Crouch wants to keep being voice of taxpayer

Republican Kathy Crouch is seeking re-election to a second term. [Click to enlarge]

"I wish to continue to be the voice of the taxpayer for fiscal responsibility and wise and justifiable decisions for the actions of local government in Greene County," Crouch said. "Greene County can do better. Local government in Greene County can be better and if re-elected, I will continue to represent the taxpayer to stop the waste of their tax dollar, stop the diminishing services and stop the current lax approach to solving the problems that drive it."

Crouch will also continue to work toward better roadways and bridges in the county.

"If re-elected I shall continue to hard-surface an average of 6.5 miles of roads each year," she said. "I will continue to fight for proper maintenance of our roads and bridges."

She will also continue her political involvement at the state level.

Couch explained, "I will continue to be involved at the state level regarding new legislation and its affect on the people of Greene County."

The proposed legislation being reviewed in the current session is the main issue facing Greene Countians now, she added.

"Lowering or eliminating property tax is long over due, but not every aspect of the proposed legislation is desirable," Crouch explained. "Proposed legislation for local government reform, in it's current form, also has some problems."

No matter what the legislative changes are, Greene County's elected officials will have a lot of hard work to do in the next few years, she said.

"As always, I will be one elected official that will roll up my sleeves and get dirty making certain that Greene County makes lemonade out of the lemons," she added.

Another important issue currently facing Greene County is land-use planning, she noted.

"I have said the same thing for four years; it is time that Greene County looks at land-use and I believe it must be done in baby-steps," she explained. "And I wish to assure the taxpayer that as long as I am on board, Greene County will look nothing like Monroe County. Do we need to research and contemplate land-use planning? I believe so."

Crouch also believes that she has accomplished much in her three years of service to Greene County.

"The wheel-tax dollar in my district is being used more efficiently and physical re-addressing is finally happening," she explained. "I am proud to have been part of the wave of change for the (Greene County) Economic Development Corporation that brought us a new director and is breathing new life into the most important aspect of the future of Greene County."

She also worked adamantly against the issue of I-69 becoming a toll-road, she noted.

"I was very vocal at the state-level regarding Toll-69 and that idea's demise," Crouch explained. " A toll road through Greene County will not help us at all."

Another issue Crouch worked toward is a wellness plan for Greene County employees.

"After two years of talking, employees of Greene County are now covered by a wellness plan that includes preventative testing that may find health issues such as breast cancer and prostrate cancer early," Crouch said. "Other coverage changes were made that will save the taxpayer money. As a matter of fact, I learned just this week, that the county saved 20 percent in health insurance costs in 2007 alone."

Crouch currently resides in southeastern Greene County with her husband of 21 years -- Chuck Crouch. She is currently employed at MLE Enterprises, Inc. as Director of Business Development.

"I believe the taxpayer should vote for me if they see the need for increased communication, increased accountability and the voice of reason in their local representation," Crouch added.