Stillwater LWV Home >> VoterService >> Candidates' Info & Responses
Since the League of Women Voters believes that informed citizens are basic to our democracy, before each election the LWV provides the voters with information about candidates for public office.
The League of Women Voters of Stillwater sent a questionnaire to each of the candidates for the following offices. The responses to those questions are presented here. The answers to the questions have not been altered or edited by the League. Due to space restrictions the LWV did put a limit on the number of words for each response. If the candidate’s answer exceeded that number, the answer was cut at that point (denoted by ***). The candidates are listed in alphabetical order.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan organization that neither supports nor endorses candidates for public office.
Responses to the LWV Questions
Noel Bagwell |
Zachary Cavett | Bobby Farley |
| What in your background qualifies you to be a county commissioner? (Include your Supervisory and management experience) | ||
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I previously served in the Payne County Government for fifteen years during this time I served in critical management positions including Sheriff. During this time I prepared, submitted and managed budgets, served as a member of the County Budget Board, managed personnel, and worked with other County Offices. I am familiar with the State Statues that deal with County proposals that would have an effect on County Government. I currently serve as the Interim-Director of Payne county Drug Court, Inc. |
I have served payne county for more than ten years, around eight of those being for dist #1. I have first hand experience in the construction and maintenance of county roads and bridges. Serving as shop foreman (third in command) when foreman or commissioner are unavailable) has given me the insight where funds are being used and where your tax dollars can be used more efficiently. Owning and operating successful rental and roofing businesses has also given me the money management skills needed for the proper and efficient use of tax dollars of Payne county dist.#1. | A. I have owned two business.
i have had to deal with people on a day to day basis. i have had to
manage money. I have work on construction jobs and work on heavy equipment. |
| Prioritize your plans for road improvements in your district. | ||
The first priority will be to make the County Roads in District One Safe. This can be achieved by clearing intersections of debris so the public can see approaching traffic. Clearing right of ways of debris, such as weeds and trees, will open up visibility and enable road crews to work on ditches moving water away from roads, stopping erosion problems. With these problems addressed we will build solid road bases, then build a road either rock or asphalt that can handle anticipated traffic including trucks, making a road easy to maintain, by developing or improving a Maintenance Schedule. |
A. Safety takes
priority. I plan to make sure all road signs are clearly visible by
keeping the right of ways clear beginning at intersections, so they are not
a danger for accidents due to visibility. B. Generate a priority list of bridges that need to be repaired or replaced starting with the most dangerous first. C. Proper maintenance of all roads, bridges and ditches to provide smooth and safe traveling. |
A. the first thing is drainage.
We have a problem with drainage on county roads. B. cleaning the right-a-ways and intersection of weeds, trees, and brush will help in the drainage problem and let the sun dry the roads faster. C. looking at doing a better job on grading the roads and fixing the bridges |
| As county commissioner what will you do to promote environmentally sound policy? | ||
| I would attempt to reuse materials from roads and bridges in the building of new roads and bridges. When purchasing equipment I would consider equipment that promotes the environmental quality. I will also continue to support the Solid Waste Management program that the county has implemented to remove trash and debris from the county roads. | I will start with education on waste reduction and recycling. I will begin by recycling old county truck and equipment tires which can be ground up and used in new asphalt roads. Reclaim worn asphalt roads by using a new successful system that grinds old asphalt, mixes it with new oils. and repaves, all in one process. I will reuse all materials possible from old bridges, using the concrete for ditch liner and steel for smaller bridges. Any steel that is not reusable will be recycled. I will reduce paper and energy waste by using internet and electronic mail systems wherever possible. All these things combined will help save not only our environment but taxpayer money. | A. We will follow federal and state policy. And if state and federal policy have not been instated we will mandate our own policy. |
| Where does the county get its money? | ||
| The County is funded by (1) Approximately 10% of the Ad-valorm Taxes dedicated to the General Fund; (2) A Three-Eighths cent Sales Tax funds the following 53% to Roads and Bridges, 7% Extension Office, 15% to the County General Fund, 20% to Expo Center, 5% Fire Departments. (3) A permanent one-eighth cent Sales Taxes aids the operation of the County Jail (4) A fifteen year one-quarter cent Sales Tax funds costs (bonds) which built the County Jail, and (5) State Tax Collections. Some County Offices have fee accounts that assist in the operation of their office. | The road districts 1 & 3 get their funding from fees, garnishments, ad valorem property and personal property taxes, tobacco tax, and fish and game fees. Districts 1 & 3 receive 53% of the 3/8c sales tax, and they also receive all fuel tax provided to Payne county. | A. from real estate property
taxes B. sales taxes from sales in the county. C. federal and state grants |
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Page Last Reviewed:
2-2-2012