Correspondent

Candidates for the position of Claiborne County Mayor met with area Fire Chiefs at their monthly meeting in Harrogate on June 21. As is the custom of the chiefs, speakers were heard in random order by drawing their names.

In his opening statement, Casey Anders said that firefighters and EMS personnel were among the most important groups in the county. He said that no one person could do everything, but as Mayor he would do all he could to help the fire departments.

Sam Owens reviewed his experience which included serving on the school board, the hospital board, and the county commission. He said that he is familiar with the grant process and would use that knowledge to help the fire departments. Owens added that better equipped and trained fire departments are beneficial to county residents by reducing insurance costs.

Phillip Mabe told the audience that a primary job of the county mayor is to identify problems then try to find solutions. One of the problems, he noted, was an apparent lack of cooperation between the various fire departments and the water departments. Mabe wants to help find a solution to that conflict.

Steve Brogan said that he has been chairman of the county budget committee and sees a need to get the budget under control as one of his top priorities. He said that fire departments and emergency medical services are often thought of only when they were needed. Brogan hopes to make money available for the county to pay for fire department insurance and contribute more for each department's budget. He reiterated that will only happen when the overall county budget is used efficiently.

Joe Tyler Duncan recalled the time when only one fire truck was available in the county and everyone available was pressed into service to fight fires. He praised the growth of the firefighting capabilities within the county. As mayor, Duncan says he will look at the total budget with a view to cutting fat in order to provide more money to the fire departments.

Travis Moody told of his personal history of volunteerism within the firefighting community. He said he would work toward obtaining insurance for all volunteer and paid firefighters. He also expressed the opinion that more fire departments are needed in Claiborne County as well as better access to water for those departments.

Current Mayor Virgil Herrell says he has done his best in the past four years but he knows it has not been enough in the eyes of the firefighters. In the upcoming budget, Herrell has requested $12,000 for each rural fire department and $4,000 for each city department. He told the assembly that he will attend their meetings if they specifically request that he be there. Herrell added that he expects improvements in the water supply system, or at least plans for such improvements, for the next eight to 12 years.

Each department represented, the forestry service, and E-911 appointed one person to ask a question of the candidates.

When asked if firefighters and emergency personnel could be exempted from paying the wheel tax for "F" and "E" plates, most of the candidates were in general agreement that it sounded like a good idea. However, most said, it is unlikely that the county commission or mayor could exempt any particular group. Since the wheel tax was enacted by a private act in the General Assembly, any changes would have to be made by the same process. Casey Anders dissented by saying that the wheel tax is the fairest tax in the county and could possibly be raised by a small amount.

The candidates then replied to a question about how the operation of the new jail will be funded. All said that funding would have to be through property tax. Brogan pointed out that actual costs to operate the jail will not be known until it has been done for a period of time.

Duncan, Brogan, Mabe, and Owens said that a tax rate increase is very likely.

Duncan and Herrell expressed the hope that state and federal prisoners could be housed here to obtain income from those sources.

Moody said it is up to the sheriff to determine the budget.

Herrell, Owens, and Anders said they would look for ways to cut expenditures.

"Can we get more fire hydrants located in strategic locations throughout the county?" was the next question.

General agreement abounded regarding the idea, with different approaches toward a solution.

Brogan wants better cooperation between water companies and fire departments and more emphasis on the long range vision of everyone in the county.

Anders said he will work to get grants for that purpose and for improving the water system in general.

Moody wants to enact county wide zoning laws that would require installation of adequate fire hydrants.

Mabe and Herrell say even with new water systems now being installed, hydrants cannot be installed at the same time under the provisions of the CDBG system. Mabe wants the law changed.

Duncan said the county must fund hydrants.

The candidates were asked about the relationship between the counties and the cities. It was pointed out that the Tazewell/New Tazewell Fire Department had responsibility for responding to fires at most county buildings.

Anders expressed the need for cooperation between the various government entities.

Moody says city fire departments should be pressing city governments for more money with some assistance from the county.

Mabe agreed with Moody and added that the county is already stretched thin.

Herrell repeated that the county is providing more money to all fire departments than when he took office but that the overall county budget must be considered.

Duncan said that the city fire departments already benefit every time a county resident spends money in the city because the city gets sales tax money.

Owens and Mabe both said they need more information before making a commitment.

Brogan plainly stated that the situation can be touchy and he does not currently know the answer.

Asked about ideas for increasing funding for all fire departments, each candidate had his own approach.

Moody said he would actively seek grants.

Mabe said he would consider a portion of the property tax being set aside for fire protection.

Herrell suggested pro-rating the amount of money given to each department based on the population of the area they serve.

Owens says it can be done with leadership within the county commission.

Duncan said there is no easy answer but suggested a subscription service as is done in several other locations.

Brogan said he would consider a system of boundaries similar to what Herrell had said.

Anders said he would try to obtain grants and considered a small increase in the wheel tax to fund fire departments.

Roger Hager said a "freight train is about the hit the county" in that all emergency radios must operate on a narrow band system within a few years. He estimates the cost at around $500,000. He then questioned the candidates about funding to purchase the new radio equipment.

Mabe suggested the county start setting aside money now for the eventual purchase.

Herrell says that money is available in the Homeland Security Department and he would request a grant for the second time.

Owens agreed that the radios must be purchased, hopefully through grants.

Duncan says we rely too much on grants and must depend on the tax rate.

Brogan agreed in part with both Duncan and Mabe suggesting that property taxes could be used with money set aside over a period of years.

Anders suggested bringing the 911 system under the authority of the sheriff.

Moody said a strategic initiative is needed in order to look forward to such future demands.

Each was asked how he would recruit new industry and jobs to the county.

Herrell says several entities within the county are already looking for industrial property.

Owens says it can be done with common sense, leadership, and a combined effort.

Duncan emphasized the need to play the political game to obtain money for infrastructure before industry will consider this county.

Brogan stressed long range planning and preparation for another industrial park.

Anders ways he will work hard to obtain grants for the advancement of the county.

Moody agreed with Duncan that infrastructure such as water and roads are needed and stressed the requirement that government take care of home problems before seeking outside industry.

Mabe pointed out that a growth plan already exists. He will push to promote tourism and jobs for local people.

The new justice center is located in the Springdale Fire Department area of responsibility. Will the candidates work with the city of Tazewell toward the city annexing the facility, thus transferring fire responsibility to Tazewell/New Tazewell Fire Department?

All candidates said they would work toward that annexation.

Duncan said the city does not want to annex that property.

Moody said he desires cross training of jail employees into the EMS and firefighting areas.

Each candidate was then allotted time for a closing statement. Each thanked the organization for providing the forum and promised to do their best if elected.

Duncan emphasized the need for infrastructure within the county and suggested incentives to lure industry to the area.

Brogan stressed control of the budget and lamented that we spend more on prisoners than on students. He wants to help correct that situation.

Anders said that the county needs more control of the sheriffs department.

Moody said he is not part of the "good old boy network" and brings fresh eyes to the county. He added that he will be accessible.

Mabe asked all voters to check the qualifications of all candidates and to vote with their pocketbook in mind.

Herrell told everyone that he has done the best he could do and hopes to continue.

Owens echoed the suggestion that candidates' qualifications be evaluated and promises to work with residents of the county.