Q: Many voters don’t know the difference between a county commissioner and a county council member. Briefly explain the difference in responsibilities, and what you hope to accomplish as a commissioner if elected.
A: The commissioners are the executive branch of county government while the council has the fiscal responsibilities of the county. The council hears all budget requests for all county departments and approves the final budget which then determines the tax rate. They set the salary, wages and other compensation for all county officials and employees. The commissioners control and maintain county property. They supervise maintenance and construction of county roads and all bridges. They manage all benefits for county employees. They receive and review bids and authorize contracts. They appoint individuals to various county boards, commissions, and committees.
Q: One remark often heard from first-term elected county officials is that they had no idea how much time the job required until after being sworn into office. What have you learned to be the lesser-known responsibilities of a commissioner, and are you confident you’ll be able to make the necessary time commitment?
A: I have always been involved in community activities during my career. I could not hold a public office in the past because of my job commitments and locations. As a commissioner I expect to work about 20 hours per week which includes the official meetings and the six to seven community committees as required. As a retiree I have a very flexible schedule along with a wealth of knowledge and experience that will be assets to the role.
Q: If city and county officials had agreed last winter to a proposal to become a Second Amendment sanctuary, local governments could have claimed the right to refuse to cooperate with any state and federal firearm law they deemed unconstitutional. Did you agree or disagree with the proposal introduced in January to become a Second Amendment sanctuary?
A: I disagree with the proposal. I am a firm believer in our Constitution and will be honored to take an oath to protect and serve the Constitution, if the voters deem me worthy. I also believe a public servant must focus on those tasks and issues for which the office has the ability and statutory authority to address. I don’t believe a public servant should entertain issues that would be outside their duties and responsibilities. Never should a public servant waste the time and money of our taxpayers. I pledge I will never take such a step.
[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”Dan Arnholt” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
Age: 74
Education: Columbus High School Class of 1963, bachelor of science degree in agriculture economics from Purdue University 1968 with a minor in agriculture engineering.
Career: Served 18 years as of Bartholomew County REMC CEO until retiring in 2008. Later served four months as interim CEO of Henry County REMC in 2013, and six months as interim CEO at Hendricks Power Cooperative in 2015.
Community Activities: Bartholomew County Redevelopment Commission; Bartholomew County 4-H leader; Member of St. Peters Lutheran Church, serving as several capacities; Heritage Fund Development Committee; Member of Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp. Facilities Committee; Columbus Noon Rotary Club; AgrIInstitute Community Funds Committee member; Indiana State 4-H Tractor Committee; Citizens Advisory Committee to Bartholomew County Solid Waste District; National 4-H Engineering Event Board member.
Family: Wife, Susan. Two adult children.
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