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J.W. Endicott questionnaire
Born: Fort Scott
Current residence: Fort Scott
Currently employed: Manager of Bourbon County Rural Water District, farmer
What are some of your qualifications for this position? A vast knowledge of Bourbon County and the people within. Operating a million-dollar annual budget for Consolidated Rural Water District No. 2; working closely with the City of Fort Scott to provide water services to citizens; developing Cedar Creek Reservoir, which provides additional water resources to the city; previously an agricultural loan officer for Citizens Bank for 15 years; operation of a farm enterprise, which requires sound management skill due to the expensive cost of operation in these financially-stressed times; lists best attributes as strong work ethic, ability to work with and listen to the ideas of others.
Have you held a public office before? No due to demanding commitments of my employment.
Why are you running for this office? I am genuinely interested in the well-being of Bourbon County and the people who live here. I have seen a decline in population and services provided to the citizens but an increase in the tax burden.
What do you believe your strengths will be in this office if elected? The willingness to work long and hard hours; a good listener who takes seriously the needs and views of others; a sound manager with good people skills; get along well with others; conservative when spending own money or money of others; experience with the people both inside and outside the city through banking, farming and water distribution is an asset; recognizes the difference in the needs of the city and the county and the importance of working together; brings financial experience from banking and budget management; has a long, successful perserverance in banking, farming and water distribution.
What ideas specifically do you have for the betterment of Bourbon County? First of all, I believe there is a strong need for the city and county governments to work together. When the two governments stand united, more effective and cost-efficient services can be provided. County roads are always a concern. Repairs are often done utilizing a quick fix method with poor quality causing roads to return to a state of disrepair soon after renovation is complete. I would like to see incentives for employees to ease the disgruntled attitude of many county workers. I'd like the staff to have opportunities for advancement, better salaries and a voice in the job they do. Utility and technology services for the people living in the rural and small-town communities need to be as advanced as those provided for the individuals in the urban areas. Taxation is also an issue I'd like to address. We are living in a critical economic time in a financially-struggling community. The tax burden is overwhelming, which drives people and businesses away from Bourbon County. The most effective way to relieve the tax burden is to monitor spending more closely. Bourbon County needs to attract businesses that will provide an improved job market, which will broaden the tax base. I believe it's important to support the businesses that currently exist in our community and not lose sight of the agricultural community, which has been the center of our economic base since the beginning of time. The citizens living outside of the city are often forgotten and I believe it's vital to recognize and support the economic impact these people make on our community.
How important do you feel city/county cooperation is to the area? I believe it is essential for the Bourbon County Commission and the Fort Scott City Commission to work together for the betterment of this community. The needs of the city are very different from those of the county. Each government has an important job to perform in order to represent the people fairly. Both governments are necessary with unique responsibilities. Working together is a win/win situation for all citizens.
What community boards/organizations do you belong to? Bourbon County Fair Board and chairman of the annual 4-H livestock sale; serving on the steering committee for the Marmaton WRAPS program; advisor to the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service; board member for the Public Wholesale Water Supply District No. 13; Pioneer Harvest Fiesta; Knights of Columbus; Fort Scott High School scholarship selection team; former member of the MErcy Hospital Advisory Board; former member of the Fort Scott Planning Commission; active member of Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church; instrumental in development of Cedar Creek Reservoir, which provides flood protection, recreation and a backup water source for the City of Fort Scott.
Additional comments: I bring to the table a sound business background in agriculture, community resources and business. I am level-headed and always look to all aspects of an issue before making a decision.