The Mercer County Branch of the Pennsylvania Economy League and the League of Women Voters of Mercer County developed five questions for the 12 candidates for Mercer County commissioner. Candidates were asked to keep their responses to 75 words. Some of the longer responses were edited by The Herald to comply. The following are their answers to one of the five questions. The other answers will be published in the Wednesday and Thursday editions of The Herald.

What's your vision for Mercer County? Specifically, what should county government's role and responsibility be in meeting community development objectives?

   » OLIVIA LAZOR: We must attract more diverse businesses. Greater mix of businesses with good paying jobs will provide economic stability. There have been modest gains toward this vision but we need more! As chair, established the county's first revolving loan fund -- seed money for business equipment and start-up that continues to provide low interest loans to facilitate business development. Next, form a county/municipal joint authority to raise funds for sewer/water infrastructure needs and businesses will come.

   » JAMES T. KAIBAS: Mercer County is a "beautiful" community that is rich in resources. Its location and accessibility to other metropolitan areas is unique and gives us a significant advantage. County government must take an aggressive role in uniting our local industrial development commissions to put forth a unified county with one goal in mind, growth. Having each community working by itself would be counter-productive to the needs of all its citizens.

   » GEORGE POKRANT: The county needs to be the driving force in meeting our economic development through this plan: Create or utilize tax incentive plans that are similar to the graduated plan developed for the outlet mall. Hold line on property taxes. Develop a more aggressive marketing plan to attract new or relocating business. Set a tone that emphasizes cooperation/collaboration between county government and business. Be the catalyst in facilitating local governments working together to attract new businesses.

   » GLENN DOSCH: My vision for Mercer County is a happy, prosperous place to live. The county would also have better representation, less expensive government, fair taxes and more honest government with better checks and balances. This can all be achieved with a Home Rule government. Since a Home Rule government is closer to the people it can work better in developing community objectives.

   » THOMAS J. LIMBER, JR.: Mercer County government should take a leadership role in bringing the various organizations and economic development agencies together. They should work together to develop a plan which will set the ground work for the future.

   » JOE PHILLIPS: My vision of the county is growth near all interstate exits that is well planned and controlled through zoning. I envision diverse industry that spawns supportive business. A county with city parks, recreation areas, live entertainment, and out door cafés. The county must make sure all boards that address community development have members who are willing to contribute; must be willing to take calculated risk when it comes to change; and must provide a plan and continue to reevaluate the plan and update it.

   » RICHARD McMAHON: I would like to see an undivided county, not pitting the "valley" against the "other end" of the county. Regardless of where leaders come from, they must never tire in assisting all citizens wherever they live to unify the county. The farmers must be listened to as well as industrialists to assure inclusion in the implementation of any economic development plan.

   » MARY BUCKWALTER: My goal for Mercer County is to build a cohesive government unit with integrity and a drive to strive for the common good. Objectives in development will be met with efficiencies provided by effective communication, sharing resources and educating ourselves to viable solutions and finding the option that best serves individual communities and the county in general. With a solid team working hard, we can meet objectives for developing our communities and our county.

   » THOMAS DILL: I believe that especially in Mercer County, other avenues of revenue must be considered and utilized in the budget. The spending of taxpayer dollars must be narrowed in the economic condition of Mercer County. The county should help aid the community development by obtaining grants through state and federal sources. I hope to bring a new fiscal responsibility to the Mercer County commissioner's office.

   » MICHELE BROOKS: My vision for Mercer County is we choose to live here because we surpass other counties in fulfilling the needs and wants of hard-working people. Increasing jobs, while providing cultural availabilities and recreation opportunities, are essential. We must have wisdom to be prepared for challenges of an ever-changing economy. County government, along with development groups, must provide leadership and communication to encourage teamwork and collaboration between state, county, and local municipalities.

   » BRIAN BEADER: I see growth along our interstate with the help of local municipalities and county government pushing for infrastructure to make these areas pleasant for business to locate. We have a tremendous work force in our county and they have shown their resiliency after the loss of so many manufacturing jobs. The county must push for economic development to increase our tax base and allow business to flourish that in turn provides jobs for our hard working citizens.

   » BRUCE A. RICHAEL: Provide best possible quality of life for all residents through leadership and supportive roles.