Cairo Association of Teachers - Newsletter

CAT Tracks JAMES R. (BOB) CONROY - CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE

Candidate Questionnaire

1. Name:     James R. (Bob) Conroy     Age:  62

2. Telephone

3. Marital status/children/grandchildren:     Widowed, no children

4. Current occupation:     Retired educator serving 27 years in the Cairo School District as Teacher, Coach, Athletic Director and Dean of Students at Cairo High School.

5. Educational background:     Graduate of the Cairo School system in 1963. Graduated from Murray State University with a Bachelors of Science degree in 1967.

6. Military service:     None. Though it is not considered military service, I was employed by one of the finest military prep schools in the nation, Culver Military Academy, for 25 summers serving as Aquatics Director.

7. Office you are seeking:     City Council Member-at-Large

8. If you are an incumbent, when were you first elected or appointed to office?     N/A

9. If you are an incumbent, please share what you think have been the most significant accomplishments or achievements while you have been in office?     N/A

10. If you are not an incumbent, is this the first time you have run for public office?     I have no political agenda and this is my first attempt to serve my hometown.

11. Why did you decide to run for the office you are seeking?     I feel that I can make a positive contribution to my hometown. Being a retired lifetime resident and thoroughly familiar with all the people of Cairo, I feel I have the time and qualifications to make an excellent candidate. I want Cairo to be a community which we are proud to live in. I want to regain a good image and self respect for the city.

12. Have you held any other elected or appointed office or offices?     I have served on many committees but no elected offices.

13. Please list what you think are the most important issues in the election for this office and why you consider them to be important.
    • To make it known that we are a united form of government functioning in a harmonious way.
    • Making Cairo an attractive and peaceful community to live in.
    • To operate under a balanced budget.
    • Seek and investigate new businesses and foster growth of existing businesses.
    • Enhance police, fire and health services to insure safe neighborhoods.
    • Begin city-wide cleanup.
    • Come up with a sound financial plan to continue our street and sewer improvements (seek state and federal assistance).
    • To support and improve education.
    • To have open, honest and respectful communications responding to the needs of the community.

14. What is your relationship to the city of Cairo?
    • Lifetime resident of Cairo.
    • Homeowner and taxpayer.
    • Attended and taught in the city schools for 39 years.
    • Participant of St. Patrick’s Church in the city of Cairo.
    • Active in working with the youth of the community.
    • Member of the fraternal order of the Elks (community service founded organization).

15. If elected, what are your short range goals for Cairo? (4 – 6 months)
    • Meet with elected officials to discuss issues and establish realistic goals.
    • Seek orientation for council members.
    • Improve public involvement informing them about issues, programs, and accomplishments.
    • Provide a positive work environment which encourages teamwork, initiative, productivity and individual development.
    • Have an open, honest and respectful communication with the public to foster a positive environment.
    • Consult with successful city managers of prosperous communities for ideas and directions for this city.
    • Look over city budget, obtain a city audit and begin paying outstanding bills.
    • Review existing goals and continue to work for economic development.
    • Provide cooperative leadership encouraging the recruitment of new businesses and the growth of large and small enterprises.

16. What are your long range goals for Cairo? (More than 6 months)
    • To provide municipal services in a timely and cost efficient manner.
    • To operate under a balanced budget.
    • Continue to provide and improve public health, safety and welfare services.
    • Produce timely and accurate financial information.
    • Develop a long term funding and debt management plan.
    • Pursue financial participation from county, state, and federal government.
    • Develop an honest and realistic street and sewer improvement plan (seek grants).
    • Begin a city wide cleanup of downed buildings and encourage property owners to maintain their premises.
    • Seek new businesses and foster the growth of existing ones.
    • Live within our means.

17. Why should someone vote for you?     I am a lifetime resident of Cairo with sound knowledge of local affairs. Owning my own home and being a taxpayer, I have a vested interest in the success of the city. Having retired, I have the time and energy to devote to being a productive council member. Living, attending and teaching in the Cairo School System for 39 years I am known and trusted throughout the community.

    I have always worked with the youth of our community, which is the town’s future. My college degree helps support my qualifications. I am a churchgoer and firmly believe there is a master plan for our city.