Email address*:
Answer: jasoneckman@yahoo.com
First name*:
Answer: Jason
Last name*:
Answer: Eckman
Age:
Answer: 42
Address:
Answer: 8317 Camelot Trace, Sturtevant
How long have you lived in the community:
Answer: 7 years
What position are you running for?*:
Answer: Racine County Supervisor, District 14
Have you ever held an elected office position before?* Yes or No
Answer: Yes
If so, what position(s) were you elected to?*:
Answer: Village of Sturtevant Trustee
In thinking about your election bid, what top three issued need to be addressed?*:
Answer:
My number one priority is to support law enforcement and provide the public safety necessary to improve the quality of life in Racine County.
Property taxes continue to go up. My second priority is to hold the line on taxes.
Finally, Racine County needs to create a positive environment for businesses to create good jobs. Kenosha County has experienced significant economic development and there is no reason that Racine County cannot do the same.
How would you plan to address those issues?*:
Answer: I would ensure that the Sheriff’s Office has the resources that it needs to ensure public safety. I would also make sure that those resources are being used in the most efficient manner possible. Regarding property taxes, I will push for a balanced budget. This will require tough decisions in order to offset increases in employee health care costs. To support economic development, the County will need to work closely with the City of Racine and the surrounding Villages to provided the infrastructure and workforce necessary to attract new businesses and support existing businesses.Â
In reference to those issues you have identified, what would success look like to you in making an impact?*:
Answer: I would like to see the municipalities of Racine County ranked in the Wisconsin Top 20 Safest Cities. The tax rate for the County would remain steady. Finally, new and existing businesses would be investing in Racine County while creating jobs and easing the tax burden on the residents. Â
Why are those issues important to you?*:
Answer:
Law enforcement and public safety are the primary responsibilities of local government. Local governments often get into businesses that should be left to the private sector, but law enforcement and public safety are responsibilities that cannot be delegated.
It is critical to the success of the County that property taxes are reasonable. Attracting business is not easy if we have the highest tax rate in the region. At some point, the residents will vote with their feet and move out of the County.
Not only does attracting new businesses to the County reduce the tax burden on the residents, but it also creates much needed jobs. The City of Racine continues to have the highest unemployment rate in the state. The best thing that the County and surrounding Villages can do is to create a positive environment for economic development.
At the end of your term, what would you like to have accomplished?*:
Answer: Racine County is a safer place to live.
Our property taxes are competitive with our neighbors.
Racine County is once again a thriving community with sustainable economic growth.
Why should people vote for you?*:
Answer: The residents of Mt. Pleasant and Sturtevant deserve to have a proven, responsible leader representing them on the County Board. Â
What is your educational background?*:
Answer: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, SIUC
Master of Business Administration, University of Florida
What civic organizations do you belong to?
Answer: Concordia Lutheran School Board, 6 years