Candidate Kauffman says growth is county's top issue

August 20, 2002

Ira P. Kauffman Jr.

70

Democrat

Retired

1009 Lindsay Lane, Hagerstown

Editor's Note: Twenty-one candidates have filed for five Washington County Commissioners' seats. Ten of the candidates - five Democrats and five Republicans - will be selected as their parties' nominees in the Sept. 10 primary. The general election is Nov. 5. We asked each of the candidates the same five questions.

1. Do you think the county gives the school board enough money? Why or why not?

"No. I think they concentrate too much on the administrative level and not enough on teachers. ... There should be more money for salaries for teachers and principals. And if you want to balance that spending, then cut positions on Commonwealth Avenue."

2. Do you support a tax to fund fire and rescue services? Why or why not?

"I'm not in favor of any new taxes. I think it can be done by everyone sitting down and figuring out a better system than we have now. We have to stop thinking in the frame of mind of it being district to district and think of it as a countywide system. We have got to come up with a countywide fire and rescue plan."

3. Should the county help fund a new baseball stadium? Why or why not?

"Absolutely not under any circumstances should the county or city fund any part of a new stadium. I see sports as a business."

4. Should the county provide funds for additional deputies and, if so, where would the money come from?

"Yes. How many I don't know. The money comes out of the general fund and if we need to bite the bullet, raise taxes as a last resort."

5. What do you believe is the biggest issue facing the county and why?

"We've got to get a handle on the growth so it doesn't happen like in Frederick County (Md.). We got to take a real hard look at it real quick. We don't want too rapid growth or to stifle growth."

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