What makes you the most qualified candidate for the job?
I currently represent District 1 on the Hancock County Council. My tenure on council has allowed me a firsthand look at successful governing. It is vital that an elected official be professional, transparent and preside with an open mind. I take great pride in serving the taxpayers of Hancock County on council as well as several other boards and commissions, including the Hancock County Plan Commission, Hancock County Criminal Justice Center Committee, Hancock County Community Corrections Board, Kenneth Butler Memorial Soup Kitchen Board, Rotary Club of Greenfield and the Boys & Girls Clubs Board.
What is the most important issue facing Hancock County?
If this question were asked 60 days ago my answers would have been very different. Today, with the COVID-19 pandemic at the forefront, we need to examine the county’s overall preparedness for this type of situation. Once we are back in the somewhat normal day-to-day, local officials must lead our community down the path of resurgence including economic recovery, attracting more higher-paying jobs and comprehensive long-range strategic planning. Commissioners must be willing to listen to the taxpayers.
How can county government ensure the businesses and housing developments being constructed in the county meet the needs of a growing population?
One of the duties of a county commissioner is to establish minimum housing standards. Over the next 10 years, Hancock County may see up to 10 million square feet of additional warehouse/manufacturing space generating upwards of 10,000 new jobs with the average wage of $15 to $20 per hour. With the median home price in Hancock County at $200,000, we must address quality homes at a reasonable price that will enable those workers to own a home and put down roots here versus elsewhere.
Other than the new jail, what do you see as the most pressing needs for infrastructure or capital projects?
Hancock County offices are either bursting at the seams or employees are working in old and run-down buildings. Once the new jail is completed and the current jail is vacated, we need to consider refurbishing the current jail building to perhaps house community corrections and probation with a possibility of moving the prosecutor’s office to the current community corrections building. The Courthouse Annex building continues to serve the needs of Hancock County and was designed well to meet the needs of public access. Roads are also a priority, especially County Road 300N between Greenfield and Mt. Comfort Road and the completion of Mt. Comfort Road north to the county line due to new commercial development.
What factors would you use to determine whether a company should be granted a tax abatement?
Although this is actually the county council’s responsibility, I look for longevity of the company. They must prove staying power. The type of business along with future workforce needs and higher average wages is very important.
What is your assessment of how the county has responded to the COVID-19 pandemic?
I feel it was handled as effectively as possible given the circumstances. I will say this: Without the leadership of Steve Long and his staff at Hancock Health; Misty Moore, the executive director of Hancock County Emergency Management; Sheriff Brad Burkhart; Dr. Sandra Aspy of the Hancock County Health Department; and our first-responders, we would have really struggled once the county went to essential travel only/level orange.
[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”Jeannine Gray” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
Age: 59
Party: Republican
Office sought: County commissioner, District 1
Political experience: Member of county council since 2017
Family: Husband, Bud, two children
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