Nancy Bell is a candidate running for Levy County Commision, Seat 2. She is one of four Democrats in the primary race for that seat. She has been active in many persuits; an accounting business, raising a son who is now a police officer, and winning her class in the Wild Hog Canoe Race ten times. Ms. Bell is a music lover and was in Cedar Key to hear a friend perform when she graciously gave time for a Cedar Key News interview. CKN: Let`s get right into an education issue. Are vouchers to pay for sending children to private schools a good idea? NB: I`m not really in favor of vouchers. I believe people should have a choice of schools, but there must be a way other than vouchers. CKN: You are running in the Democratic primary. How long have you been a Democrat? NB: All my life. CKN: Do you think there are an differences between the parties? NB: The parties have gotten closer together in some aspects, but I want to see a government that is more responsive to the needs of the people, and that`s why I`m a Democrat. CKN: We call this area the Nature Coast. Environmental issues are important here. How can the County Commision protect the quality of our springs? NB: One of the things is the new ordinance that they are looking at for a buffer around a spring area. I`m an outdoor person and a canoeist, and protecting our water quality is very important. CKN: How can the County Commision protect the Cedar Key clam industry from possible pollution from the Plantation development? NB: The Commision is looking at putting an aquaculturist on the Planning Board. It costs more to put additonal members on the Board so it has become a budget issue. I`m not sure where they are going to go with that. CKN: Septic tanks could be an issue at the Plantation development. Do you think the county will allow that? NB: I am sure that the Commisoners would look at that real close. CKN: Are there any areas that you see as an accountant that the county can save tax dollars? NB: We need to have a budget process with more workshops. There needs to be policies in place for the bid process. I`d also like to see a policies and procedures manual in place. We do not have that now except in some departments. This is particularly important in the areas of roads and services, so that we can inform people when their road will be done. A three year plan would work. CKN: One of your opponents favors a county constitution. What is your position on that? NB: Are you talking about Charter Government? I am not an advocate of Charter Government. I believe that it costs more to operate. There have been a lot of law suits, there are 19 counties that have them (Charters) and there are four of them in litigation at this moment because they do not comply with the State Constitution. We get into real costly litigation over these areas and the tax payers pay for it. CKN: What are the key issues for voters to choose you in the primary? NB: I am a business woman. That I do know budgets. I`ve administered budgets during my profession. I`m not an advocate of increased taxes. We need to effectively manage a $50 million budget. I believe my background, my education and desire and relentless energy level will serve the people. CKN: Final question. Who do you support in the Democrtic primary for governor? NB: McBride, No question! He`s going to be an Education Governor. I`m worried about public education. We`ve got a lot of problems, not only vouchers but charter schools. Public education need a strong Education Governor and I see McBride as that. | 