Democratic candidates pledge to restore trust in county government
NEW ALBANY, May 22, 2024 –Democratic candidates running for county government offices are calling for a reset in the way Floyd County government operates. Veronica Combs, candidate for Floyd County Commissioner in Dist. #2; Ellen Morrison Kelley, candidate for County Council; and Vickie Tencer, candidate for County Treasurer, led a joint press conference with other candidates Wednesday to share a new vision for County government that begins with restoring integrity and trust.
“For over a decade, county officials have struggled to manage our public affairs,” stated Morrison Kelley. “We’ve seen fiscal mismanagement, questions of undue influence in contract selection, and even bitter battles between elected officials resulting in lawsuits aimed at removing an official from office.”
Morrison Kelley, who is a licensed clinical social worker and runs Jeff Book, a bookstore in Jeffersonville that benefits the Lifespring Foundation, further illustrated the impact of the county’s conflicts and controversies.
“The self-imposed wounds have kept county government from addressing critical issues such as managing our financial affairs, providing basic services such as EMS, and making important community improvements to our facilities, infrastructure, and other assets,” she added. “It’s time to fix county government and that begins by restoring integrity and trust.”
Accordingly, the candidates offered and publicly signed an integrity pledge to the citizens of Floyd County. The pledge states that they will maintain civil and professional conduct during the campaign and throughout their public service, they will respect their fellow citizens, county employees, and other appointed and elected officials, regardless of their policy positions or disagreements. It further states that as an elected official, they will prioritize problem solving, emphasize collaboration, and use taxpayer dollars to support public services. The candidate will also utilize transparent public bidding processes and will support fiscal accountability and regular audits of financial operations to avoid mismanagement and corruption.
Tencer, a grants manager at the University of Louisville who also owns her own accounting firm enthusiastically agreed with the pledge.
“Today, we want to turn a new page and give citizens the confidence that if elected we will have their interest at heart, will act professionally and fairly, and will maintain civility as public servants,” she said.
The candidates will be encouraging other candidates to sign the pledge, including their Republican opponents.
“We aren’t running to represent a special interest,” stated Tencer. “A good idea, regardless of who thought of it, is a good idea and we believe in working across the aisle and with all our fellow residents to make our county a stronger, better community to live, work, and raise a family.”
Combs, Ellen Morrison Kelley, and Tencer joined in signing the pledge with fellow candidates running for County office, including Tim Harbison, candidate for County Commissioner in Dist. #3, and Daniel Harris, candidate for County Council at-large. Other candidates unable to attend also are supportive of the pledge.
“Each of us offer our fellow citizens exceptional education, skills, and professional experience as candidates,” stated Veronica Combs.
Combs, a writer and editor who has worked for online publications ranging from business to healthcare to deep technology, pointed to the need for county government to prioritize problem solving for constituents.
She noted that Floyd County, like many Indiana communities, faces challenges including maternal health, substance addiction, and infrastructure issues. Public funding for many of these services remains low.
“By being more conscious of the problems our community faces and working to problem solve and find critical consensus, we can make a meaningful impact in the overall quality of life for Floyd County,” she added. “Snipping at one another the way officials have for the last several years doesn’t get the job done.
“Floyd County needs a new approach to government, and we want to offer that opportunity to our citizens upfront this election cycle by restoring trust and integrity in government,” concluded Combs.
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