Thursday, July 31, 2008
News
County board opponents showcase differing views
By NATHAN BRUTTELL, Argus-Press Staff Writer
OWOSSO - Republicans Deborah Cline and Gerald Alcorn shared differing philosophies and ultimately different plans on improving Shiawassee County Wednesday at The Argus-Press 2008 Primary Candidate Forum.
The commissioners from District 2 took questions on their ability to make a difference and about home foreclosures.
Alcorn said he was bringing a lifetime of public service to the position.
“I don't want to play these little political games with people,” he said.
Cline said she would follow three principles: her faith, family and service to the community. She said giving back was a priority for her.
The candidates also took an audience-submitted question regarding preventing home foreclosures.
Alcorn said he had a plan to reduce foreclosures and saw it as a root to the employment issues in the county.
“We need to establish a county-wide task force of perhaps lawyers and investors,” he said. “They could help those people and give them their options instead of just losing their homes.”
More than 90 students left the school systems, which causes the economy to suffer, Alcorn said.
“I am aware of Mr. Alcorn's noble goal of trying to prevent home foreclosures,” Cline said.
She then asked a rhetorical question.
“First of all, how many of you know the role of the county commissioner?”
Cline said foreclosers were an issue, but she had to remain realistic about the situation.
“Is there something we can do to prevent it?” she said. “If I get elected, I would like to see what I can do.”
- Contact Nathan Bruttell at 725-5136 extension 231 or nbruttellarguspress@gmail.com
The commissioners from District 2 took questions on their ability to make a difference and about home foreclosures.
Alcorn said he was bringing a lifetime of public service to the position.
“I don't want to play these little political games with people,” he said.
Cline said she would follow three principles: her faith, family and service to the community. She said giving back was a priority for her.
The candidates also took an audience-submitted question regarding preventing home foreclosures.
Alcorn said he had a plan to reduce foreclosures and saw it as a root to the employment issues in the county.
“We need to establish a county-wide task force of perhaps lawyers and investors,” he said. “They could help those people and give them their options instead of just losing their homes.”
More than 90 students left the school systems, which causes the economy to suffer, Alcorn said.
“I am aware of Mr. Alcorn's noble goal of trying to prevent home foreclosures,” Cline said.
She then asked a rhetorical question.
“First of all, how many of you know the role of the county commissioner?”
Cline said foreclosers were an issue, but she had to remain realistic about the situation.
“Is there something we can do to prevent it?” she said. “If I get elected, I would like to see what I can do.”
- Contact Nathan Bruttell at 725-5136 extension 231 or nbruttellarguspress@gmail.com