Ron Agor

Party: Nonpartisan

Age: 60

Job: Architect for Agor Design Group, LLC.

Born in Honolulu. In Hawaii from birth

Lives: Lihu'e

Contact: 808 651-5764, ron@ronagor.com

Web site: www.ronagor.com

Job history past 10 years:
Self employed Architect for 22-plus years.

Ever run for public office? When? Outcome?
Unsuccessful Candidate for State House District 15 (2006).

Other civic experience or community service:
Current Kauai Member of the state Land Board of Natural Resources (5 yrs).

Anything else you'd like voters to know about you?
Ron Agor has donated architectural designs for Kauai's first homeless shelter, drug treatment center, the new YMCA Olympic Swimming Pool and facilities for many other non-profit organizations.

1) Why are you running for office?
I want government to get out of the way of families and small businesses who are trying to prosper on Kauai. I truly believe that the strength and goodness of our community comes from strong families and small businesses. As a Council Member I will do all I can to make decisions that will strengthen families and small businesses.

2) Should county government further boost tourism or invest in creating other types of jobs? Which jobs?
The County should be helping existing businesses by "fast tracking" their efforts to expand and hire more people. This is especially critical for companies that want to diversify into energy type of businesses like wind and solar. The County should help create more diverse agricultural jobs by allowing farmers to build substantial employee housing and help them to expand into eco-tourism.

3) Do you support the late Mayor Baptiste's tax reform plan?
I do support the proposed tax reform. I like the idea of shifting the burden of taxes from families and the elders to resort and businesses. When families and the elders are faced with increasing taxes, they have no where to turn. Resort and businesses have the ability to transfer the increases to their customers. We must monitor future increases to make sure taxes don't really hurt businesses.

4) How would you increase the availability of affordable housing?
By having the county do their basic fundamental job of providing infrastructure like sewer and water to zoned properties. I would work to upgrade density of larger residential lots in the town core, thus, empowering local people to build more units for their community.

5) Would you support a ban on new gated communities and a moratorium on residential subdivision of agricultural land?
An outright ban of gated communities is not necessary. Over the last few years, our planning commission have been able to discourage gated communities. Moratoriums are not a way to solve problems. Subdivisions of ag lands should have a more thorough scrutiny by our planning commission. I would develop a policy that would encourage setting aside substantial farm lands for every home built.

6) Should Kaua'i consider a waste-to-energy plant to dispose of trash?
We have to consider all proposals for alternative energy. If a company submits a proposal that would not cost the county any up front monies and not cause substantial harm to the environment, then I would consider a waste-to-energy plant.

7) What is the No. 1 quality-of-life issue facing Kaua'i County, and what would you do about it?
I believe traffic is the major pain to our quality of life. As a council member, I will look at encouraging moving workplaces where the workforces live. I will support a staggered four day government work week. I would also support having all students from Koloa and west to go to the Waimea Schools. The bus system needs to be expanded. It is crucial to find ways to keep cars off the roadways.

8) What's the No. 1 initiative you would pursue in 2009?
The number one initiative I would pursue is to fix the building permitting system. When families and businesses want to expand, the county should be responsible for issuing permits in a timely fashion. A major look at our water department is part of this initiative. As an architect working with the departments for over 20 years, makes me the right candidate to get this job done.