repeal the third increase."
Goodnight said he is hesitant to believe the city has a $15 million surplus because the current city controller, Phil Williams, is not a certified public accountant.
"If elected, I would do a quick audit to determine the situation," he said. "If there is excess money, I will give it back to the taxpayers."
...
When asked about economic development efforts and the use of Economic Development Income Tax funds, the three candidates agreed that spending should be approved by the council.
Goodnight said he supports the concept of putting all economic development groups under an umbrella organization to channel efforts in one direction. He said the measure would add accountability on how the funds are used.
A part of his economic development plan includes education and the use of the Early Education Center to help adults obtain a General Education Diploma and to provide child care.
read full article...
