Candidates for Scurry County Judge address issues

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Bob Doolittle, Ricky Fritz,  Dan Hicks and Bob May are running for the Republican Party nomination for Scurry County Judge on March 6.

Early voting begins Tuesday.

The candidates responded to questions from the Snyder Daily News:

Q. — Why are you running for this office and what makes you the candidate voters should elect?

Doolittle — I have experience as a Scurry County Judge from 1990-1994. I presided over county court and probate court, made mental commitments and appointed guardians. I have performed inquests and I have been called to magistrate warnings in the middle of the night. I have presided over a conservative commissioners’ court and signed four conservative budgets. As a commissioners’ court, we could not and did not practice deficit spending. Commissioners’ court has oversight over about 20 different county departments and they approve the budget requests of 15 elected officials. We can operate within our means.

Fritz — I was called by God to run for this office. I am proud to be born and raised in Scurry County and have gained the qualifications and experience needed in all facets of the job — including managing multi-million dollar budgets — during my 14 years of public service to the place that I call home.

Hicks — I decided to run for Scurry County Judge because I want a county government of which we can be proud. I don’t think we have that now and I don’t think a lot of folks believe we do either. Like you, I’ve watched our county reserve dollars drop drastically since 2012. From $7.3 million to just under $750,000 in only five years.\I believe that my experience in law enforcement, my time on city council and working in government for 20 years give me a distinct advantage. I know the law, governmental budgets and I know court procedure. 

May — I am not your normal politician, I am just a concerned taxpayer and small business owner that wants to see a change in how our county is being ran. I am concerned with how our tax money and county reserves have been misappropriated over the last several years. I have managed several budgets and produced many public events over the years and know how to solve problems with both money and in the public. I have done my research and am ready to serve our county as an honest and fair judge.

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Q. — What is the appropriate level of reserves to maintain the county’s general fund and how will we get there?

Doolittle — As County Judge 1990-1994, we did not have reserves to maintain. Each department budgeted for their needs and we either approved or did not approve their budget. The commissioners’ court would then set the next year’s taxes accordingly. However, given the opportunity and the good fortune to have a reserve, on in this case, build a reserve, I believe a three month’s operating expense would be an appropriate goal. How do we get there? Through efficient spending practices. Also, our property and mineral values will most likely help us recover some of what has been squandered.

Fritz — Comparing this year’s general fund reserve to past years cash on hand on Dec. 31 is misleading to the public. It was reported this week in commissioners’ court that we have $8 million in reserve. The goal for all our reserves accounts should be a dollar amount equal to six months of taxation for that fund. Increasing reserves is easy when the economy is growing, but increasing reserves when our taxpayers are unemployed or underemployed and local business revenues are down is unwise and antigrowth. During down times, reserves should be used to maintain services and keep taxes low. 

Hicks — There are many beliefs on this subject, but there isn’t a set dollar amount a governmental entity should have in reserves. A common belief is that a governmental entity should have either six months or one year of operating expenses. We currently only have about two weeks’ worth in reserves. Simply adhering to projects that have been budgeted, instead of spending out of reserves for capital improvements, will save millions of dollars. The S&P agrees and dropped our rating, gave us a negative outlook and said there is a one-in-three chance it will drop again. 

May — I have done my research dealing with the levels of reserves in the county because I feel that is such a major issue. I believe the county should always have at least one-half of the yearly budget in reserve in case of natural disasters or major catastrophes. I am a firm believer in the theory “do we need it or do we want it.” I feel that we will need to tighten our belts and watch our pennies over the next several years and build the reserves back to an acceptable standard.

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Q. — Several times over the past four years the county has attempted to block public questions and comments by requiring resumes from reporters before answering questions, requiring questions to be submitted in writing and charging for answers and not allowing any public comment during meetings. Were these appropriate and would you allow them to happen if you are elected?

Doolittle — In my time as County Judge, I can never think of a time that I refused to answer a public question. The requirements you have mentioned above would not be allowed in my court. It is always appropriate to allow for public comments if given in the context of an agenda item.

Fritz — Requesting the resume was to hire the reporter not block questions. Charging for open records requests was to redirect requests to the appropriate office of record and eliminate double work.  This strategy worked as the proper office began receiving the requests, the newspaper paid no fees and the citizens got the information much quicker. Citizens and reporters that attend our meetings will attest that we allow public input on all agenda items and receive public comments in our regular monthly meeting which is every third Tuesday of the month.  This privilege was briefly removed to restore proper decorum.

Hicks — I believe in transparency and I don’t foresee a time when these requirements should come into play, especially requiring a resume or not allowing public comments during meetings. However, complicated questions could require a written request so that an informed answer may be provided. There will always be a time for public comment during all public meetings, especially on high profile issues. Our county government should always be open and willing to listen to anything and everything you have to say. Your tax dollars are at stake and you deserve a say in where they are going and why. 

May — I do not feel as if any of the blocking of public questions were appropriate. If elected, I feel that it is very important to know exactly how the public is feeling on issues. As a potential elected official, I feel as though it is important to take into full consideration the opinions of the people that put us into office. I plan to enforce the Open Meetings Act where all meetings are open to the public with time allotted for public input. Citizen opinion is important and I feel as though it should be allowed and valued.

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Q. — Recent proposed budgets have included de-funding several programs and positions that are considered “quality of life” services, in part because of their direct contact with the public. What “quality of life” programs, if any, would you suggest and potentially vote to cut if the need arises and why?

Doolittle — It is one of the responsibilities of the commissioners’ court and the County Judge to help preserve and maintain “quality of life” for all residents of Scurry County. We should work hard to conserve our history and promote the education of our residents. The public library and Scurry County Museum help to educate and preserve our heritage. I would never support de-funding these programs. If I had to choose between de-funding the swimming pool or fire protection, then the swimming pool would be gone. Fire protection is a necessity. Prioritizing must be evident during the budget process.

Fritz — Scurry County is slowly climbing out of another oil and gas downturn. There should be no further need to reduce services of any kind, including “quality of life” services. The “reserves” have helped us maintain the wonderful programs our citizens need and want despite diminished tax revenues. The programs include nutritious meals for children and seniors, safe and reliable public facilities and well-maintained  green spaces for citizens to stay active and spend time with friends and family, to name only a few — are essential to what makes Scurry County  a unique and special home for our community.

Hicks — The main “quality of life” service I remember potentially being de-funded was the museum. This program is only funded $45,000 per year. That’s a small number in a $17 million budget, but the museum makes a huge impact on our community. Each summer they provide classes for our children, bring programs and people we might not see in our small part of the world and they have a basement full of our local history. Each “quality of life” service should be evaluated to see if they have as much of a positive impact on our community as the museum.

May — I think that the issues surrounding the “quality of life” services are very important, simply because they add value to our community and provide many outlets for our county’s citizens. There are many ways that our officials can come together to figure out how to better budget these services and keep them all running efficiently. De-funding of any kind of program should be discussed in commissioners’ court with public input and department heads. I truly think as a community and a governing team, we can put our heads together to solve these kinds of problems without cutting programs completely.

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Q. — What should be done with Scurry County’s Local Government Corporation and why?

Doolittle — I would support any motion to dissolve and de-fund Scurry County’s Local Government Corporation. The Scurry County Commissioners’ Court has the responsibility to budget for our local needs and to set a tax rate to cover them. I would not be in favor of speculating with the taxpayers’ money. Usually there is more to a situation than can be disclosed, I understand that. However, we have pledged to the voters of Scurry County to be open and transparent. I believe the next question is a continuation of this one.

Fritz — A local government corporation is a tool that has been employed by many counties since 1984 when it was enacted by the Texas Legislature. Its purpose is to provide alternative sources of revenue and avoid taxing property owners into the poor house. Every tool can be improved. We should amend the by-laws to allow the appointment of community members. This provides a more diverse decision-making group with a greater variety of expertise. Most importantly, it gives citizens a direct hand in shaping the future of our community through the exciting opportunities that are opening up to our county.

Hicks — LGC’s in and of themselves are not a “secret society,” but are supposed to follow the laws of the State of Texas, Open Meetings Act, Public Information Act, etc. It concerned us when it was decided our tax dollars were going to a speculative, at best, deal. Scurry County LGC is under a cloud of suspicion because of the secretive nature since its inception. If elected, I will look closely at the LGC to determine if it’s a benefit or a burden to Scurry County. I can tell you that your tax dollars will not be used for speculation.

May — The Scurry County Local Government Corporation should be dissolved. This corporation has made poor decisions in the past and has been very discreet in their dealings. I feel as though this is another avenue for the local governing bodies to do business behind closed doors. A Local Government Corporation is partly defined as “a separate and independent corporate entity formed by a municipality or county to act on behalf of the local government.” In my opinion, officials in the local government are elected by the county voters, can handle the county’s dealings without the Local Government Corporation.

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Q. — Under what circumstances should elected officials sign non-disclosure agreements with outside entities before meeting with them to discuss the public’s business — or should those preliminary discussions take place in the open and the details share with the public?

Doolittle — If such discussions meet the requirements for a closed session of the court, post the business on the agenda, close the session to the public, discuss the sensitive issues, then come back in open court and make the appropriate public decision. As County Judge, you serve at the will of the people as an elected official. When you take the oath of office, you promise to separate public from private. I cannot think of one time as County Judge I was asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement with an outside entity before discussing public business.

Fritz — The elected members of the Ira ISD, Snyder ISD, Scurry County, Cogdell Hospital and Western Texas College legally met under a certified agenda to listen to a briefing by outside consultants. Under the guidance of their respective legal counsels, each group independently and unanimously agreed it was in the best interest of our citizens to sign a non-disclosure agreement — a standard practice to protect valuable intellectual property — in order to hear the complete proposal. Remember: Simply listening to a proposal does not require you to act on it and all action must be taken in open session.

Hicks — I don’t know of any situation where I would sign a non-disclosure agreement with an outside entity before meeting with them. I don’t necessarily believe that “preliminary” discussions should take place in the open or in front of the public. Some businesses may not come to Snyder and Scurry County if they can’t have private preliminary discussions. Preliminary discussions are just that, preliminary and shouldn’t require any type of commitment. I do believe once a commitment is requested or required, then you should have input in the discussions if your tax dollars could be involved.

May — As I have stated many times, I feel as if it is very important to keep the public aware of what is happening in our county with our tax money as much as possible. Signing non-disclosure agreements prior to discussion, in my opinion, is a red flag to begin with. I believe that all preliminary discussions should take place out in the open. As elected officials, it is our duty to make decisions transparent so the public trusts what is happening in the community. Without transparency, there leaves too much room for error and dishonesty.

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Q. — What steps would you take to strengthen the relationship between the county and other governing bodies?

Doolittle — As County Judge from 1990-1994, I had a very good working relationship with community leaders and other taxing entities. I will be committed to taking an active approach when working with other governing bodies. In the past 22 years, my job has taken me round the world many times in support of international CO2 removal. I have dealt with many different nationalities and many diverse situations. I believe my travels have enhanced my ability to work and to deal with others. I will work very hard with other community leaders and taxing entities to promote Scurry County.

Fritz — County, city, college, hospital, SISD, prison, DCOS and Chamber representatives have been meeting monthly to problem solve; encourage cooperation and identify cost savings. Here are just a few examples of our efforts: physician recruitment, economic development, emergency management, chip sealing streets, rural pest control, a CDL program, sharing use of ball fields and golf courses, jointly demolishing unsafe buildings, acquiring a brush truck, improving waterways, ETJ agreement, and support letters for grants. For any questions about my cooperation with other entities please talk to Barb, Ella, Linda, Tony, Merle, Perry, Eddie or Mark. 

Hicks — I’ve worked with each of the taxing entities in Scurry County for different reasons. There are areas we can provide more “quality of life” and safety to our community and will do better together than separately. Ideas I’ve heard we could work together on are a drug task force, vocational training for our kids and an event center just to name a few. For example, drugs are a major problem in any community. With a drug task force, we can be pro-active instead of reactive to the problem. It’s not just a problem for one, but all taxing entities.

May — I think in recent years the relationship between the governing bodies of Scurry County and its citizens has been less than desired. The public has been shut out of so many decisions made by governing bodies. The citizens of our county have simply lost trust. I think steps to mend this relationship are going to have to begin with communication. As an elected official, you have to listen and discuss matters with an open mind. You must be able to problem solve and make informed decisions to help the people of Scurry County.