Name as it Appears on the Ballot: Bob Knight
Date of Birth: 11/26/46
Campaign Web Site: None
Occupation & Employer: Greeter/Wal-Mart
Years lived in Chatham County: 60 years
1. What do you believe are the most important issues facing Chatham County? If elected, what are your top three priorities in addressing those issues?
Water,sewer,impact fees, schools & illegals in the county.
Make water lines more affordable,help towns extend sewer which will cause economic growth. Impact fees should be percentage of house. Insist for a stronger discipline standards in schools which would lead to easier learning atmosphere to prepare for college and occupational training skills for everyone. Insist the County police officer(sheriff) does the job of enforcing the law regarding illegals because of all the economic stress they have put on the county,
2. What in your record as a public official or other experience demonstrates your ability to be effective on the Chatham County Commission? This might include career or community service; be specific about its relevance to this office.
(Zero) As a public official but years experience of more gov’t control and less property rights which we the people find more burden. We the people need less gov’t regulations not more. Have been speaking out for the needs, concerns and injustices put on the people for several years.
Such as follows: Advocate for handicap, better financial accountability and need for economic development. I will represent all areas of the county equally. A leader ready to face challenges confronting Chatham County. I am a Pittsboro High School (Graduated”Class of 65″) (Business Administration at CCCC of Sanford,N.C.,Vietam War Veteran received Honors(Bronze Star),Managed a 1,000 acre farm in Guilford County, Owned K&C Tree and Stump Removal for approximately 10 years. Was in charge of negotiating medical benefits and insurance program of two insurance contracts on behalf of about 200 people with a furniture company. Advocate for the disabled. Negotiated with contacts that needed to be made for the “Bell’s Landing Pier” at Jordan Lake and other related needs for the disabled in Pittsboro and Siler City, N.C. I am a good listener, with the ability to cut through rhetoric and see solutions to problems and I’m willing to fight for those solutions.I am employed by Wal-Mart in Siler City,N.C. and will greet you.
3. How do you define yourself politically and how does your political philosophy show itself in your past achievements and present campaign platform?
I define myself politically as independant, a strong conservative and a true representative of the people, If elected I will only be obligated to the taxpayers. Working to improve and strengthen economy,environment and natural resources for all people of the county.
4. The Independent’s mission is to help build a just community in the Triangle. How would your election to office help further that goal?
By doing everything possible to better unite the entire county as a whole. Working together for a greater county.
5. What specific steps should the county commissioners take to preserve and protect Chatham’s environment and natural resources In the face of its booming residential growth? State specific initiatives or policies you would introduce and support to accomplish this goal.
County is adequately sufficient at the present time in preserving and protecting Chatham environment and natural resources in the face of its booming residential growth. The future of nature and environment will govern the initiatives and policies at that time to be addressed.
6. Define “economic development.” What does that term mean to you? Given the state of the national economy and local job losses such as the closing of the Pilgrim’s Pride chicken processing plant, what specifically can you do as a county leader to strengthen and support Chatham’s economy?
Simply put economic development: means business back into Chatham County, so we can lead a more productive life at home and a tax relief to tax payers. What we can do is show a greater appreciation to those we have, encourage more small business and do more to go after business instead of a front.
7. The county enacted a one-year moratorium on new residential developments that expires in June 2008. Should this moratorium be lifted or renewed this summer? If it is lifted, what growth-control measures should be enacted to ensure infrastructure such as schools, roads, etc. can keep pace with the population?
The best thing we can do is work with all the county and do more to help develop the western side of the county so taxpayers can see their tax money at work for them.
8. Give your assessment of the major corridors task force proposal.
The Major corridors task force shows discouragement to economic development, more gov’t control and less property rights.
9. With the failure of the land transfer tax last fall and the county’s schools impact fee now at its maximum, what are your suggestions for finding new revenue for the county to keep up with its expenses, particularly school additions and renovations?
Now is the time to practice conserving,accountability, getting greater performance out of what common sense and the rest will follow.
10. Please state your general philosophy on what role citizens should play in government decision-making. In general, do you think Chatham residents have enough opportunities to make their voices heard? If so, state some examples. If not, what are your ideas for improving and incorporating citizen input in county government decisions?
Citizens should pay a greater role in decisions but the present board of commissioners has taken the stand they don’t have to answer citizens questions. No, residents don’t have their voices heard, Improvements could be by having small groups within the many areas of the county and then voice them openly.
11. If you are a challenger, how would you rate the job the incumbents are doing? Be specific in criticisms and compliments. If you are an incumbent, how would you rate the job you and your colleagues are doing? Be specific about accomplishments or challenges.
As a group performance is not good at all. Mostly they are self-serving. After five months in office a three thousand dollar raise, after defeat of land transfer tax, raised impact fee, showing they have power over all. Failure to make the impact fee a more just tax.
Passed items that are not very encouraging to promote business.
12. Identify a principled stand you would be willing to take even though it cost you popularity points with constituents.
The one stand I would take that may cost me votes would be illegals. They have put a huge strain on schools, welfare depts., social services, food stamp and hospitals, causing a lot of tax burden and misunderstanding on the part of the taxpayers.
