Republicans Bill Spalding and Matt Holland are running for the Republican nomination for county commissioner in District 3. The Daily Reporter asked both men a series of questions about their qualifications. Here are Spalding’s responses. Holland’s answers are in a separate post on our site.
What makes you the most qualified candidate for the job?
I believe I am the most qualified candidate for the job of Hancock County Commissioner District 3 because I have knowledge and experience in construction, project oversight, finance, management of people and business. I served as trustee for Zion Lutheran Church and School, where I oversaw the maintenance, construction and financing of projects related to the multimillion-dollar facility. I am a brick mason by trade. I have been a state police officer for the past 30 years. In my position as sergeant, I manage a squad of officers who serve Hancock County.
What is the most important issue facing Hancock County?
Currently, the most important issue facing Hancock County is the rebuilding of our local economy after the COVID-19 pandemic. Revenue shortfalls will hit the county hard in 2021 and 2022, especially in the area of gasoline tax, income tax and food/beverage tax revenues. Our local businesses and employees need all the support that we can give them. The challenges of COVID-19 have also taken a toll on the mental health of our citizens. We will need to gradually reopen our economy and enter into the recovery phase while striving to keep our citizens safe and healthy.
How can the county government ensure that the businesses and housing developments being constructed in the county meet the needs of a growing population?
In order to ensure that businesses and housing developments being constructed will meet the need of a growing population, it is critical that the county collect relevant data. In order to make informed decisions, we need a full understanding of where natural growth is already occurring in the county and where we want to spur growth. It is important to know census data and the demographics of the people that will be attracted to the county in order to gauge the need for schools, training and workforce, public safety, transportation, restaurants/alcoholic beverage permits and other needed amenities and services.
Other than the new jail, what do you see as the most pressing needs for infrastructure or capital projects?
Currently, in Hancock County, the most critical need for capital expenditures are for supporting infrastructure to spur private business growth and development such as roads, access to water, sewer, gas, electric and connectivity (broadband and fiber). Deploying these types of infrastructure will spur private investment that will fund the operation of county government through increased property tax base and local income tax growth.
What factors would you use to determine whether a company should be granted a tax abatement?
For every tax abatement granted, there must be a positive return on the county’s investment. Factors to be considered would be how many jobs the company plans to create; the wages of those jobs; has the company already been a good corporate citizen or are they willing to pledge corporate support. Also, it is important that when a company does not perform to the benchmarks they promised, that they sign a “clawback” agreement so that the county taxpayers can recoup their investment.
What is your assessment of how the county has responded to the COVID-19 pandemic?
I think the county has handled the pandemic well. I have made it a point to be involved in these local communications. The county was placed under an orange travel watch, and state guidelines were followed. Alliances between local officials, emergency management, public health and safety and the hospital were activated. The decisions made were in line with expert advice, and rash decisions were avoided. It will be critical for us to take a look back and identify best practices that were employed during the crisis.
