Editor’s note: Democrat Amanda Stevenson-Holmes is one of four candidates for three at-large seats on the Johnson County Council. See Where They Stand interviews with Republican candidates Ron Deer, Melinda Griesemer and John Myers in earlier editions, and be sure to visit dailyjournal.net for videos of these interviews. The Q&A below includes answers by Stevenson-Holmes in her own words.
What experience and qualities make you a good choice for Johnson County Council, and why are you running?
I have lived in Johnson County most of my life … I am very passionate about this community in which we live, and I know that I can bring value and different perspectives and listen to our taxpayers and our citizens to bring their voices to the council.
From an experiences standpoint, I graduated from Franklin College. I have a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Indiana Wesleyan University. I spent 20-plus years in business, managing multi-million-dollar budgets, working with diverse peoples, negotiating for the best solutions for all of us, and that is what I want to bring to the council.
[sc:text-divider text-divider-title=”Story continues below gallery” ]
I also am concerned it is not a very politically diverse council.
What are the top three issues facing the county?
Because of COVID-19, in 2022 and 2023 there will be some deficits. We are going to have to have some hard decisions and creative solutions on how we are going to address those shortfalls. I want to make sure we are looking at best practices in counties like ours across the state, especially from a criminal justice and reform standpoint.
As a small business owner myself, I know finding customers isn’t easy. I want to definitely remove all those roadblocks for those businesses so they can keep their employees and find the right customers, eliminate traffic issues as much as we can to an from their businesses. (Interstate 69) is going to have a big impact on part of our county. I want to make sure we are working together with all the cities in the county to make sure those roadblocks are removed.
I am a firm believer that economic development cannot take precedent over environmental accountability in the county … We only have 322 square miles in this county. I want to make sure we take care of it and it is a quality of life for all of us, not just those who live in the right place.
I want to make sure our EMS, police, fire and health department have all the resources they need to go home safe at the end of their shifts. But also, especially in these crazy times in which we live, they have the resources, tools and technology to help us as citizens.
The council will be faced with budget shortfalls in the coming years, financial experts say. What would your priorities be for spending cuts?
I would stay focused on my priorities — public health and safety.
I think instead of cutting we look at ways to consolidate. I know this is weird coming from a Democrat, but are there places where we haven’t looked that we could possibly trim? I know Democrats have the reputation for spend, spend, spend, but that is not the case on a local level.
Do you believe the county needs any new taxes or tax increases, and if so, what would it pay for?
The citizens and residents I have talked to so far have not expressed a desire for a tax increase or a particular funding of a certain element. But if there is something they think they need in the county and community, I am more than willing to listen and hear all the reasons.
Do you agree or disagree with the vote to raise taxes to help build a new Clark-Pleasant branch of the Johnson County Public Library? Would you have voted for the tax increase for the $8 million project after voters turned down a much larger ($30 million project) tax increase for the library in a 2012 referendum?
I would vote to represent Johnson County residents. In this example, it is my understanding the 2020 project was subject to a remonstrance process, which was followed through with no residents opposing. Looking forward, I will proactively seek out residents’ perspectives on topics and upcoming votes through surveys, focus groups, phone calls, and/or emails. People are so busy today, and we could benefit by seeking out more input.
For the library, the council raised taxes with three of seven council members voting yes; two were absent. Do you think there should be a higher threshold for a vote to raise taxes? Â
First, I am committed to being present for meetings. That said, the council’s lack of bylaws and a clear definition of a quorum are concerning and confusing. The good news is that in the August county council meeting, they agreed to a subcommittee to create bylaws to address this gap. That is a step in the right direction to ensure a minority of council members cannot apply resolutions or regulations on all county residents.
What are your thoughts on the jail expansion, and was that a worthy tax increase?
It was a viable investment. I want us to do everything in our power to avoid adding on it. I know in other counties they have looked at ways to get to the root of the problem before they get into the criminal justice system. For example, there are several not-for-profits here in Franklin that are concerned about affordable housing and are trying to get affordable housing built and available … People need food, water and shelter to avoid getting into the criminal justice system.
How should the county fund jail staff increases that will stem from the jail expansion?
I don’t know how we will make the staff increases happen with the shortfalls we are expecting. The worst thing you can do is staff up and have to do layoffs.
We could also devote some resources to rehabilitation outside the jail.
A recent salary study revealed that several county employees and elected officials are underpaid. Would making employee pay more competitive be a priority for you?
I am endorsed by the Central Indiana American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFLCIO). I am worker friendly and believe our workers should be paid what they are worth and have a safe and healthy work environment.
There are dollars being allocated for worker pay even though we are going to have a shortfall.
County council members make about $7,000 less than average, according to the same study. Would you vote to raise your own salary?
I do struggle with elected official pay increases. I do not do this for the money; I do this for the people. To me, it is a service to the community and it is giving back. If lesser salaries for elected officials means employees can get raises, that is where the money needs to go.
Road funding is an issue facing all local governments. What should the county do to make sure there is enough funding for roads?
I want to research and understand the challenges employees in the highway department face and understand what they think. We should ask them and understand the solutions they want to see. I think that is the first key step.
[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”The Stevenson-Holmes File” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
Name: Amanda Stevenson-Holmes
Party: Democrat
Age: 44
Residence: Greenwood
Family: Husband, Matt; no children
Occupation: Butler University professor; vice president, Communications Redefined
Education: Franklin College; Indiana Wesleyan University
Memberships: Johnson County Democratic Party, Secretary; Leadership Johnson County at Franklin College, Class of 2019; Public Relations Society of America, Hoosier Chapter, member; Nussbaum Society member, Indianapolis Zoo.
Military experience: None
Political experience: Precinct committeeperson
[sc:pullout-text-end]
