Hi, my name is Kirke Wise, and I’d like to become one of your next Republican Commissioners in Clarion County. As a lifetime resident of our County, I have a genuine concern for our future and take a personal stake in our success. I’m a 100% Republican, and a staunch second amendment advocate. I’m also an expert in electronics and many of its related technologies. I’ve worked behind the scenes for over 33 years on critical infrastructure and communications systems across Northwest Pa. I’d like to use my expertise, insight, and experience to help Clarion County come into this 21st century where we all belong. I’m uniquely qualified in these areas, to make the wise decisions needed to bring us up to speed! But I’ll need your help.

What I believe in and what I’ll do if I’m elected:

> The taxpayers must always come first!

There are many obligations that we have to fulfill in modern society. Funding government operations, and what services it’s supposed to provide through our hard-earned tax dollars

is one. It’s a necessary “evil” in many ways. I believe that the taxpayers must always come first. That officials who manage and administer that money must do so in an efficient and cost-effective manner. Always considering the effort it took for those taxpayers to make that money in the first place. I don’t like big spending politicians and bureaucrats. I bet you don’t either! I will consider you first with every dollar that must be spent.

>Start making an honest effort to get this fire/ems/first responder issue under control.

It doesn’t seem like much has been done these past several years across the state. This has been an ongoing problem that will only become a crisis as time goes by. I’ve worked in a behind these technical scenes support role for all of these people across Northwest Pa. for some 33 years.

We need to step up to the plate as a county and implement policies and programs to make things better. We should be considering possible County tax breaks for active volunteer firefighters if possible. We should be finding new methods of helping to sustain our dwindling EMS locations. We should come to value the 911 operators and dispatchers. Find a way to pay them accordingly. The many talented individuals of the first responder community are hard to find, and hard to keep. and its only getting harder by the day. I know and respect these people. And I want to do something to help them. Before it’s too late for all of us. There are many avenues we might be able to pursue. Not the least of which would be to cooperate with surrounding counties and apply pressure on the state in entirely new ways.

To give some of our tax money back to us! So, our houses don’t completely burn down. So, we don’t have to wait an hour when we’re in critical need of an EMS unit. And I won’t take no for an answer. This is becoming an emergency for all of us.

>Actively seek out new businesses and opportunities.

You can never remain stagnant. You must push forward, or you will fall behind. That goes for counties too. This world is a rapidly changing place. Advancing technology is at the forefront of what’s to come for our jobs and lives. Disruptive technologies which while more efficient, may have a negative effect on being able to rely on what used to be…

We have to move forward, bolstering our current industries while encouraging new ones. Firstly, being supportive of entrepreneurs and inventors who are trying to bring new ideas into the marketplace. We have many bright people in the county. Innovation can start at home. This can involve state and corporate grants when they see that we actually have a means to make things happen. Also working with business leaders to see if we can have our own “makerspace” in the county. A place where ideas can turn into reality. It’s happening in many places across the country. Just not here. Not yet. I want to try to make it happen! Secondly, to continue to improve the quality of life and its surroundings in our county. This is a broad issue covering urban blight, recreation possibilities, as well as entertainment and cultural activities and oppourtunities.

Believe it or not, these are among the things that can make people want to come here and stay here. I’ve seen this at work with my involvement in the Watershed Journal literary group based out of Brookville Pa. I’m one of the original four founders of the quarterly magazine which has run for over 19 issues now! We’re a nonprofit organization, with the purpose of providing local people with the opportunity to become published authors. Through workshops and events, also encouraging people and getting the sparks of inspiration going. A number of local and area authors have now sprung up as a result of these efforts by all. I’ve seen the changes, making the area that much brighter. I’m proud to continue on as a board member to this day. Big companies, technology companies, they all look these sorts of things when evaluating future operations. Because inspiration begets inspiration.

I could on with many other ideas in these areas as well, but will leave it at that

>I will save you from wasting money on “pie in the sky” stuff that doesn’t work!

I’ve seen many instances of poorly spent money over the years when it comes to technology in state and county governments. Simply buying things which will not work and cost too much. I can make sure that Clarion County doesn’t waste any more money on these sorts of things in the future. Thats because of my experience and expertise in many areas of technology.

I’ll be writing more soon.