Press Release -- 3/26/2008

McKim for Council
3714 N Bittersweet Dr
Bloomington, IN 47408
(812) 322 2762
committee@mckimforcouncil.com

Geoff McKim Calls for County Purchasing Reform to Support Local Economy

Geoff McKim, candidate for Monroe County Council, is proposing significant reforms of the county's procurement policies. "We can keep more money in the community, support local business, and make county purchasing more efficient," said McKim. McKim is urging two changes in Monroe County Government's procurement system (Title 2, Chapter 266 of the Monroe County Code): targeting purchasing policies to favor small and locally owned businesses, and improving coordination and transparency among county departments.

As part of his comprehensive economic development strategy, McKim argues that county government should use procurement policies to help small, local businesses. "We can't preach about the importance of the local economy while purchasing our goods and services from someplace else," said McKim. "Whenever possible, we should be supporting our local economy by buying locally, which will create jobs and keep taxpayer money in Monroe County."

"We can also do a much better job in getting county employees to work together and improve the efficiency and transparency of decision-making," said McKim. McKim also believes there may be room for closer cooperation with other units of government, such as the Library, school corporations, the solid waste district, and the municipal governments in the county.

"By reforming the county procurement system, we can realize major economic and financial benefits for the citizens of Monroe County," said McKim."This is just one example of how the Council can work closely with the Board of Commissioners to make a real difference in our community."

Geoff McKim's Web site can be found at: http://www.mckimforcouncil.com.