Candidate questionnaire: Charles Brawley

Candidate Name: Charles Brawley

Party: Republican

Age: 57

Place of birth: St. Louis, Mo.

Spouse: Lana

Children: Son, Greg Brawley; stepdaughter, Kelly Riggs.

Occupation: Retired Cape Girardeau firefighter

Education: High school and some college.

Employer: Retired

Businesses owned, all or part: None

Previous offices held/sought: East County Fire Protection District board of directors.

Question 1: Do you support the county changing to a charter form of government? Why or why not?

Answer: I would need to know more about the charter form of government before i can make a real good and factual commitment either way. I know some folks in Jefferson County that are very unhappy with their decision to go to charter form of government. We need to be cautious when we talk about a change in how our government is made up.

Question 2: What are the major challenges facing Cape Girardeau County?

Answer: We all need to be working together to bring jobs to our area and work to protect the jobs we have here now. the budget for the county needs to be balanced. We need to take a hard look at where we can cut corners, spend our tax dollars wisely and stretch them where we can. Try to bring the commissioners together to conduct county business in a respectful professional manner.

Question 3: Cape Girardeau County has escaped the worst impacts of the recession, With revenue about stable. How would you help make sure the county budget is fiscally stable in 2011?

Answer: I would sit down with the other two commissioners and office holders and other key personnel to take a look at our budget and see where we might be able to cut some money being spent. Areas looked at might include new equipment purchases, not starting any new programs, not replacing retirees, and numerous other areas we could look at. The goal is a balanced budget while taking care of our citizens needs.

Question 4: What changes would you make in the way commission meetings are conducted or the way the county operates?

Answer: I have made all the county commission meetings but one, it has helped me to get a good look at what we need to change. The first change is more respect to the citizens who attend the meetings and second change, more respect between all the commissioners. We need to start working for the people and with the people to get the business at hand accomplished in a timely and professional manner.

Closing remarks: I have the experience to perform the duties of presiding commissioner. My career has prepared me for this position. My background includes, 30 years with Cape Girardeau Fire, 12 years as a reserve deputy sheriff, residential construction, worked with heavy equipment, road paving experience, worked with budgets, supervised 110 men in the military. I decided to run for all the right reasons and no one is pushing me. I am financing my campaign. I need your vote.