Perry County Commission, District 1 -- Tim M. Brewer

Name: Tim M. Brewer

Party: Republican

Birth: May 11, 1964, Perryville, Mo.

Spouse, children: Angie Brewer; Garrett, 15, Miranda, 12, Conner, 6

Occupation: Business owner and manager

Employer: Self

Businesses owned by candidate or spouse, all or in part: Brewer Monument Inc.; Brewer Graphics Inc.

Public offices held: Board member, Perry County Memorial Hospital.

Past political campaigns and offices sought: None.

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

Answer: The most important issue is the economy. I have successfully run two small businesses for more than 12 years now and have gained a lot of leadership skills. I think these skills will help me in the tough economic times this county is facing. I think the county will be able to get through this with a county commission who is dedicated to working together to deal head on with the issues.

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

Answer: This county of ours is a business, and as a business it should be run like one. Therefore, I believe with running two businesses of my own for more than 12 years now, I will be able to put my skills as a businessmen to work for you.

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

Answer: I have fresh ideas on how to approach the county's issues and future plans. I have never held a political office, so I don't have ties that bias me toward a certain group or point of view. I just want to address the issues and concerns that come up in the best interest of the county's residents at large and I want to ensure that we are adequately planning for the future of our children.

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: I think yes. Because I believe that the previous tax proposals failed for two main reasons: 1) the proposition did not fully explain to the voters how the increased tax revenue would be spent, so that they could fully understand the benefits that would be gained, and 2) that the sheriff's department's proposal should have been a stand-alone initiative.

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: The other county commissioners and I will go through all the county departments to see where the biggest cost-cutting opportunities exist. I also think that it is important for the voters to have a voice about how to make the necessary budget adjustments. Therefore, I propose that the county use some of its regular meetings as "open forums" to gather input from residents on where to cut spending and how to set priorities.