Irwin Bagwell

Political party: Republican

Age: 50

Occupation: Self-employed farmer (Bagwell Bros.)

What sets you apart as the best candidate for this seat? Why do you want this job?

My years of experience, having served on different boards and commissions over the past 20-30 years. Also, my experi-ence from owning and operating a business during the same time period.

I want this job to continue to serve our community.

Name some specific actions the county could take to get on a firmer financial footing.

A firmer financial footing will be gained by zero base/line item review budgeting. We will start this process next month as we begin working on the budget for 2013. Also, continue the policy we started this year of prioritizing our spending for core governmental services such as public safety, public works, water, and fire.

How important is it to maintain public resources like the li-brary, trails, fishing areas, athletic fields and other quality-of-life offerings?

It is very important to maintain these services. They are a very important part of our community for our citizens and for prospective businesses and industries looking to locate here. While these areas have received less funding in recent years, these services and their quality have been maintained by frugal management.

Business licensing in the county would help track unsafe operations and sales tax collections, but it also could place un-due burdens on business owners. Where do you stand?

I do not support business licensing in the county. This sub-ject came up a few years ago. I did not support it then and still do not support it today. It would be detrimental to our county businesses by placing more costly, undue, burden-some, governmental regulations on the hardworking, taxpay-ing businesses. I have always believed in less government not more.

Describe the type of relationship the county should have with the cities of Rome and Cave Spring.

We have a great working relationship with Rome and Cave Spring. The governmental entities have more intergovern-mental agreements than others throughout the state. This is not by accident. The elected officials work together for the benefit of all entities. By working together and keeping lines of communications open we have been able to save money and provide better services. This type of relationship has served the citizens of Rome/Floyd County/Cave Spring well. The recently signed Local Option Sales Tax agreement is one that was agreed upon, without any dissension, in a timely manner. Other communities are still arguing over how they will split their sales tax. I always strive to continue the great relationship we enjoy today.