County Council candidate profile: Matt Mano

Mano
Matthew J.K. Mano, 58
Occupation: Wastewater plant worker with operator license
Educational Background: High school graduate, Military Service, Vietnam Veteran,
Community Involvement: Coalition for a Drug-Free Lanai, Lanai for Sensible Growth, Lanai Planning Commission and Friends for Lanai
Political Experience: None
1) WHY ARE YOU RUNNING?
I am running to better service the community I live in. To assure that the future of this county goes forward with sustainable jobs, agriculture, water and a brighter future for all of the young people of our county.
2) HOW CAN MAUI COUNTY DIVERSIFY ITS ECONOMY,
SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES AND CREATE JOBS?
In all things to diversify one’s economy, it takes the knowledge of all County Council members to come up with a plan that will benefit all areas of business. I believe in supporting small businesses and home-based businesses, creating jobs that would work for our county at this time and diversified agriculture.
3) WHAT ARE THE THREE KEY ISSUES IN THE 2010 ELECTIONS,
AND HOW WOULD YOU ATTACK THEM?
Water, jobs and sustainable energy. I would meet with businesses that are in tune with these problems and ask for advice on how we can, with help, resolve the issues at hand.
4) WHY SHOULD VOTERS CHOOSE YOU?
I believe that the voters are looking for new minds, blood and new ideas on how we can resolve past issues that have been on the table so long. Ideas that would move these issues forward, and not continue to overspend the taxpayers’ money foolishly.
5) WHAT ARE THE TOP PRIORITIES OF YOUR DISTRICT?
The wind farm, water, jobs to many outside hires for hotel work, the economy and lack of visitors to our island.