Endicott, Clements vie for commissioner post

With the 2008 General Election election fast approaching, J. W. "Jingles" Endicott and Cindy Clements, candidates for the Bourbon County Commission race for District Two, sat down with The Tribune to discuss where they stand on some of the issues facing the community.

It is not a secret that the county is facing over crowding problems within the jail. Endicott said he has been informed that it is an issue that needs to be fixed through rebuilding or remodeling.

"From what I understand, something needs to be done," said Endicott.

Clements is a proponent of a new jail, however, she said she does not want to raise taxes with the project. She believes that a new jail will lower the county's spending and bring money in by holding inmates from other counties.

"A new jail would be wonderful if it does not raise taxes," said Clements. "There are ways to get it done."

The condition of the county's roads was also addressed by Endicott. He said he believes the county tried to do too much with the money that they had and that the quality of work suffered. He suggested the county use the money more efficiently by doing smaller sections of quality work rather than larger sections of lesser quality. Endicott does not have any plans for raising taxes to get more money for the roads.

"I don't think at this time, with the economic situation like it is, we could initiate any more taxation on the people," said Endicott.

Clements also agrees that the roads need improving along with several bridges in the county.

"Its a constant battle ... everything has room for improvement," said Clements.

A need for more jobs in the area is something both Endicott and Clements believe is a priority. Endicott said the county needs to entice more businesses to move into the area. He said the businesses that have left the county need to be replaced. Endicott also believes that there is a need for more white collar jobs in the area.

According to Clements the key to bringing new jobs and businesses into the county is to find grants and funding for the new businesses. Also she said the county cannot forget about those businesses already existing that are looking to grow.

"(The money) is there, we just have to find it and pursue it," said Clements.

A county needs to have a good relationship with the cities within. Endicott believes said the best way to maintain a healthy relationship with local cities is to be upfront with people and willing to listen to their problems.

"You need to put yourself on their side of the table, listen to them and understand where their coming from. Then research the problem and see what you can do for them."

A positive relationship is also important to Clements. She said the best way to maintain a positive relationship is through communication. Clements claims she is not afraid to find the answers for the people.

"If I had a question for the President, I wouldn't be afraid to call him and ask," said Clements.

Endicott said a goal he would pursue as County Commissioner would be keeping the good employees working and to reduce the number of lesser quality employees. Ideas to accomplish this, Endicott suggested, were through recognition, salary, promotion and keeping morale high.

"I'd rather have five good employees than five good employees mixed with five bad employees," said Endicott.

Among Clements' goals are the lowering of taxes, improvement of public safety, improvement of roads and bridges, bringing new businesses, bringing young families and above all she wants to see the county grow.

"I want to be the voice for the people and listen to their concerns," said Clements.

If elected, Endicott does not plan to make any big changes. He plans to improve the quality of work from the employees and continue to build upon the road improvements already in place he said.

"I don't see that I'm going to be one man to go in there and change the world," said Endicott.

If elected, Clements said she would like to get the county departments to work more efficiently. She believes that there is room for improvement in the county and will work hard to make Bourbon County a place where people want to live.