Mitch Kingsley 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.
• Mitchell Kingsley, 313 Campus Drive
Why are you seeking a seat on the council and why should someone vote for you?
I have 14 years of experience on council and quite a bit of experience on non-profit boards. I believe I can serve the community of Bluffton with a focus on collaboration and encouragement.
What are the major issues facing Bluffton in the next 4 years?
Re-building staff-administration relations; developing lines of communication between village government and residents; creating space for commerce and for adding homes; completing water line replacements.
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?
C
How should the village resolve the Shannon Cemetery issue?
Go back to the time when council agreed with cemetery advocates to follow a stated strategy; see if current council is willing to follow that strategy; assign responsibility and dates for steps to be performed.
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?
There is a communication problem in Town Hall.
Feel free to address any other subject here that you’d like to provide to voters:
Village documents and materials could be more accessible to residents. This can be done through the Village website by assigning tasks with completion target dates.
Are there issues that you disagree with that the current council passed?
There is a better way to structure water rates so Bluffton residents pay an amount closer to the actual costs of the water – and not the highest rates in the area.
How would you make your voting decisions as a council member?
First, collect information and get acquainted with the people involved; then evaluate, plan and develop steps forward with council, then vote.
