1. Why should I vote for you?

In the short term, the Democratic County Board candidates who win the District 9 Primary will directly determine the influence you can have upon the leadership of the local Democratic Party, the operations of county government, and developments in the county's economy and community.

If you feel that your party's representatives should mainly advance hometown issues, mainly serve party and personal interests, and seek to expedite business by confrontation, manipulation of process and simple application of majority power, then Ms. Bell and Mr. Kirchner should be your choices. They're calling for this approach.

Alternatively, we recommend ourselves, if you think that your County Board representatives should advocate for the whole county community-both rural and urban-always balance party interests with considerations of merit and the common welfare, and, insofar as practical, move business by cultivating open, collaborative relationships among all board members.

2. Why did you decide that a change in County Board leadership was needed in December 2004?

We Democrats won the Board majority in 2000 on the strength of our promises to make county government work more effectively, honestly and efficiently for everyone.

After four years, however, our caucus leadership had taken on some of the behavior Democrats had complained of when serving as a minority caucus under other administrations. Some of us were troubled by the appearance of--and actual examples of--carelessness and inattention to details, lack of planning, confusion of purpose, disregard of process, conflicts of interest, and intemperate partisanship. In short, our caucus leaders were straying from ideals we all had pledged to honor. The two of us acted to reassert the Democratic agenda and to provide responsible, collaborative Democratic leadership.

3. Why did you accept Republican support to become Chair and Vice-Chair in 2004? Did you promise anything to Republican Board Members in return for their support?

The three of us in District 9 refused to support caucus candidates who we believed were unable to provide proper leadership. Observing the stalemate, Republican colleagues persuaded us that here was a chance to serve county citizens and county government by moving business and relations between caucuses in better ways. After working with us for years, they respected our competence and integrity as Board members--and as Democrats--and trusted us to act reasonably, professionally, decently in these Board offices.

This past year, we have tried to facilitate the work of every member regardless of party affiliation. We strive to be open and honest with everyone. Board members generally have appreciated this approach and, we believe, would agree that a spirit of amiable, mutual respect now influences our business relationships--which doesn't prevent any of us from strongly representing our thoughts and opinions.

Our Republican colleagues honored our moral integrity by not asking for special considerations, and we reciprocated in the same spirit by not offering them considerations. They knew and accepted then, and know and accept today, that we are consistent Democrats.

4. Why did you oppose a disparity study?

In principle we do not oppose a disparity study. There are good reasons for the county to participate in one, and we are engaged in developing a more comprehensive one seeking municipal and university collaboration.

We did oppose the contract for a disparity study brought to the Board in November 2004. Its Democratic sponsors thrust it upon the Board at the last minute by threatening to vote against and risk killing their own party's 2005 budget. We now know this contract was conceived in a "backroom deal" which, as far as possible, circumvented due process and public scrutiny. It involved several Democrats in at least the appearance of conflicts of interest and was a high-priced, "no-bid" contract.

In the meantime, we have addressed hiring inequities directly and very effectively. In the past several years, the Board has initiated procedures that awarded contracts of about $4 million to minority- and female-owned businesses engaged in the construction of the new nursing home. A pre-qualified vendor list has been established to encourage such firms to bid for county work.

5. Will you consider running for Chair and Vice-Chair of the County Board in December 2006, with or without the support of the Republican Caucus?

Presently we are running for seats in the District 9 Primary and are focused on maintaining District 9 as a Democratic District. The results of the November 2006 General Election are much in doubt in several districts, and right now the question about Board leadership is very premature and speculative.

6. What have you done for the Democratic Party lately?

We have been regular, long-time financial contributors to the Party at all levels. We participate in the whole round of campaign and routine annual events such as fund-raising, canvassing, walking parades, summer festivals, fairs, and press conferences. We have recruited candidates. We support many with contributions of money and time. Above all we have supported our party by effectively advancing a Democratic agenda and striving to be honest, conscientious public officials.