Perry County Commission, District 1 -- Patrick J. Heaps

Name: Patrick J. Heaps

Party: Democratic

Birth: Aug. 4, 1950, St. Louis

Spouse, children: Cynthia Heaps; Holly Williamson, 34, Mackenzie Plunkett, 32

Occupation: Maintenance superintendent

Employer: Lake Perry Lot Owners Association

Businesses owned by candidate or spouse, all or in part: No answer.

Public offices held: Perry County Commissioner, District 1, 2000-2004; Rural Perry County Fire Department, vice president of Perry County Democrat Committee.

Past political campaigns and offices sought: Perry County Commission, District 1, 2000, 2004.

Question 1: What is the most important issue facing the Perry County Commission?

Answer: The most important issue that I see is the slump that today's economy is in and the tax revenue loss.

Question 2: What in your background or education makes you qualified for this office?

Answer: My background experience that qualifies me for this position is as follows: I have 3-1/2 years' experience working for the Road and Bridge Department in Perry County. I have held the position of District Commissioner for four years from 2000 to 2004 in Perry County and for the past four years I have been the maintenance superintendent for the Lake Perry community, taking care of all their roads and the surrounding grounds upkeep.

Question 3: Why are you better qualified than your opponent?

Answer: I feel I am more qualified than my opponent because of my 7-1/2 years of experience that I have running heavy equipment and maintaining roads. I know firsthand what it takes to maintain a balanced budget, as I have previously worked closely with the Perry County Commission and officeholders in the past. I believe that I would be a great asset to the commission and the people of Perry County.

Question 4: County voters have twice rejected sales tax proposals to support law enforcement. Should the county try again to win passage of the tax? Explain.

Answer: Yes, it is important to have a safe and secure jail facility, along with good wages and working conditions for our officers as well.

Question 5: Local governments throughout the region are struggling to balance their budgets as sales tax revenue drops off because of economic conditions. What efficiency measures do you propose to bridge any funding gaps?

Answer: It is hard to know what exact measures to take in bridging funding gaps from sales tax revenue loss until you take office and work with other commissioners in doing the budget to see what finances and resources are available for you to work with for the upcoming year.