For the upcoming May 7 primary election for Jackson County Commissioner District 2 seat, the Tribune asked the three Republican candidates five questions. To read the responses from the five Republican candidates for the three at-large seats up for grabs, look in Wednesday’s edition of The Tribune.

Early voting is set to start at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Jackson County Public Library at 303 W. Second St. in Seymour. The polling site will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday through May 3 and from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 27 and May 4.

Why did you decide to run for county commissioner?

Michael Bobb: “After retiring from many years in the private sector, I have a desire to serve the people of Jackson County again. I served my term as the Jackson County Coroner from 2017 until the end of 2020. I met many people on the worst day of their life. I have continued to provide assistance to the current coroner and his deputies. I believe that I can better serve the residents of Jackson County as a county commissioner. I have a strong sense of civic duty and a desire to give back to my community.

I’ve been a long-time member of Sertoma Club of Jackson County and for many years was on the board of directors of Cars and Guitars. Sertoma provides hearing-related help to the students of Jackson County in addition to organizing “Christmas Miracle,” where we provide Christmas for children in the county. Cars and Guitars’ purpose was to help fund and implement handicapped accessible recreation equipment in the Seymour parks.”

Bret Cunningham: “It’s my philosophy that if you have the time and energy, you should spend some of that time serving your community. After spending the last four years serving as an at-large councilman for the city of Seymour, my passion to serve our community and work to solve problems only grew stronger. The problem was that I didn’t see a future in city government, since my wife and I had been working to move outside of city limits to pursue other hobbies and interests on our small farm.

When looking at the entire scope of the commissioner’s role, it takes a person that can manage, be conscious of budgets and deadlines, and to not only question, but provide solutions to issues and challenges. It also requires scheduling commissioner responsibilities around personal and work life, which can be difficult at certain times of life. I’m in a position to be able to handle the calls, the morning meetings, the evening meetings and still keep proactive planning in focus, rather than just a reactionary response.”

Drew Storey: “As a Christian and a conservative, I feel a strong sense of urgency to be a servant leader by preserving our county’s traditions and building on the county’s progress with wise investments into the quality of life that our kids and their parents want to grow up with. I understand the importance of listening to constituents, balancing the needs of each community and then turning that vision into reality. I realize my skills, talents and time are better suited to serve the entire county and not just the city of Seymour.”

What do you think you can bring to the Jackson County Commissioners?

Michael Bobb: “During my career, I managed very large infrastructure projects. These project management skills are the same skills needed to manage infrastructure initiatives that the County Commissioners are responsible for. I’m fiscally conservative and understand that you can’t always work on every road and bridge and must prioritize where you can best spend the allowed funds.

In my previous work experience cost containment was always a key factor when working with those that supply services and that was my main job responsibility for the large projects that I was assigned to.”

Bret Cunningham: “Just as I question my own ideas, I believe that’s the best way to avoid mistakes. Being able to collaborate with others effectively as situations arise only strengthens the county commissioners. I don’t believe in tough conversations; they are just conversations. Support from former employers, co-workers, employees and other colleagues reassures me that I’ve earned respect due to my consistency to do what’s best for whatever situation is presented. My energy and passion, coupled with my interests in problem solving, offer commissioners and the community, a person dedicated to the people that have made Jackson County so great.

While much of the focus right now is around Seymour, I hope the county understands that they should expect the same efforts when they need me. I make myself very available and prefer to not put off concerns, as many of the Seymour public have learned.”

Drew Storey: “Through many front porch and kitchen table conversations with Jackson County families, I’ve learned that they expect leaders who are forward-thinking, mindful of budgets and willing to challenge the status quo. With my background in small business ownership, highway engineering, process improvement and government service, I bring skills in effective policy development and strategic planning that prioritize value, productivity and quality.”

What is the most pressing issue facing Jackson County, and how do you plan to address it?

Michael Bobb: “The current serving county commissioners have done a very good job by and large with our roads and bridges working within the defined budget. I would continue to follow their example.

Though some feel the shortage of housing needs to be addressed I have always felt that housing development and financing should be left to those in the private sector. Housing development has been handled in the private sector historically and see no reason to change that strategy.

Those officials elected at both the city and county level have decided to not support the Burkhart Opportunity Zone agenda. I see no reason to approach this in its current form. I have made my position known on consulting firms in the past and those that have worked with me in the private sector know that I’m not a fan of them especially if they are paid for by someone else. Their plans have always seemed to me to be overly broad not to mention extremely expensive.”

Bret Cunningham: “Without a doubt, population and demographic changes are contributing to a number of challenges and burdens on our infrastructure and resources. While much of this growth has happened in District 2, it has a significant rippling effect across the county.

I’ve already started addressing this issue when I brought five corrective action points that need to be implemented at the city council meeting last month. I’m happy to see that the current county commissioners agreed that getting an accurate population estimate, as well as creating a separate committee compromised of elected officials from the county, city of Seymour and other members of our community, to establish a plan that fits our communities, rather than a liberal think tank, funded by countries from around the world.

I’ve also spoken with the sheriff, and was encouraged by his response to my suggestion of looking into how the 287g program, available through Immigration and Customs Enforcement, would allow us to curb crime though a smoother deportation process of criminals. We have to recognize the amount of people coming across the border that do not have good intentions and they need to know that this isn’t the place to come if you are one of those people.

Beyond that, I mentioned the need to reassess the tax abatement process that is currently in place. We currently incentivize growth by providing special tax incentives not available to all businesses. The idea is that the investments made would offset the tax incentives and provide continued community growth. We currently have a public school system in Seymour where 55% of the student population is considered economically disadvantaged. Taking tax dollars out of the system that funds local schools and resources is proving to be counterproductive when we see the continued rise in poverty. I encourage the public to continue to engage with members of the city and county council to see this is given immediate attention.

Our employment pool is mostly seeing a rise in uneducated, unskilled workers, which leaves no available housing for skilled and/or educated workers to fill jobs requiring more skills. The idea that Jackson County should be a society built around an Industrial Revolution that is waning and has no data or trends to support the idea that our younger Americans have much desire to fulfill the demands associated within the manufacturing industry, should be sent back to the 90’s and left there. We need to get past the JCIDC (Jackson County Industrial Corp.) idea and focus on a balanced economic development. Marketing can do wonderful things, which is why we are currently a migration destination. Changing the focus and marketing isn’t an overnight process, but it should start today.

I’ve also reached out to Senator Eric Koch to introduce legislation that would allow the state to capture a fee to all funds being wired out of our state into other countries. Having a zip code attached to the transaction would allow those funds to tracked and appropriated to the proper municipal fund.

Keeping a close eye on legislation being introduced by other governments will be key to staying ahead. Watching how a recent Colorado county is implementing a law that would fine bus drivers dropping off illegal immigrants, could provide a tested method of deterring illegal immigration.

I hope you can see that this will take efforts on every level of government and that without a leading force, we will not see the attention needed.”

Drew Storey: “One of our most pressing issues is the potential departure from the conservative principles that underpin our community’s prosperity, such as traditional values, family life, and moral responsibility. To tackle this, I’ll focus on modeling leadership where we celebrate the past, think beyond the present, embrace the future, using strategic collaborative community engagement to reinforce these principles.”

What do you think will be the biggest challenge facing Jackson County in five years, and what would be your best idea to mitigate that challenge now?

Michael Bobb: “I think the biggest challenge facing us in Jackson County is being able to provide services to the growing population. We provide incentives for industry expansion to move here that create more employment opportunities. Yet, we haven’t provided those same types of incentives to the recreation and entertainment business. Jackson County no longer has a cinema, bowling alley or skating rink. There is no year-round public swimming pool or exercise facility.”

Bret Cunningham: “The same challenges we have today will still be with us in five years. The one thing that is always on the hearts of our people, is that many of our children don’t have a desire to stay in our county once graduated. We have to be honest about the fact that an economy and job market that is built around manufacturing isn’t very attractive to our youth. It’s great to see the school systems implement more trade resources and promotion of many valuable industries, but there isn’t any guarantee that once the student graduates they will stay in our community to contribute to our local economy.

Encouraging a continued effort to diversify our economy, while making sure that the roadways and related infrastructure are well maintained, are the most important components the commissioners can make to help evolve our local economy into one more attractive for all ages.”

Drew Storey: “Infrastructure improvement, particularly roads and bridges, is crucial and is the largest expense of all in the county. I’ll work on securing state and federal funds to upgrade and maintain these vital assets, drawing on my experience in managing such projects. By developing a sustainable capital improvement plan, we can ensure our resources are invested wisely. However, there are other urgent issues like affordable healthcare access, public safety and security and economic development which also demand immediate attention.”

What are you most proud of about Jackson County?

Michael Bobb: “I’m proud to have been raised here. I grew up in a simpler and safer time. Growing up I don’t ever remember locking our house except when we were going to be gone for an extended period. I’m proud to have been raised by loving and caring parents and grandparents. I learned a lot of things growing up in Jackson County. I spent a lot of my summers helping my grandfather. He taught me how to work hard, as I helped him deliver milk in the mornings and work on the farm in the afternoons. My grandmother taught me humility and to always treat people fairly. Most of all though, I learned about service to the community from my father. He served this area well into his 80’s. I strive to have that kind of dedication to Jackson County.”

Bret Cunningham: “I’m most proud of those before me that have held these positions. The county council has worked diligently to make sure Jackson County is in a fiscally sound position, while offering some of the lowest tax burdens. I believe I have a place here, but I have to acknowledge that our county government has existed before me, and will last well beyond me. Conservative leadership pays.

Beyond government, we still live in a county where most residents still have concerns for their neighbors and also have tremendous pride in their schools and communities, especially if there is a ball involved.

From the river bottoms, through the rolling hills, we have as much American culture as anywhere. Thank God for placing me here.”

Drew Storey: “I’m proud of the strong sense of community in Jackson County, where neighbors know each other and support one another like they are family. Our county’s rich history and unique heritage are sources of pride for residents, fostering a strong bond among communities. Which was recently on display in Gainbridge Fieldhouse when I watched the BCHS Braves win their first state title. If that had been the Owls, Cougars, Hornets or the Tigers, I have no doubt any outsider would have recognized the overwhelming sense of pride from Jackson County rolling up and down I-65.”