Suzanne Fahnestock

On the Record

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

As a candidate for County Board District 11, my top idea for reducing the cost of running county government would be to work with elected officials and department heads to find efficiencies and to control increases. Additionally, the County Board, elected officials, and departments need to work towards providing more online and electronic delivery of services.

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

The greatest challenge facing the county today is maintaining a balanced budget while taking on the expansion of the court building and the proposed expansion of the jail. It is important that we support our public safety and judiciary offices as they keep our communities safe, but we must balance our revenue and expenditures. I think the best way to address expanding these services is to take a critical look at the projected operating costs of these offices. We must fully understand the operating costs and the capital costs of new buildings, and we must have a financial plan that is within our means.

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

I appreciate the discussion and public debate that surrounds various issues, and I believe the County Board makes good efforts in working in partnership with elected officials, departments, and the citizens.

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

I would be most concerned with the timely manner of completing county business should the meetings be less frequent. I would consider supporting fewer county board meetings during the year if the result was more efficient use of the offices' and departments' time and resources.

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

Yes, the county board and its business are accessible to taxpayers. The county provides meeting information, agendas, minutes, and contact information online. Additionally, the county provides budget, plans, policies, vendor payments, and other financial information online. I think a county newsletter or electronic newsletter would be a great addition to the local news coverage and website information.

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

Yes, I support the ongoing effort to expand the county jail. I think we all support the notion of public safety and keeping our community safer. The current jail facility does not meet our needs and the out-placement of inmates costs the county a significant amount of money each year. The expansion of the jail would bring this money and the jobs it supports back to the county.