Greensburg Daily News
Greensburg —
Candidate: Ernest J. Gauck
Party Affiliation: Republican
Office Sought: Decatur County Council At-Large (incumbent)
Q: What drives you to enter/remain in/return to the arena of public service?
A: I have been in local government for 16 years, and would like to use my experience along with my local knowledge to serve four more years on the County Council.
Q: As someone who may be serving Greensburg/Decatur County in office in 2013 and beyond, what one thing, more than any other, do you want to see accomplished?
A: I would like to see the city and county governments work together to bring more jobs to the area while protecting our park areas and farmland.
Q: Describe your experience with business. Have you ever owned or managed one?
A: I have owned and operated Gauck Concrete Construction for 18 years in Decatur County. I now own and operate North Branch Golf Course, which is celebrating its 25th year.
Q: Do you believe city/county government should contribute to charitable causes? How should these be determined?
A: I do not believe in directly donating to charitable causes; however, we as a county provide funds to Catch-A-Ride, New Directions and others as the Council deems them to be a good cause.
Q: Do you believe repercussions are in order for public officials who deliberately violate the Open Door Law or Access to Public Records Act?
A: Repercussions should be upheld on all public officials who violate the Open Door Law or Access to Public Records Act.
Q: Do you support expansion of the Greensburg Municipal Airport? What is the primary reason for your position?
A: I think Greensburg needs a good airport, the problem being in order to get federal funding for an airport the expansion has to be of a certain size and the runways of a certain length. This is going to cause land to be purchased from people who do not want to sell their property. I think an expanded airport built on property bought from people who are willing to sell would be a good solution.
Q: In the position you seek, how would you work to increase accountability and transparency in Decatur County government?
A: I would continue to encourage people to attend the Council and Commissioner meetings, and for them to feel free to look at any of the budgets or ask any questions.
— Daily News
