In the current hard economic times, it is not enough for government to sit back and hope for businesses to develop and come to our community. We must expect government to create a strong business enviornment with tax and regulation incentives, small business tax breaks to encourage our people to start businesses, active governmental leaders selling the benefits of our workforce and regional location, and welcoming international business. As a former business owner and manager in several corporations, I know firsthand the power to government to make or break business development. By working hard to make Nelson County a positive business environment, I promise active participation in developing our business community and climate.

Keep taxes and regulations cost low we cannot expect hard working people to start businesses if government is over-regulating and taxing them. On the flip side, we cannot expect companies to come to our County if the business environment is not supportive and positive. Government is here to serve the people of Nelson County, not limit them or benefit select groups/people. My goals are to pass smart regulations and keep taxes low. After talking to many people in the County, I think we can make long term decisions that will allow us to lower our taxes. Peter Drucker wrote in The End of Economic Man that government controls people through economics policies. I believe government should be limited and small allowing people to retain more of their freedom and liberties. We must demand this from our government.

Over the past 12 years, many people to include myself have advocated for a Community Center. I have personally spoken to the Louisville YMCA president about branching out into our community. There is a strong interest in the establishment of a Community Center that can service not only our children, but also our Seniors and Veterans. When serving in the military overseas, I noted in the United Kingdom and Germany that these Community Centers not only allowed for people to stay in shape and socialize, but for generations of people to learn from one another. In a fast paced world, we must provide opportunities for our people stay connected to one another and the community. Such facilities will also benefit our tourism industry. The time is now for a Community Center in Nelson County.

Having several degrees in political science, I simply love history and respect the hard work of previous generations. Respect for history and historical structures is important for any community, but especially for a County with so much history and historical significance. Government should be making it easier and cheaper through tax incentives and fair regulations to renovate old structures and sites. By getting out of the way, government can promote renovations efforts in our County. When speaking to various people on the topic, the most common remarks are to uniformly apply building regulations and laws, and support preservation efforts through tax incentives.

My time at Amazon.com and Ashton Woods Homes taught me the lesson of listening to people for solutions to problems. Nothing impressed me more than when an associate solved a complex problem facing the company. I would bring this same respect and appreciation to our government. While government loves to mandate rules and laws, I know people are the best way to solve our problems. I would implement Citizen Action Committees. The word "action" is used to stress that something is to be done, not just talk. Government must be open to people contributing their ideas, solutions, and insights into problems and situations. People have different expertise and interests, and I promise to harness these talents to benefit our community.

During my years of being a military officer and federal agent, I learned the importance of government servants being ethical, responsible and fair to every person. Government does not have the purpose to help a select few or benefit one group over another. Our Founding Fathers wanted government to allow all people the right and opportunity to a fair chance in life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. We must hold open meetings, encourage transparency in all processes, and hold public servants to a higher standard of ethics. My public service taught me to be careful with public money, resources and time. Team Nelson County will be a positive, ethical and responsive group of individuals serving the People.

At one time, the Bardstown-Nelson County area was the focus of law and politics providing excellent education through St. Joe Prep and Nazereth College. Although times have changed over the past decades, the need for educational opportunities for our people has not. It is critical to establish a local college in our community to service not only graduating high school students, but also adults wanting to grow in their education. I have benefited from education which allowed me to serve as an officer in the Air Force and a Dean of a college. In a global economy, education and skill training are important for many workers. While education is not for everyone, it is something important to many technical trades, professionals and workers. I have suggested to local education officials that we should strive to integrate college campuses into our high schools. I believe our County government can encourage a private college to locate in our community to serve our people.