Scott Ayres Age: 46 Address: 412 E. Jackson St., Flora Three children: Cody, 22; Celsi, 20 and Cally, 18 County council-at-large candidate Scott Ayres said his financial background is just what the county needs on Nov. 4.

"We must get the county moving in the right direction," Ayres said. "I think I can participate on the council and help. We need tremendous cooperation from everyone."

Ayres said given the amount of money the county borrowed to pay bills and the need to begin repaying it by the end of the year, he does not understand how the county could end the year with a positive balance.

"I don't see how that could happen," he explained. "There's no way unless there's some magical money or windfall coming to the county."

"You can't worry about hurt feelings in things like this. The truth is the truth," he added. "You have to repay those accounts. You've got to put the money back even into the accounts the law does not require you to put back. It is still living above our means."

Ayres said he would not tolerate elected officials who ignore state statutes. He said taxpayers have a right to know what happens in county government on all levels and they should understand exactly how tax dollars are spent.

"I would demand adherence to state statutes," he emphasized. "Transparency is of the utmost importance, even when it hurts."

"Not only do taxpayers have a right to know about the goings-on in county government, but they have the right to participate," he added.

"The council and the commissioners should host town hall meetings to gather information and expertise from those who are affected by their decisions," he said. "There is too much 'individualistic' thinking. The attitude of 'I'm the job' is wrong. The U.S. Constitution was framed on the concept of government by the people and for the people."

Ayres said he would like for coun- cil members to address the audience during meetings instead of sitting around the table, where at times, discussions either cannot be heard or are difficult to understand.

"In a business setting, you wouldn't sit with your back to your client during a meeting," he said. "It's a matter of respect. It would be nice if all council members faced the audience and wore microphones."

Ayres said he expected every department head, including the auditor, to address the council from the podium. He explained the auditor occupied a special position as the secretary to the council, but that role should be separated from her role as a department head.

Ayres said it was a necessity, not just a desire, for the council to have the most accurate and current financial information from the treasurer and auditor prior to every council meeting to be able to make informed spending decisions.

"That information is a necessity. You cannot make the decisions necessary without that basic information," he said.

Ayres said he would be vocal about putting a stop to overspending by department heads.

"Of course I would voice my opinion about expenses openly," he said. "Why do you think we are in the situation we are in now, both with the county and the country? Those who don't use common sense and live beyond their means won't do that for very long."

Ayres said he would advocate for change in the current system to approve claims. He said expenditures should be approved prior to spending rather than after the fact, when the money is already spent. He added prior approval should be obtained by any full-time employee before they took a second job. He said that is standard protocol in business and he would expect that clause to be included in the county personnel policy manual.

Ayres said he would limit the amount of contact with current council members to learn the job after he was elected. He said he would rely on state resources for guidance in the new position.

Ayres would vote to spend money to fight a judicial mandate for budgetary issues. He said this was a "sore subject" for him and he thought judicial mandates were not good for Carroll County taxpayers. He would support a legal remedy if a mandate was issued in reference to the 2009 budget by Carroll County judges.

Ayres said he favored term limits but could understand how that situation might not always be best for the county.

"You're always going to have a Catch-22," he said. "Sometimes it would be nice for the right person for the job to be able to stay in the position. But it is the right thing for the voters to choose who is best for them in an election."

"I can bring business and financial experience to the council position," Ayres said in conclusion. "I can bring a certain level of cooperation and the ability to get along with other people. I have a desire to learn more of the innerworkings of local and state government and that will serve the voters of Carroll County well."