Craig Roman

Demographics

Affiliation:Democrat

Age:37

Town:DeKalb

Education: Associate's Degree, Mortuary Science, Worsham College of Mortuary Science

Career:Insurance sales, CFL Pre-Need

Marital Status:Married, Stacey

Children: Nate , 9

Joshua, 7

Connor, 2

On the Record

What are your top ideas for reducing the cost of running county government?

The use of locally owned businesses for county business would be improved through the creation of an online directory. Doing so would show all actions the businesses perform and would assist the county in determining which local business could be used first. Keeping in mind a judicious balance of cost-effective selection against local vendors is still key; moreover, eliminate redundancy, streamline processes and create a system that evaluates expenditures on an ongoing basis.

What is the greatest challenge facing the county today and how do you plan to address it?

Employment and taxes. Measured tax incentives and marketing to attract new, sustainable businesses that provide skilled jobs. Actively soliciting such companies that match the strategic advantages we offer over our surrounding counties and meeting the needs of the residents of the county.

What recent county board decision do you most disagree with and why?

The vote on the Newport Map, It showed a clear divide in partisan politics.

Do you support conducting fewer county board meetings during the year?

Yes I do, I have attended meetings that had lasted less time then it had taken me to get there. So yes, consolidation and clear agendas that stay focused would allow for the cancellation of meetings and save taxpayer dollars.

Is the county board and its business accessible enough to taxpayers?

No, The meetings are not televised, the agendas are not posted in the Daily Chronicle or MidWeek and they are located in the legislative center. One of my goals is to bring the government to the people, having as many as 12 meetings or as few as 4 meetings a year to discuss the decisions that were arrived at the county board meetings and how they might affect the residents.

Do you support the ongoing effort to expand the county jail?

There is a clear and defined need for expansion, so yes; however, I strongly disagree with the source of funding. I believe landfill expansion is a grievous error that will have negative long term effects that cannot be reasonably anticipated.