David Hunt is seeking the position of Montgomery County Council At Large. The following Q&A was submitted by the League of Women Voters of Montgomery County. Other candidates in June’s primary election will be featured
Name: David Hunt,
Office sought: Montgomery County Council At Large
Occupation: Owner/funeral director Hunt & Son Funeral Home, former Montgomery County Coroner, four terms
Education: AAS Funeral Service Vincennes University 1990; BA Management Indiana Wesleyan University 2006
Community Involvement: Crawfordsville Kiwanis (past president); Indiana State Coroners Association (past president); Indiana Coroners Training Board, member and instructor; former member Crawfordsville Board of Aviation Commissioners; Reserve Police Officer City of Crawfordsville; former member Crawfordsville Fire Department Merit Board
Party: Republican
What do you think is the most important issue facing Crawfordsville/Montgomery County in the next four years?
With recent events the economy will have a significant down turn. Budgets will have to be considered carefully, while trying to maintain current progress made in the county.
If elected, what would be your primary goal for the first year?
To work with the other council members, office holders and commissioners to keep our county on sound financial footing.
What professional experience do you have that is relevant to the office you seek, and what specific skills do you possess that make you qualified for the position?
As a business owner, I have to maintain and work within a budget while trying to grow a business. My past experiences have given me the ability to make decisions in high stress situations.
An elected office provides the opportunity to proactively lead by placing new ideas on the agenda for consideration and development. What are some specific ideas you intend to pursue if elected?
I would like to continue to help make Montgomery County a welcome place for new businesses. Making sure we have good roads and infrastructure is important to smart growth and quality of life.
Describe your priorities for this term in office and your specific qualifications to address those issues effectively.
I think 2021-22 will present some budget challenges. Decisions will have to be made and all office holders will have to work together to keep our budget in balance. As an office holder I only spent funds that were needed and routinely turned money back in at the end of the year.
Because the council serves a wide constituency, how can the council balance the needs and interests of both Crawfordsville and Montgomery County?
Cooperation between both entities is important to make sure our priorities line up. Open communication is important.
What can Crawfordsville and Montgomery County do to reduce its carbon footprint?
I think continuing and expanding encouragement of recycling is important, and a simple way to reduce carbon footprint.
What is the greatest concern that you hear from residents?
Property taxes and affordable/quality rental properties.
All cities and counties face fiscal challenges, how would you address balancing the budget and the needs and wants of the community?
We need to make sure that the counties needs are met by the budget first. If there is money left over we can look at what projects best benefit the community as a whole.
What can Crawfordsville and Montgomery County do to encourage businesses to locate here?
I think affordable and quality housing is important, as well as quality of life. Our community has made many great strides in this but there is always room for improvement. We are ideally located along the interstate and not far from Indianapolis and Lafayette. It really is great to live here!
During and following the COVID-19 pandemic, what will you do, if elected, to help the recovery of our business community?
There are few if any businesses that are unaffected by the pandemic. We need to do our best to make sure we as a county do not do anything that would inhibit recovery, while balancing the needs of the county.
