Commissioner candidate Don Walton responds to questions

Friday, April 29, 2016
Don Walton

The Greencastle League of Women Voters asked the County Commissioner District 3 candidates the following questions:

1. Why are you the best choice for Putnam County voters? (150 words)

2. What issues are you hearing from Putnam County residents that you feel are pressing matters for the county and how will you address them? (150 words)

3. What do you see as your district's challenges and assets? (100 words)

4. As a County Commissioner what do you see as your relationship with the heads of county departments? (100 words)

1. My past experience as County Commissioner is an asset in this election. I will continue working to improve our county roads and bridges. I will work close with the other two commissioners and the County Highway Department and Council. Ditching is a big concern along with patching and grading the roads. I have and will continue to work with our legislature on more road funding. This year they passed legislation that will give the county, cities and towns more monies to work with on our roads and bridges.

2. The biggest issues that I get complaints on are roads and ditching. There are 512 miles of blacktop roads and 243 miles of gravel roads in the county. We will try to resurface the heaviest traveled roads and chip and seal some gravel roads. The County Highway Department makes pug mix that we use on several roads, and we will be hiring contractors to resurface several roads. The Highway Department is also going to help out on several bridge projects. Several of the large bridges will be Federal aid projects, using Federal aid monies. The animal shelter is going good at this time. Thanks to several people who worked hard on getting the shelter back open. Thanks also to the Sheriff's Dept. for their help.

3. I see my district challenges and assets. I have a strong interest in agriculture and family farms. Advocate of well planned Economic Development in the county, cities and towns. I will continue working with our senior citizens in Putnam County with their programs and grants. Strong interest in helping and planning programs for the youth of our County. I was born and raised in Putnam County and lived here all my life. Served my country in the U.S. Army 1962-64.

4. As a County Commissioner I listen and work with the other two Commissioners. We work close with the County Council in making several decisions on spending tax payer monies. We work close with all offices in the Courthouse, including our Court System and Sheriff Dept. and jail. Thanks to the janitors for their work on the Courthouse maintenance and also to our attorney Jim Ensley. Thanks also to West Central Solid Waste and West Central Economic Development and Greencastle, Putnam County Development.