Mayoral Questionnaire-Brian J. Stout

BRIAN J. STOUT
Age: 30
Occupation: Insurance claims adjuster.
Education: Attended Indiana Bible College and Vale National Claims School and graduate of Kaskaskia College and Missouri Auction School.
Family: Wife, Chelsea; and two daughters, ages 2½ and 1.
Church, club memberships: Metro Community Church.
Offices held in past, elected and otherwise: N/A
Why did you decide to run for office?
Because the city of Vandalia is lacking a leader. We need someone who is willing to make tough choices. For my family and yours, we need Vandalia to prosper. Our current mayor shows a lack of transparency, a lack of being pro-active and mostly, the lack of accountability.
I could no longer sit on the sidelines. I’m ready to get in the game and work with the citizens of Vandalia to make positive changes that yield positive results.
What do you see as the key issues facing the position that you are seeking, and in what way would you address those issues?
My No. 1 goal will be to set forth a solid foundation for economic development. The citizens of Vandalia deserve someone working full-time who is experienced in economic development and city management.
The city cannot continue to run with a part-time mayor and full-time secretary.
We must work to attract new businesses while retaining existing businesses and providing them with the tools necessary to make their business stand out.
My plans are to work down at city hall on a daily basis; my job allows me the freedom to work from home, so I may as well be on the job working for the city and its residents.
Vandalia has had a city administrator in the past, but has temporarily held that job vacant, due to finances. Would you like to see someone in that post, or, if the city does not foresee a time when the job can be filled, returning the city to a mayor/aldermanic form of government?
The city of Vandalia needs to work to budget in a city administrator. I would like to see this position combined with the economic development position. This will be part of the foundation for strong economic development.
What types of experience and/or qualities can you bring to the office you are seeking?
I believe my experience as nearly a lifelong resident of Vandalia, small business owner and leadership skills make me a strong candidate for mayor.
I’m not fearful of making tough calls. I will stand by my word.
I believe that we need to work as a team. Together, we can make this community a place we can all be proud to call home.
Simply, why do you think you are the best candidate for mayor?I believe I am the best candidate for mayor because I feel this city needs a leader.
I will not isolate myself to just a few decision-makers in the private sector. I will always be open for questions and concerns of the public.
Residents will get honest answers without a secret agenda. I will not use tax dollars to fund pet projects just to chalk them up as a “learning experience.”
I pledge that I will never take money from contractors who are currently working with or who have done business with the city of Vandalia to fund my campaign, like our current mayor.
I will represent the citizens with the strength necessary to make our citizens proud.