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Several inmate outbursts have occurred at the Bartholomew County Jail and in county courtrooms during the past year. What can be done to reduce such conflict in public buildings and create a safer environment? Would you hire more jail staff?
The safety of our Bartholomew County employees must always be a top priority. A closed-circuit video conference could increase safety in our courtrooms and may also reduce inmate transportation while keeping our jail officers in the jail. I would work with the sheriff’s department to ensure safety and reduce outbursts.
There have been increasing instances of female Bartholomew County Jail inmates who are concealing drugs in body cavities to sneak contraband into the jail. Would you support purchase of screening equipment to limit this from occurring?
As a visual inspection may not reveal hidden contraband, screening devices can be a useful tool to reduce the introduction of drugs or weapons into our jail. I would certainly consider this option if the funding could be justified. Let’s take a look at the budget and explore options.
Do you support the idea of utilizing a renovated part of the old jail as a treatment center for inmates? If so, should the county foot that bill? The city? Other sources? Combinations?
At this time I would need more information to make a informed decision on renovation of the old jail. I personally feel this is a Bartholomew County problem, and all sources should be involved in cost if a decision was made to renovate.
Are tax abatements an effective incentive to encourage businesses to locate or expand in areas of the county outside Columbus?
Tax abatements are indeed an effective incentive for businesses looking to locate in Bartholomew County, and the prospect of new or expanded business is exciting. As a business looks at our county, they want to see a solid infrastructure and a potential workforce. We need to be ready.
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Several inmate outbursts have occurred at the Bartholomew County Jail and in county courtrooms during the past year. What can be done to reduce such conflict in public buildings and create a safer environment? Would you hire more jail staff?
It is important to recognize that the Bartholomew County Council has the decision-making power regarding fiscal affairs for the county. Therefore, it is imperative that there be collaboration and advisement from law enforcement officials to determine proper funding for such things as hiring additional jail staff.
There have been increasing instances of female Bartholomew County Jail inmates who are concealing drugs in body cavities to sneak contraband into the jail. Would you support purchase of screening equipment to limit this from occurring?
If the recommendation from law enforcement was to purchase screening equipment, the purchase could be investigated. If it is possible to use the additional funding secured through the public safety tax revenue, this could be a likely source for funding the screening equipment for the jail.
Do you support the idea of utilizing a renovated part of the old jail as a treatment center for inmates? If so, should the county foot that bill? The city? Other sources? Combinations?
Sadly, within many communities, there is a great need for additional treatment for inmates and others. When funding is needed to provide such a treatment center, it should come through a collaboration of funding sources: county and city governments, endowment and grant funds, and local businesses and organizations.
Are tax abatements an effective incentive to encourage businesses to locate or expand in areas of the county outside Columbus?
When property tax abatements result in actual economic development, they can be beneficial to the county where the businesses locate. However, abatements must be decided on a case-by-case basis to determine how effectively they will be in the development of long-lasting jobs within the county.
[sc:pullout-text-end][sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”Scott Bonnell ” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
Political Party: Republican
Age: 56
Residence: Columbus
Occupation: Farmer, firefighter, inspector and arson investigator.
Education: Columbus East High School; studied agriculture at Purdue University, 1981.
Previous offices held. None
Previous offices sought: None
Community involvement: Bartholomew County Farm Bureau president; Flood Planning and CAFO study committees.
Immediate family: Wife, Lois; one son, one daughter.
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Political Party: Republican
Age: 44
Residence: Rockcreek Township
Occupations: Farmer, senior minister at Jennings Church of Christ, school bus driver.
Education: Columbus East High School; Bachelor of Arts degree, Cincinnati Christian University, 1997.
Previous offices held: Rockcreek Township Board, 1999 – 2016; Rockcreek Township Trustee, 2016 – present
Previous offices sought: Bartholomew County commissioner, District 3, 2012; Bartholomew County Council, District 1, 2014.
Community involvement: South Central Indiana Christian Men’s Fellowship, president and past secretary; Bartholomew County Genealogical Society secretary and past president, 4-H Club leader; 4-H Council and Fair Board member; BCSC Bus Drivers Association former officer.
Immediate family: Wife, Jennifer; one daughter.
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