Larry Craig page 1

QUESTIONS FOR CANDIDATES

Please give a brief history of yourself including why you are running for
office?
My name is Larry Craig. I was born and raised in Midway. I am retired
from L.F.U.C.G. Division of Fire. I am also retired from Larry Craig
Painting L.T.D. I am currently serving my 2nd term as Magistrate.
I have always belived that being involved in your community is essential to
protecting and improving our unique quality of life we enjoy here, and best
of all for me, I love the job.



What are your main qualifications to serve as magistrate?
I have a close working relationship with community and state leaders, as
well as experience in all aspects of public service and business ownership
that provide a well rounded fit for the position of magistrate.



What volunteer positions have you had in Woodford County in the last five
years? What have been your contributions to Woodford County in the last
five years?
Woodford County Fire Department, Mission Midway, Francisco's farm
sponser and volunteer, Bourbon Trail marathon volunteer, repair affair. I
have made Woodford County government more efficient, improved our
public safety obligations, improved roads, helped to promote local
businesses and industries to insure jobs and opportunities for citizens.



A great amount of tourist dollars come into Woodford County partly as a
result of our horses, bourbon, and farms. In view of that, do you think
protecting farmland should be a priority Yes



Do you support the audit of every city/county agency that is supported by
taxpayer dollars?
Yes, agencies are required to have yearly auditis under K.R.S. statutes.


Larry Craig page 2

What are the most important problems facing Woodford County right
now? What would you do about trying to solve them?
Maintening and improving our quality of life here. Rising cost of providing
services, and staying competitive with other areas to promote and attract
not just jobs and businesses, but the right kind of businesses that enhance
our existing businesses. Work closely with other agencies to improve our
current business community from Agriculture to merchants, higher
education and industry.



Do you favor/oppose placing a cap on the amount property taxes could be
raised in a year? If so, what should that cap be? What are your feelings
regarding eminent domain and private property rights?
Yes, unless it would be required because of some kind of emergency such
as natural disaster or terrorist attack. The current cap is set by KRS
statute, the court has not opted to take the increase.

Eminent domain is only allowed to be used by government and public
utilities under K.R.S. statutes and cause of need has be be shown.



What makes you a better candidate than the other two?
Experience and the ability to find ways to compromise and find
solutions that both sides of an issue can find common ground.



What role should the office of magistrate have in retaining or attracting new
businesses to the area?
Work with the E.D.A., Planning and Zoning, Chamber of Commerce, farms
and our school system including our colleges to insure their respective
industries remain competitive.



Are you in favor of the creation of the Northwest Corridor around Falling
Springs Park? Yes




Larry Craig page 3

Would you be willing to put "Citizens Participation" back on the
Fiscal Court's agenda for each meeting, keeping anyone speaking
to 3 minute limit (?) but allowing our citizens to feel they are
welcome to attend these meetings and be a part of them? Are
you willing to use a micropone at your desk during fiscal court
meetings so attendees can hear what you have to say?
Yes, I feel they should request prior to the meeting to be added
to the agenda under citizens participation. Yes, to microphone; I
would like to see our meetings on Public Access Channel.



What questions should be asked and what stipulations should be
in place before approving new residential developments?
Does it fall within urban service boundaries, is a need being met,
bonds and impact studies should be in place.



What questions should be asked and what stipulations should be
in place before approving new commercial developments? Should
there be a protection policy (bond, requirement of paying rent
and taxes until the box is re-rented( in lace to guard against
empty big boxes in the retail area?
What impact will it have on the community?
Taxes, yes.
I would have to research if paying rent requirement would
stand up in litigation before enacting such an ordinance.
What are your spending priorities? (1) Public Safety (2)
Essentials services.




Where do you stand on the merger of city/county government for Woodford
County?
Merged government -- NO
Merged services-- YES -- our police merger is successful; other services
could be as well.


Larry Craig page 4


Are you in favor of extending the Bluegrass Parkway?
No, this was taken off the states 15 year road plan per the court's request.


Name one thing you would do as an elected official to improve life in
Woodford County?
Be a strong voice for the people of District 1.



Falling Springs Park is an incomplete asset for Woodford County. What
would you do to enhance the park?
we have purchased more park acreage. I would like to offer shuttle service
to residents that live in the far end of the county to make it easier for those
citizens to utilize the park. Offer space for archery and skeet
enthusiasts Midway College holds the National Archery Title for their
division. Utilize the division of fish and wildlife to help with these
activities. Nature conservancy and local bike clubs could be helpful in
utilizing and finding new ways to enjoy the property. Also, stress the
importance of the parties involved of funding it sufficiently.



Many cities and towns across America are focusing on becoming more
pedestrian and bicycle friendly. What can and will you do to promote this
concept in Woodford County?
I will continue to promote and volunteer these types of events. Midway is
very bike friendly and having a wife that is an avid walker keeps it close to
home for me.




There is much talk of Wal-Mart coming to Woodford County and harming
our small business community. What can you as a magistrate do to
support current small businesses and encourage new small businesses to
consider Woodford County a good place to locate?
Offer incentives that make businesses want to locate and stay here.
Ensure that the county's quality of life is protected; this and higher
education are the two main areas looked at when businesses are looking
to locate.