Representation will ensure accountability

posted by Greg Goodnight for Mayor at 7:17 AM

By Greg Goodnight

The Kokomo Tribune editorial "A reasonable compromise" acknowledges that there are several issues that must be addressed and negotiated if a successful economic development "umbrella" group is to be created. This is certainly true. However, simply asserting opposition to taking "taxpayer dollars from an elected group to an unelected group to decide how to spend the money" as a key reason not to consider a merger as my opponent has, is somewhat hypocritical. As Chamber of Commerce president, my opponent asked for and received tax dollars from the city council every year. In fact, it was almost $60,000 over the last four years. Was that not indeed a transfer of "Taxpayer dollars taken from an elected group to an unelected group"?

This idea is not new. For many years, we have been doing just that. In fact, it was the lack of accountability from these same groups that brought about the discussions of merging economic development groups in the first place. For years, the citizens of Kokomo have been giving money to "unelected groups" who then decide how to spend tax dollars with little to no accountability or scrutiny whatsoever. Groups like the Chamber of Commerce were given tax dollars, and yet never were required to show any measurable results. This was also the case with groups like the Small Business Development Corp., the Kokomo Downtown Association, and others.

My opponent has promised "to continue providing operational funds to groups that are currently funded, including groups that decide to merge", regardless of whether they are performing or not, and without accountability. I respectfully disagree. Performance review and oversight must be a part of the equation. We must stop giving taxpayer dollars to groups, whether they eventually merge or not, just because "we always have before."

Under the proposed umbrella, there will be accountability. The board directing this group MUST have appointments by the mayor, the city council, the County Council, and perhaps others, to allow input from elected officials. It seems reasonable that if the city is contributing 10 percent of the money for the economic development group, it should have a proportionate amount of seats on the board of directors. These decisions will eventually be finalized during mediation. Many of the most knowledgeable and respected individuals in our community will negotiate these very details.

Finally, I have strong reservations about the county commissioners requiring that "The umbrella group come to the commissioners for funding of projects" to seek funds on a case-by-case basis. That idea is government bureaucracy and red tape at its finest. This could make the president of our economic development group a full time "lobbyist" to the city council, County Council, county commissioners and mayor. Do we want a large portion of our economic development president's time to be spent lobbying these groups and individuals continuously, or do we want this person's time spent working to bring good-paying jobs to our city? This would be similar to appointing a chief of police, but not allowing him to make any decisions without getting agreement from six different groups (that may or may not know anything about law enforcement) before implementing any ideas.

Let's do the right thing and allow a combined, organized and qualified economic development group and its leaders to negotiate the details and do what they do best. Let's not fabricate excuses to remain complacent, especially when those excuses are in contrast to past and current practices of funding. We must get Kokomo and Howard County moving forward with action, accountability and commitment.

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Crime and Safety

posted by Greg Goodnight for Mayor at 7:15 AM

By Greg Goodnight

When a couple decides where to settle down and raise a family, they ask a few simple questions. How good are the schools? Is the park system top-notch? Do we feel that we and our children are safe in this community?

When a business decides where to expand, its executives ask similar questions. Would our employees want to live here? What is the quality of life in this community? Are the people who live here well-trained, hard-working potential employees?

Crime and safety tie directly into the quality of life, which in turn ties into economic development. That's why keeping the streets safe concerns us all. Crime affects our peace of mind, and an ever-growing judicial system and jail affects our pocketbooks through property and income taxes. We do have top-notch police officers and firefighters in this town, and when I choose fire and police chiefs, I will choose men or women whom I deeply trust and highly respect. I will not follow their advice blindly, but I will listen to them and recognize the fact that no matter how much a mayor knows about public safety, career police and firefighters will always know more. Near the beginning of my administration, my police chief and I will examine the structure of the police department, in order to determine whether there are too many administrators and too few street-level officers. This doesn't necessarily mean a reduction in the number of high-level officers, but it may mean that their roles won't be purely administrative. In fact, this community might benefit greatly from majors and captains who practice community policing alongside officers and sergeants.

While our police do an excellent job, they can't do it alone. Even the finest police force in the nation won't accomplish much if community members, businesses and organizations don't take an active role in crime prevention. That's why we should continue to build partnerships and coalitions. The police department in recent years has actively fostered new neighborhood associations, and that trend should continue, but neighborhood associations are just one piece of the puzzle. For example, we could talk to local schools, hospitals and not-for-profits about their anti-drug efforts, in order to see where me might coordinate our use of resources for the greatest return on our investment.

Kokomo City Police are just one part of the criminal justice equation. We also need a strong partnership with the courts and the Howard County Sheriff Department and jail. Keeping violent criminals in jail is a necessity, but for non-violent offenses we must take a closer look at alternative sentencing, including drug treatment programs and a work-release facility. County officials are deeply concerned with the spiraling costs of the criminal justice system, and the county's planned drug court is a great step in the right direction. Such alternative treatment initiatives were so successful in New York state that the governor is now calling for a commission to discuss closing prisons – a move that's virtually unheard of in modern-day America. Alternative programs save money, reduce repeat crime, and may salvage lives. We can help offenders to put their pasts behind them, and become productive members of society working hard and contributing to the local tax rolls.

Our local school districts are also important players. Until recently, a positive partnership existed between the city and Kokomo Center Schools. The school liaison program was community policing at its finest, and ending it was a mistake. Police were in the schools day in and day out. Students got to know them, and more importantly, the police got to know the students, and knew which ones were at risk. We should be creating more of these partnerships, not dismantling the ones we have.

We need to return, as much as possible, to the days of community policing, when people knew the police officers who patrolled their neighborhoods, and when police officers would stop in and talk to the parents of good kids who are headed down a bad path. At the same time, let's face it, law enforcement and fire protection are getting more technological, more complicated, and more expensive. That won't change anytime soon, but that doesn't mean it all has to come from Kokomo taxpayers. We must continue to aggressively seek out grant money and other alternative funding sources for our police and fire departments. We need to develop a strong relationship with the Department of Homeland Security, so that when funds are needed, we won't be making cold calls to complete strangers. Just as we shouldn't be strangers to our friends in Homeland Security, we also shouldn't be strangers to one another. We all want a safer city, and by working together, we can make it happen.

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Saturday, September 22, 2007

With all at table, we can build Kokomo job base

posted by Greg Goodnight for Mayor at 1:08 PM

By Greg Goodnight

What is economic development about? It's about people. Communities filled with happy, well-educated, hard-working people will attract new businesses and encourage current ones to expand. That's why bringing new jobs to Kokomo takes more than just tax abatements and infrastructure. It takes good public parks and quality schools, an educated work force, a welcoming and open environment, and a quality of life that encourages people to stick around after work instead of driving home to Hamilton County.

As many of you know, the theme of my campaign is "Investing in People." Perhaps nowhere is this more important than in economic development. To move Kokomo's economy forward, this community will have to invest in its people. And its people, in turn, will have to invest in the community. Kokomo's citizens from all economic backgrounds and walks of life will need to work to form partnerships and build coalitions. New ideas will need to be welcomed, and old rifts will need to be healed. Partisanship and political grudges will spell death for Kokomo's economic development efforts.

We also need to stretch our economic development dollars further. Currently Kokomo's development landscape consists of several organizations, all going after the same goal, in different ways. I strongly support a much-publicized proposal to bring these organizations together under one economic development umbrella group. These groups must put aside selfish interests and do what is best for the entire community. Eliminating overlap and duplication, and putting a spotlight of accountability in place, would be a great place to start.

Realistically, there are obstacles, big and small, that must be overcome. Concerns about being engulfed or forgotten are legitimate and they need to be addressed. Certain agencies do a good job of representing their constituencies, and we must remain aware of their concerns. Also, our county government has become somewhat dependent on EDIT funds for general operating expenses. New faces on the county council and in the board of commissioners will bring new ideas and hopefully alternative solutions. As always, the devil will be in the details. The easiest thing to do would be to do nothing. We, me included, can always find reasons not to change. The right thing to do would be to implement the reorganization plan, regardless of the initial pain. After all, we paid to have someone evaluate the good, the bad and the ugly. The wrong thing to do would be to simply throw the plan on the top shelf to collect dust like so many other surveys, proposals and studies our tax dollars have paid for.

When everyone is at the same table, contributing to the same plan, we can make great things happen. This community should have been able to secure the Getrag transmission plant and, with stronger partnerships, perhaps we could have. We need to start working together now, to make sure the next Getrag does not decide to locate elsewhere. At the same time, we should not be so focused on large corporations that we neglect the small businesses that form the backbone of our economy. We should be proactively asking small businesses, "What can we do for you?" A large part of my economic development plan involves working to educate the work force, and that will serve as a boon to small businesses. Small businesses are also the best way to diversify our economy, one job at a time.

There's no reason why Kokomo can't be a strong and prosperous community for generations to come. With unified goals and a lot of hard work, we can create a community with a diverse economy, where manufacturing rubs elbows with software companies, biotech firms and health services; where educational opportunities are available to all who want them; where auto manufacturing giants like Delphi and Chrysler can count on a better work force than they can find anywhere else; where Inventrek continues to foster high-tech startups that will grow in Kokomo; where Indiana University Kokomo and Ivy Tech Community College serve as engines that drive Kokomo's economic development; and where all our best and brightest high school students plan to return to Howard County after graduating from college.

Other important considerations for the near future that have not been considered by my opponent or other community leaders must be addressed. First, it is crucial that the next mayor secure ample acreage adjacent to the new U.S. 31 for future industrial sites. Also, the passenger railway study recently released proposing to link Bloomington, Muncie, Indianapolis, Fishers and Noblesville by high-speed rail must include Kokomo as well. Just as the interstate highway system has been important for past and current transportation and economic development needs in linking major cities throughout the country, this future mode of transportation will be vital for us to ensure our connection to the thriving cities in our state. Our next mayor needs to work hand in hand with our state senators, state representatives and governor to make this a priority.

This won't be easy, and it won't happen fast. To make it happen, we need everyone at the table contributing ideas, from factory workers to elected officials to college chancellors to captains of industry. We need a mayor who can rally all these resources and who can communicate well with people from the break room to the board room. And we need you. No one can do it alone, but together, we can move Kokomo and Howard County forward, and secure a strong future for the working men and women of our community.

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Cooperation key to helping local taxpayers

posted by Greg Goodnight for Mayor at 1:03 PM

By Greg Goodnight

Indiana's property tax problem is largely the result of good intentions leading to bad outcomes.

For years the state legislature has tried to improve Indiana's property tax system through measures such as trending, reassessment and Senate Bill 1. Some of these were good measures, some were not, but all together they created a system that's almost impossible for the average homeowner to understand.

Instead, all homeowners see is an unexpected, drastic increase in their property tax bill. This increase can be devastating for the elderly living on a fixed income, the retired, and most of us who don't have the means to meet such a demand.

This year's property tax increase was not the result of increased government spending above inflation, or special appeals to the state. It came about due to a shift of taxes from business to other properties -- residential, agricultural and commercial.

This significant increase can be attributed to three tax breaks: inventory taxes, which were eliminated; a new deduction for investing in new equipment; and new means for businesses to calculate credit for local tax abatements.

Was this change necessary? Who was in charge when all of this happened? An Indiana General Assembly controlled by Republicans, under the leadership of a Republican governor, enacted the changes, and now we must face the consequences. It sounds like such a cliché, but tax breaks for businesses at the expense of the average citizen have become a Grand Old Party tradition. However, there are exceptions. DaimlerChrysler will benefit from the breaks for business, but not as much as it probably would like due to the tax increase on its land and buildings.

What's most important is what can be done locally to fix the problem. The General Assembly's only solution so far has been to provide local governments with more taxing options, such as increased income taxes. Other local options are likely on the way. Local officials should consider these options, but should do so carefully, with plenty of input from the taxpayers. When government seeks to help, it can sometimes inadvertently do more harm than good, so our leaders must be cautious in that regard and work together to find creative solutions to lower the tax burden, especially on our most vulnerable citizens.

Unfortunately, there aren't any easy solutions to our property tax problems. In order to cut taxes, we must either drastically cut services or raise money through another tax to make up for the lost revenue. Real people are affected by these changes and, with either choice, the results can be devastating. While none of us want our taxes raised, no one is advocating for cuts in services, either. You won't find many Kokomo citizens who ask for fewer police on the streets, elimination of trash pick-up, less investment in economic development to bring jobs to our city, or slower service in fixing potholes and plowing streets.

To work toward property tax relief, I believe that the city must build broad coalitions with other units of government so that we have increased lobbying power in Indianapolis. The mayor must work well, not only with city council and Howard County officials, but with neighboring mayors. We must reach out to the cities of Logansport and Lafayette, Muncie and Marion, to trade ideas and create solutions to this statewide problem. Along with our fellow cities, we must create close partnerships with state officials. Cooperative relationships with state representatives and senators will better allow the Kokomo taxpayers' voice to be heard in the General Assembly. Many of you will recall that Howard County officials were among the first to go to Indianapolis for help in coping with the significant property tax increases this year. Unfortunately, few in our state capital cared when those in Howard County complained, but later when Marion County and other large counties throughout the state stood up, the state began to take notice.

We also must work with the county, townships, towns and school districts to seek out overlap and duplication of governmental services. There's no reason for the city and county to do the same job if we can save tax dollars by working together. And we must take a new and comprehensive look at the city budget, to re-evaluate every area, and find ways to eliminate overhead and cut down on expenses. Some of these cuts may be small, but most taxpayers will tell you that when it comes to taxes, every dime counts.

Finally, candidates for mayor cannot simply make empty promises to lower taxes or make budget pledges to tow the line. That's not a real solution. It's just telling voters what they want to hear in order to get elected. Unfortunately, the current mayoral administration has not always been candid about the state of the budget, and in the absence of an accountant in the Controller's Office, we have to rely on an outside contract agency to determine the state of the city's finances. Without full, complete access to the facts and figures, it's impossible to say what fiscal shape the city is in. Once Kokomo's next mayor is elected, the city, county and state will need to work together to examine the finances, look at the options, and work with the citizens to make the best of a bad situation.

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Saturday, September 1, 2007

Congressman Donnelly Endorses Greg Goodnight for Mayor of Kokomo

posted by Greg Goodnight for Mayor at 6:15 PM

Last week, before a group of supporters, family members and the local media gathered at Kokomo's Early Learning Center to hear Congressman Joe Donnelly publicly endorsed Greg Goodnight for mayor of Kokomo.

Congressman Donnelly began the event by saying, "Greg was there to help my campaign for congress - he helped me at every stage of the campaign. When it was a real up-hill struggle Greg would tell me not to worry - we are all in this together."

Donnelly continued, "There has never, as far as I know, been a person as well prepared to lead this city into the future as Greg Goodnight is today." He continued, "Greg is an exceptional individual who's help is needed at a very exceptional time."

"We face challenges on the industrial front. We face challenges in almost every way as a country. Greg is the kind of person who will be a great leader, and for me, a great partner in serving Kokomo." Said Congressman Donnelly.

Greg Goodnight thanked Congressman Donnelly for his endorsement and then made a brief statement.

"A few months ago I announced from this very location that when I'm elected I will fight for the families of Kokomo." Said Goodnight.

Goodnight continued, "By working with public and private partnerships we can keep the doors of this facility open, so the working families of Kokomo can leave their children in the hands of quality childcare professionals while they work to improve the lives of their children."

Goodnight concluded, "We can only move forward as a community if we work to ensure that those who struggle are given a chance to achieve their dreams. By offering the less fortunate hope -- we offer them a chance."

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Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Greg on the Radio, August 8th Golf Outing

posted by Greg Goodnight for Mayor at 7:13 AM

Wake up to Greg on the radio today, as he takes over for Allan James on Kokomo's Z92.5!

He'll be hosting the program from 6:00 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. Tune in!

...

Come golfing with Greg on Wednesday, August 8th, at the American Legion Golf Course. Food and drinks are provided free of charge all day. Captain's choice, tee time all day long, for $30 as members, $50 for nonmembers. If you'd like to be a tournament sponsor, or for any other information, contact either Jim Calabro (271-0307) or Scott Kern (271-9169).

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Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Upcoming Events This Summer

posted by Greg Goodnight for Mayor at 7:59 PM

Haynes Apperson Parade (June 30th, 2:00-4:00 PM)

We'll need volunteers to walk in the parade with Greg, chatting with voters and passing out candy. If you're interested, email greg@greggoodnight.com.

Spaghetti Dinner for Greg!

Wednesday, July 18th, 5:00-8:00 PM
Local 685 - 929 E. Hoffer St (click for map)
Adults: $5 each; Children 12 and under: free

Mark your calendars for a golf outing with Greg on August 8th. Details will be forthcoming.

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Wednesday, May 9, 2007

Thank You!

posted by Greg Goodnight for Mayor at 7:40 PM

I can't express the depth of my gratitude to you for helping to deliver our win on Tuesday. Together, we moved the Democratic Party forward, our vision for Kokomo forward, and now we're just one step away from winning back the mayor's office. I couldn't have done it without you. Thank you.

This campaign was especially tough, because I had not one strong opponent, but two. Bob Hayes and Andy Castner are lifelong Democratic leaders, and I was humbled by their words of support last night. No matter who you supported, one thing is clear now: our work is not done. This election will be hard fought and competitive, and I will need your support.

I won't rest until this race is won---for you, for all Democrats, and for so many Kokomo families that want so desperately to see an end to the bitter and divisive politics that belong in Kokomo's past, and want only to focus on our bright future again.

Last night was one of celebration. Today, we must get to work again. I won't slow down until November. I know you won't either.

- Greg

P.S. We've posted the video of my acceptance speech, as well as messages from Bob Hayes and Andy Castner. Take a moment to check it out!

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Sunday, May 6, 2007

The Final Push

posted by Greg Goodnight for Mayor at 7:40 PM

It's your last chance to volunteer and make a difference in the final days of our campaign! Please spend some time this weekend talking with your family and friends about our campaign and encouraging them to go to the polls this Tuesday. Polls are open 6AM-6PM.

Greg will be going door-to-door talking with voters until the last vote is counted. We'll also be working all day on Election Day, giving voters rides to the polls, calling our supporters, and greeting voters at polling places. If you'd like to help out, please let us know by emailing greg@greggoodnight.com, visiting the volunteer page, or by calling Greg directly at 459-3221.

We can't win this race without you. Let's do all we can for this final push!

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Monday, April 30, 2007

Riding for the Troops

posted by Greg Goodnight for Mayor at 6:29 PM

Yesterday Greg had the honor of riding with ABATE (American Bikers Aimed Toward Education) in support of our fighting men and women.

In perfect weather and with more than 900 bikers, Greg rode from Kokomo to Tipton, from Elwood to Grant County, through Greentown and back home. Hundreds along the route waved American flags and cheered for the group's patriotic cause.

With a group of campaign supporters, Greg rode a 2003 pearl Harley Davidson 100th Anniversary Edition Road King Classic.

The Kokomo Tribune's story about the event can be found online by clicking here.

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Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Castner's False Facts about Goodnight

posted by Greg Goodnight for Mayor at 2:04 PM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 25, 2007

Andy Castner's Confused About Greg Goodnight's Record, and He's Hiding from His Own.

In a recent ad, purchased by the Castner Campaign for Mayor, Mr. Castner broke his promise to run a clean and honorable campaign. The Greg Goodnight for Mayor campaign is focused on bringing new ideas and a positive message about real change to the people of Kokomo.

Here are the facts about Greg Goodnight, and his record of standing up for the people of Kokomo time and time again.

Andy Castner claims that Greg Goodnight "increased city property taxes 180 percent over the past three years."

It was Andy Castner who as Finance Chair of the City Council personally approved a budget that contained the infamous $6.6 million-dollar error and authorized $5.2 million dollars of deficit spending.

As a City Councilman, Greg Goodnight looked out for taxpayers by demanding that the State rescind an unnecessary $8 million dollar tax increase that Mayor McKillip had secretly requested from the state. (Resolution 2456, February 15, 2005) Democratic Council President Bob Hayes called the Council's successful actions "one of the proudest moments I have ever had on the City Council. I am proud of you, and I hope the citizens of Kokomo will be proud." Working together and under Democratic leadership, the Council that Andy Castner now smears saved Kokomo taxpayers over $8 million. Andy Castner chose not to attend the Council's meeting.

Where's Andy Castner been for the last three years? Not standing up to Matt McKillip. Not fighting for Kokomo families. Missing in action. And now he's trying to divide and smear the only Democratic leaders that fought for us when it really mattered.

Andy Castner claims that Greg Goodnight "increased spending without significantly upgrading services or manpower over the past three years."

While he was Finance Chairman of the City Council, Greg Goodnight crafted the first budget in over a decade that actually cut spending---by $15,027,406 dollars. (2005 budget year appropriation: $68,050,500; 2006 budget year appropriation: $53,023,094.)

When Andy Castner was President of the Council, spending grew every single year. (See attachment.) Andy Castner's never cut a budget. Not one.

Where's Andy Castner been for the last three years? Not standing up to Matt McKillip. Not fighting for Kokomo families. Missing in action. If we can't trust Andy Castner to fight for us when it really matters, when can we?

Andy Castner claims that Greg Goodnight "has no problem spending EDIT funds of things like roundabouts and flowers, i.e. beautification." Castner says that he "will spend EDIT funds only on direct economic development and job growth."

Goodnight supported a resolution in opposition to the construction of the roundabout at the intersection of Boulevard and Park Road. (Resolution 2473, adopted Oct. 17, 2005.) Further, Goodnight requested that the Mayor "postpone the roundabout project and take a conservative approach due to the economic and fiscal situation of the city." Goodnight then supported an oversight measure to establish procedures for the appropriation of EDIT funds and end years of mayoral abuse, "vehemently opposing the administration's stance." (Resolution 2495, October 16, 2006.) Castner did not attend the meeting.

When Andy Castner was a City Councilman, he authorized the spending of EDIT funds on projects other than "direct economic development and job growth" time and time again. Castner voted to use $6 million of Economic Development Income Tax dollars to fund Kokomo Beach. (Ordinance 6194, June 26, 2001.) Castner voted to spend $700,000 in EDIT funds on the Streetscape project. (Ordinance 6132, August 10, 1999; Ordinance 6159, April 25, 2000; Ordinance 6222, March 26, 2002.) Castner voted to spend $200,000 in EDIT funds on sidewalk replacement. (Ordinance 6132, August 10, 1999; Ordinance 6159, April 25, 2000.)

Andy Castner "promises to cut property taxes and user fees over the next four years."

As a City Councilman, Andy Castner increased user and sewage fees. "We have no choice," Castner said, "the rate increase has to be done to meet government requirements." (Kokomo Perspective, April 14, 1999.)

Andy Castner says he had "a proven record of fiscal restraint and responsible government."

While Andy Castner was Council President, Kokomo's budget grew every single year. It wasn't until Greg Goodnight was Finance Chair in 2005 that the Council passed its first budget in over a decade that actually cut spending---by over $15 million dollars.

And Castner rubber stamped a composting plant that cost upwards of $20 million dollars and which is now being used as a storage warehouse. That's not fiscal restraint. That's reckless.

To learn more about Greg Goodnight and his plan to "Invest in People" go to www.greggoodnight.com.

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Goodnight Has Financial Advantage Over McKillip

posted by Greg Goodnight for Mayor at 5:55 AM

From today's Kokomo Tribune:

The big story with Goodnight's spending, however, is that he held a $90,057 to $55,639 lead over McKillip as of the date the reports were filed.

For the first time in decades, a Democratic candidate will be on equal financial footing with his Republican opponent. It's clear: only Greg Goodnight has what it takes to fight and win in November.

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Thursday, April 12, 2007

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...

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Thursday, April 5, 2007

Goodnight in the Perspective: Creating a network of volunteer tax preparers

posted by Greg Goodnight for Mayor at 1:16 PM

By Greg Goodnight
Mayoral candidate

About this time every year, I gather my financial documents and head over to my accountant. While we discuss politics and sports, the CPA enters my information into his computer, and, in a short while, my taxes are complete. All too often I end up writing a check to the IRS, but I know that I have received every tax break and credit allowed by the law. I know this, because I have my taxes prepared by a highly trained tax specialist.

Many families in our city are not afforded this opportunity and subsequently miss out on deductions that could benefit their family, our businesses, and our city. Every year, throughout the year, working families send millions of dollars to Washington, D.C., through weekly payroll deductions. While those same families struggle each week, we use state, city, county, township, and school district tax money to pay personnel (with tax dollars) to attempt to get that money back from our "friends" in Washington. Wouldn't it make more sense to keep that money here in the first place and make sure that our citizens receive the proper deductions they are entitled to? We would all benefit from the influx of dollars if a large number of Kokomo's citizens had a little more money to spend at our local stores, restaurants, and businesses.

As part of my "Investing in People" plan for Kokomo, I will create a network of volunteer tax preparers, and a community-driven tax-awareness campaign. The campaign's primary mission will be to make sure that every financially strapped citizen of Kokomo is aware of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The IRS estimates that as many as 25 percent of eligible taxpayers fail to claim the credit each year, often because they are unaware that they are eligible. In 2005, the EITC was worth more than $41 billion dollars, but many low-income families didn't take advantage of the credit because they knew little or nothing about the program. The EITC lifted 5 million people above the poverty line in 2002, which helped boost self-sufficiency and homeownership. That kind of money could dramatically affect a family's ability to make ends meet and might help them to begin to build financial assets.

My new program will also connect EITC filers with other work supports, financial education, and asset- building programs that will help the people of Kokomo save for the future. Partnerships with local banks and other financial institutions will allow us to create a network of financial knowledge that will not just benefit lower-income families, but also aide in the economic development of our city.

The National League of Cities has found that similar programs had a positive impact, bringing large increases in savings and more economic stability to households. When a city thrives, its residents thrive. Research demonstrates that decreasing the economic strain on households leads to increased property values and property maintenance, and higher levels of civic involvement. This would benefit all of our citizens.

As jobs are shipped overseas and families struggle to make ends meet in Kokomo, it is the responsibility of our local government to not just help those in need, but to inform and offer service to them about federal, state, and local tax benefits that could put money back in their pockets. Increased assets will help improve the lives of our citizens, as well as improving the economic stability of our city. I will discuss my "Extra-Credit" program in more detail as our campaign to "invest in people" progresses. Once again, thanks for reading.

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