Jerry Cupples is one of 10 candidates for Bluffton council on Nov. 7. The Icon's interview with him follows. To read interviews with each of the candidates click here.
• Jerry Cupples, 122 Richland Drive
Why are you seeking a seat on the council and why should someone vote for you?
I am seeking a seat on Village Council because I am concerned with current direction of the Village. I served five terms on Council and two years as an employee. I know and love Bluffton, if elected, my goal is to return Bluffton to the residents, putting their best interests first. My first order of business would be to push to eliminate the unfair water and sewer surcharge.
What are the major issues facing Bluffton in the next 4 years?
The next four years are critical for Bluffton, The budget must be maintained and spending reduced. This will require cooperation from the entire council as well as the administration. We receive more than $2 million from the income tax annually and if we are conservative, we can operate the Village and continue providing the services we need. The Councils I served on in the past knew the difference between a want and a need and we need to return to that mindset. I will be accountable to the residents, rate payers, and tax payers.
If you were to grade the current council based upon an A, B, C, D or F grading system, what grade would you give it?
If I was to grade the current council, I would give them a C-. They approved moving three part time jobs to full time and then added a $19.50 surcharge to the water and sewer bills. They allowed unfair treatment of the former Village administrator and the fiscal officer. In her resignation letter she cited a “hostile and disrespectful” environment. Council reacted with a lack of knowledge or concern over her leaving. They also allowed the Mayor to become interim administrator, which created a conflict of interest. The Ohio Revised Code is very clear on the duties of a Mayor.
How should the village resolve the Shannon Cemetery issue?
I watched the Shannon Cemetery issue for four years with amazement. I saw a real contempt for the “Friends of the Shannon Cemetery” from the Mayor and one Council member. In fact, you can still watch an embarrassing moment on YouTube. This issue has taken too long and sucked energy away from the real business of the Village as well as tarnished our good name. I would resolve this issue by putting all the graves back where they belong. Earlier this year, The Bluffton American Legion sent a letter to the Village demanding that the three Veterans gravestones be returned so that we can continue to honor them each year.
Within the past 12 months the village administrator was fired and the village fiscal officer resigned. Is there a communication problem in the town hall, or were these isolated incidents?
The firing of the administrator and resignation of the fiscal officer may have been isolated incidents; however, it uncovers a deeper concern. The fact remains that two experienced employees were treated unfairly and are gone. They took a wealth of knowledge with them which creates problems going forward.
Feel free to address any other subject here that you’d like to provide to voters:
“The candidate did not provide a response to this question."
Are there issues that you disagree with that the current council passed?
“The candidate did not provide a response to this question."
How would you make your voting decisions as a council member?
My decision making process involves weighing both sides and how each side effects the residents and tax payers. I will oppose any issue that provides a service to some of the Village for free, while other residents have to pay for that service. I want an even playing field for all.
