Question #1: What are your feelings on the "Bank Buy-out" and how will it affect our area?

Ed Trimmer: The buy-out is a bad thing that had to be done. The local residents and businesses need to trust that they will get loans to continue their businesses. There was plenty of pork with the bill that passed, but the bill had to happen. We never want to return to the Great Depression.

Gene Burr: It is a sad situation. The lack of oversight and criminal activity that happened. But we still have to get out of the situation. We can't have local businesses hurt by the economy. There was too much pork, but we can't let the system collapse. We won't solve the whole problem. We need to find a way to make the CEO's responsible for their actions.

Greta Goodwin: It was sad the Kansas legislators voted against the bill. I am bothered by how have our legislators did not have oversight of this situation. We have to have the bail-out because of protecting our local businesses.

Carmelita Clarkson: The bail-out scares me. I hope the local businesses are not affected now. Hopefully there will be no losses locally. It had to be done.

Gary Wilson: I feel differently. I say "let them cook". There would be no bail-out for individual local businesses. How can we bail-out the businesses and not reprimand the CEO's. We should make the CEO's go to jail and pay back the losses. My grandparents survived the Great Depression without a bail-out. They always had a job of some sort. In my business, I am paying unrealistic prices for raw materials and am not receiving any sort of bail-out.

Alan Groom: I am a small business owner and I am against the buy-out. We should all be willing to tighten our own belts. The economy will have to be tightened by all. My grandparents did not borrow any money. They only purchased what they could pay cash for. No one will bail me out if I have bad times.

Steve Abrams: $700 billion is a bad deal We need accountability that is not to mentioned in the deal. There is no reason to have the bail-out happen. There is nothing to stop the next time. States are now asking for bail-outs. Kansas has the second hight rate of government spending increases. The Enron people paid.

Robert Voegele: I agree with all that has been said. There is no accountability and it affects all tax payers. My own house property tax is up this year because of the local school budget.

Question #2: What are the top 3 issues of Dist #2 in Cowley County.

Robert Voegele: Economic development is #1. It is hard to do. There are state agencies working out of the Sedan area. #2 is Education that meets the needs of area jobs. We should not be sending away all our youth. We need to get our people to come back. Then taxes need to be addressed.

Gary: Economic Development. We just interviewed 5 candidates for the area economic development director position. We have picked one, but I cannot tell any details at this time. Roads and bridges have increased this year due to the increase in dollars of oil, asphalt, etc. The jail completion will be done this year. It is $200,000 over budget, but the sales tax should be ended 3 years early if all goes as it currently is.

Question #3: The Federal government is tightening its budget and not sending tax dollars back to the states and counties. How do you propose to handle this?

Greta Goodwin: The state increase in revenue has been above the projections for the last 3 months. The governor had asked for a 2% decrease in budgets and it was done. All agencies are being prudent. The level of State tax increases is down now.

Gene Burr: We will have to tighten the belt. We can't spend what isn't there. We are facing serious issues in the next few years. Economic development would bring in new businesses and support current businesses. I am not in favor of a tax increase.

Ed Trimmer: The tax rates have declined in the last several years. The increases that Kansas has had was because of the rule change in Medicare and Medicaide. The State had to absorb what had been funded by the Fed. A freeze is not the answer. We much make sure the expenditures are wise. We can look at all tax structures. We must not hurt businesses or landowners.

Robert Voegele: All areas of the county budget need to be re-evaluated. Some agencies need to find their own funding. Since I am not involved directly in the county commission yet, I am not sure of all the options.

Steve Abrams: If the state has less money, then it should spend less. We should not raise taxes. I must ask what is the core function of the government? Then I can make a determination of the budget. Transparency needs to be increased. We need to find out where all taxes are spent.

Alan Groom: The county has done some trimming. If the income is still less, then we should spend less. We must tighten up the belt.

John Wittington: Federal dollars should follow the federal mandates. The question is: Are the Federal mandates worth funding? We must evaluate the budge with transparency. It may mean we should reduce the transfer of budget.

Gary Wilson: I like to try to hold the line. We can cut more, but we must make people feel safe and have good roads. We have to evaluate all agencies and their reserves. We must maintain basic services. We can't force future fiascos.

Carmelita Clarkson: We asked all department heads to cut their budgets as much as possible. Roads and bridge maintenance are the largest portion of our budget. Floods have hurt us and we must provide supportive services.

Question #4: Today's meeting is being held in a business owned and operated by local folks. How do you propose to assist them and others to start new businesses and continue what they have?

Carmelita Clarkson: The commission has assisted area groups and communities. This area is good at helping their own and developing businesses. We have good people in or county's small towns.

John Wittington: I grew up near a small town on a farm. Now the small towns are aging and there are few young. The state dollars must be evaluated.

Alan Groom: Small towns are trying to keep their tax base rising. There is an opportunity with volunteers. We can't raise taxes. We must find ways to support businesses and not raise taxes.

Steve Abrams: #1-We can't raise taxes. #2- I am a firm believer that CTE (Career Tech Education) will help provide a win-win solution. #3-SBDC (small business development center). It is not just for a few and it is statewide. They do a great job of helping all new and existing business.

Robert Voegele: This area is a prime example. The ABCDE area came together and contacted all concerned groups to accomplish their particular needs. This area is good at identifying their needs and accomplishing them. It is a good example of developing one voice to accomplish the goals.

Gary Wilson: I am very proud of this area. They have not said "give me" but "this is what we need help in". Once a job is accomplished, then support must continue.

Ed Trimmer: I have been active with the ABCDE group. I am paying attention. It is important to get customers. We have to find ways to bring the customers. I was disturbed when the House killed the marketing money. We need to establish broad band internet to allow marketing of local business. It is encouraging to all when businesses move in.

Greta Goodwin: The governor established the Rural Development Council. I have 19 schools in my district. We must keep them open in the rural areas.

I've had to fight for them all. When schools close, the town dies. Small towns have a lower cost of living, a small town atmosphere. Taxes are not the issue. This area has done things right.

Gene Burr: I must listen and help small towns promote themselves. Area festivals are worthy of being promoted worldwide. We must help with good ideas.

Closing remarks:

Alan Groom: This county is in need of trimming. We must bring in the younger generation into the area and help provide family Christian morals.

John Wittington: I have a good background of 40 years engineering, a law degree and theology studies. I will be a more aggressive representative. All bills are compromises and I can bring the area needs to the state.

Gary Wilson: I have had the pleasure to serve and plan to continue to serve. I have represented my district with integrity. I put honor and respect back into the county commission. I have pride in serving and am concerned with being fair to the county.

Gene Burr: I want to represent this area. I pledge to be open to all . I can spend my full time representing this district and listening to all that contact me.

Carmelita Clarkson: I have been honored to serve. I have built the county budget and worked in county management for 28 years. I work full-time at this county commission position. My phone is open to all.

Robert Voegele: I appreciate all that are in attendance here and Thank you all.

Steve Abrams: I would like to Thank you for having this forum today. I have in experience at business in Ark City; I am chairman of NFIB; on the State Board of Education for 14 years. Education is important, it is the key to Kansas success.

Greta Goodwin: I have served 12 years as your Senator. Together we have accomplished great thing. I have an open office in Topeka and my home. Now is not the time for inexperienced people to be sent to the Kansas Senate. I appreciate your vote.

Ed Trimmer: We need to look at what we can do; not what to say. My history had helped me with all of this area. Our Rural policy is important. I have experience in research (36 years in debate) and I work with all parties and people. I will be bi-partisan.

Louis Kuchar: The General Election is coming up November 4, Please vote for the best candidates.