Published: June 25, 2008 09:36 am            

Mouser enters race for Floyd County Commissioners

Active participant at public meetings to run as independent in District 2

George Mouser has attended Floyd County government meetings for more than two decades as an interested resident. Now, he is ready to sit on the other side of the table.

Mouser recently turned in 518 signatures to the Floyd County Clerk’s office in order to be on the ballot for Floyd County Commissioner District 2 in the November general election. Clerk Linda Moeller said signatures from 485 registered voters are needed to run as an independent.

Mouser, a Greenville Township resident, will face Democratic incumbent Chuck Freiberger and Republican Dave Matthews in the race. Matthews is the Floyd County Republican Chairman and Freiberger is a two-term incumbent.

Despite the competition, Mouser said he is confident about his chances.

“I feel real good about it,” he said. “I entered it to win it.”

Mouser said he has been energized by voters who encouraged him as he went door to door to have his petition signed.

“I didn’t ask anyone to vote for me. I just explained the petition, told them why I was running and asked them to sign it. I think if I can get the word out, I am confident I can win the election.

“When I talk to people I tell them I am running on my record. Or I am running on their (commissioners) record, because that is the best record I’ve got. I have received unbelievable encouragement.”

Mouser, 80, said the commissioners have appointed “poor prospects” to several boards, including the plan commission and board of zoning appeals. He said he has spoken at numerous commissioners meetings on issues but “can’t get anything done.”

“They just sit there and stare at me,” he said.

He has been outspoken for several years about building sewers in rural areas. In a news release, he states the reasons he objects to rural sewers are because of “failure and expense.” He also wants to keep county and city governments separate.

“I have absolutely no animosity toward the people of New Albany. I used to live there,” he said. “But we don’t have anything to gain (by merger). I think we are moving away from our grass roots.”

Attempts to reach Freiberger and Matthews were unsuccessful.

        

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