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Home » 2019-05-04 election » City of Shenandoah » City Council Position 2 » Andrea Konzem

Andrea Konzem
Party I
Website
Born Houston, TX
Education Associates Degree
Occupation Legal Assistant
Religion Lutheran
Marital Married
Children 2

Andrea Konzem

declared

 

 

Video Interview Source

Submitted by dennis tibbs on 2019-04-02 04:36:55

 

MCTP Rating Source

Submitted by dennis tibbs on 2019-04-02 04:03:41

Pros

  • Seemingly a financial conservative and has pointed out some concerns that need to be addressed, including a concern about council receiving pay and health insurance.
  • Doesn't think current council is as responsive a previous council was, though no specifics
  • Thinks there should be more "sales tax" businesses than apartments built in citys' limited space left
  •  Says council is spending frivously and wants to cut it back (but has no specifics as to what).
  •  Wants to make use of unused common areas for resident activities, such as growing vegetables.
  •  Has a goal of zero property tax.
  •  Works as a legal aid to a local law firm.

Cons

  • Consensus that she's not properly prepared to be running in this race
  • Many of her answers express personal wishes & wants(Community Garden & Center - no clear way to pay for it). Myopic.
  • Blames current council for current health insurance...  More

Questionnaire

General

Why are you running for this position?  What are the three main attributes that make you the most qualified for this position?

I'm conservative and don't stop until I have my answer and very dedicated.

What are the 3 largest challenges currently facing this position/office and your road map to address them?

1 - Reducing spending

2.  Changing the focus of city council from serving themselves to serving the people

3.  Making sure that everything we do helps the citizens as opposed to city government.

The Road map to get there is to do a cost benefit analysis from the citizens prospective everytime.

How can the operation of your city government be made more efficient and cost effective?

Please see my answer directly above.

What's your interpretation of the "Separation of Church and State"?

The government should not be the sponsor of any religion but the constitution does not prohibit prayer.

What is your primary resource to help you make difficult decisions as it relates to public policy?

I'm an independent conservative and have no money interest in government.

Budget

Will you vote to increase or reduce the annual city budget?  Why?  What changes will you propose in your city’s budget?  Why?

I will definitely vote to reduce spending because I feel that there is too much frivlous sprending. 

What is the current budget surplus and should any of it be returned to the residents, pay down debt or retained in a rainy day fund and if so, how much and why?

The city shows a 2.4 million dollar annual surplus on its website at this point. Those funds should be returned to the citizens as a reduction in taxes.

Should salaried employees be paid overtime?  And if so, should their be a limit and how much?

No, of course not.

Taxes

What is the Sales Tax Rate for the City in which you're running?  Property Tax rate?  How much of the revenue is derived from each? Do you think it would be a good idea to broaden either or both of them to increase revenues?

8.25 sales tax;

0.1799 property tax rate;

85% comes from sales tax.

I do not believe we should broaden either tax.

Debt

What is city's bond rating?  What is the current debt load and is it too high? Please describe how you will determine the proper debt load.

My recollection is AA+.

The debt load is not too hight.

Economy

Do you support or oppose creation of Improvement Districts and Economic Development Districts? Why or why not?

I support them only based on sales tax revenue.

What are the advantages/disadvantages of Economic Development Partnerships?

Government isn't very good at Economic Development.

Ethics

Have you and/or any of your family members been employed by or working under contract to any taxing entity in your jurisdiction?

My daughter.

Are you now or have you ever done business with the city and/or any other taxing entity? If so, what was the nature of that relationship?

No.

List Civic, Political or union organization or individuals to whom you have contributed time or money (five years).

None except for church and KHCB radio station.

Have you ever been convicted as result of arrest? Ever had any tax liens? If so, give start & resolution dates?

No, No.

Please describe what measures you propose to improve transparency and accountability to the public.

I feel that we need to follow through with more town hall meetings as promised and the website needs to be more open.

List all governmental entities you've done business with during the past five years

I pay my taxes.

Other

Please explain why you do or do not support the government providing financial benefits to non-citizens.

I do not support that because I'm a citizen and pay my taxes.

 

Would you vote in favor of spousal benefits for same-sex partners of State, County and City employees? Please explain your reasons.

No. 

Do you own property in Montgomery County?  Do you own or operate a business in Montgomery County?

Yes. No.

Should City employees living out of the city and/or county take home city vehicles?  Why or why not?

No. They shouldn't take government property home with them.

 

Are you a member of ANY Chamber of Commerce group? Are you aware of and/or have you attended or plan to attend Leadership Montgomery County?

No. No.