Issues
Updated 08/15/2011
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Identified below are the issues that have been identified by me or others prior to the May primary election of 2011. The majority of the issues have been raised by me as being important to the citizens of Jasper.
1. Debates. I believe Jasper’s media and civic and private organizations in Jasper should step forward to sponsor or mediate debates for the citizens of Jasper involving the candidates. I would even welcome debates sponsored by either the Democratic or Republican parties, or both. I do not need an unbiased agenda or mediator to state where I stand on the issues facing our great city and to point out that the opposition is going down the wrong road on certain issues.
If no one steps forward, I have offered to sponsor debates. This is a public invitation and challenge to my Republican and Democratic opponents to do their duty to the citizens of Jasper. Logically, in my mind, the sole reason for my opponent’s non-acceptance would be their fear that the voting public may determine I am the best candidate to lead a new City of Jasper.
At present, my opposition is relying completely on their party affiliation as the only criteria for being the best man for the job. Does my opposition know the importance of accessibility and transparency, and how debates are directly related to these?
2. Library. Also, when my candidacy was announced, I stated the decision as to what happens with the library should be up to the voters by way of a referendum. I am proud, as most of our citizens know, this has come to fruition. My sentiment as the future mayor of Jasper is to vote NO against the approval of the new 6.3 million construction of a new library on South Newton Street. We need to act on this issue. The Library Board has dragged their feet and wasted a great deal of the taxpayer’s money on this issue for years. I believe we can better serve the people of Jasper by expansion or reconstruction on our present site.
Once the referendum is defeated, I will work ardently to keep Jasper’s rich history intact by renovating our current library, which was constructed in 1950 and expanded in 1955 and again in 1968. Our library, now almost 62 years old, in my opinion, is an important landmark in Jasper’s rich history. I am a firm supporter of the library undergoing its third expansion in 2012. I believe creative accounting was utilized in the board’s calculations that it will cost more to renovate than to create, however, only additional fact finding will confirm or deny this belief I hold.
If absolutely needed, I will also be receptive to endorsing a different location as long as it stays in Central Jasper and is as accessible to 5th and 10th. Street schools as it is today. The location of Central Green Park is not irreversible. We cannot afford to build a new library and then subsidize uses for the old library. We can’t let this vital part of Jasper’s history to be demolished.
3. Jobs. The axiom of “Its the economy, stupid” is the primary reason our county has lost 2,500 jobs since 1990. I agree we should approach improving our local economy in innovative ways, such as the proposed program introduced by the JAT (Jasper Action Team). We must introduce incentives for not only outside businesses to locate in Jasper, but also for our present companies and small businesses, whether they have one or one-hundred employees.
We must provide incentives for local entrepreneurs to start new businesses in Jasper. One of our largest local companies has ventured into life sciences; however, we need to bring these jobs from overseas to Jasper. Seeking defense jobs is not dependent on local incentives. In essence, our nation’s government has the ultimate power to make this a local issue. This does not look promising in this economy. Jasper must enforce our country’s illegal immigration laws. It is apparent to me that giving local jobs to citizens will increase the employment rate for those that deserve participating in the American Dream.
4. Future 231 Bypass. One of my opponents doesn’t want the 231 bypass to turn Jasper into a Martinsville or Bloomington. The other candidate believes we need to take care of existing businesses. Primarily, the only Jasper businesses that benefit from all the traffic going through on 231 are the ones along the 231 (6th Street and Newton Street) corridor. I believe the only other businesses benefitting from having 231 running through Jasper are those businesses which out of town patrons are specifically planning to visit, regardless of bypass or not. The bypass and the obvious change it will bring is a valid concern but if approached with accepting the inevitable and the right attitude, it will greatly add to Jasper’s prosperity.
As stated previously, in announcing my candidacy for mayor, my opinion is that most of the pollutants related to present health concerns is the enormous amount of truck traffic going through our city. At that time, I indicated Jasper needs to expedite the completion of the bypass. I am proud to have seen my strong belief in this regard picked-up as an issue in the April 2011 forum for the mayoral primary candidates.
5. Governmental Red Tape and Needed Change of Direction. I will cut the fat out of city government. There is no need for some of our city employees using city vehicles for personal use. All should drive their personal vehicles to work and return home in them. If city vehicles are not available in the course of their duties, there is such a thing as mileage reimbursement.
Jasper has developed layers upon layers of bureaucracy. I vow to streamline and consolidate city government. The practice of appointing friends to both high and low-level posts regardless of their suitability, which I define as cronyism, will become a thing of the past under my tenure. Favoritism or partiality, the practice of giving special treatment to a group or person, particularly those with equal claims, will not be tolerated and cease to exist under my administration. This will apply to appointments and employment.
I will demand that all city employees and appointees perform to reasonable standards. If performance is not acceptable, the employee or appointee will be replaced with due process. The position of mayor of Jasper should be a privilege, not a job for financial gain. Thus, I will immediately take a 50% cut in mayoral salary.
The city of Jasper is thwarting business growth through regulations, some of which are arbitrary and without rhyme or reason. The irony is that Jasper is either mired in the past or in the extravagance. We can protect and preserve our past and be progressive at the same time. Since becoming a small business owner, I’ve heard many a complaint about our Zoning Board and zoning regulations, and Board of Public Works decisions. These are just two of our city entities. The most prevalent inference from these complaints is that is it not what you know, but who you know. Who you know will not save you in hard times, but what you know may.
6. Accessibility. One of my opponents appears to want to simply walk around managing and leading people. Although an important facet of management, it is one of many that cannot be accomplished by getting daily exercise. This candidate also wants to travel to other states and throughout the state. I do not believe our mayor should abscond from his duties. Ships have captains, and captains are to stay with their ship. First mates, whether the JAT, DADC, or other entity or person should be doing the task of ambassadorship and economic development for our city.
My other opponent states he would hold roving quarterly meetings. My belief is four meetings a year with the public are inadequate. At the bare minimum, the official you elect as your mayor should hold monthly meetings. Making the meeting ‘roving’ is a good concept which I embrace, but to expound on it further, I will, if practical, hold these meetings inside of each voting district. I will be available at all times possible to our citizens. There will be no dodging or weaving or forgetting to return calls. Personal visits to your office (the mayor’s office) will always be welcome.
7. Vacant Manufacturing Facilities and Commercial Property. The City of Jasper should not purchase any property unless a vital need is present and the purchase is fiscally responsible, nor should the city condone the purchase of any private personal property for enterprise development. Eminent domain will not occur on my watch. Our empty factories and commercial property are a symptom of the diseased economy. These symptoms will not disappear until the economy begins to recover. However, Jasper must do all that it can to work with civic and other entities in offering economic incentives for existing expansion of present businesses and manufacturers, and prospective new manufacturers and businesses - from the one employee business owners on up. I will require the city be represented in attendance at JAT and DCADC meetings to keep the city involved and abreast of this issue.
8. Working with Other Communities. I think my opponents share my view that the Jasper Action Team has developed a super incentive program proposal, not only for Jasper, but for our sister city and towns in Dubois County to bring jobs to Jasper and the county. I also embrace one of Jasper’s primary candidate’s view of sharing governmental resources and equipment between our partners in Dubois County. Raymie Eckerle is the former candidate I speak of. Naturally, we have done this and other things to help our communities when in need. This will continue under my leadership.
9. Emergency Preparedness. The City of Jasper has one of the finest emergency preparedness and post disaster planning in the state for its size; possibly in the nation. In respect to this issue, all primary candidates had good input during the April forum. I would embrace all of these: weather radios, dial-up system, cable interrupter warnings, and an automated system to activate sirens. What I do not agree with is Mr. Seitz’s idea of “auto turn-on of home television” and getting rid of sirens altogether.
10. Arts and Cultural Activities. The knowledge of JCAC being one of the few arts commissions in the Midwest with city funded arts programs saddens me. Jasper should not be spending the citizen’s money for facilities and programs used by only a fraction of the community. The JCAC should be completely privately funded. If art can positively affect business, then the businesses should help fund this entity
The Strassenfest is one of the best draws for people to find out about the City of Jasper and its rich history. However, we are repaving and replacing sidewalks along the parade route at the expense of more worthy projects in the city. Perhaps a county-wide festival should be researched. It could showcase the offerings of all of our Dubois county communities at once and may be a much larger draw.
Utilizing Kundeck Hall is a good idea. I believe the ROJAC plans are insightful and beneficial in the long haul. But let’s not neglect other parts of the city completely. Let’s learn to walk and chew gum at the same time.
11. Sports Facilities and Parks. It is my view the city has more than enough sports facilities and parks. More of these will not keep our teens out of trouble, nor do our people need any more tax increases brought about by more unnecessary expenditures. A skate park may have had merit in the past, but I see only a small fraction of skateboarding activity in the present.
12. Retention of Our Non-college Educated Youth and Recouping Our College Educated Youth.This will only happen if Jasper is progressive, both in attitude and offerings. We can look at the other issues we are facing to possibly glean some ideas to eliminate ‘Brain Drain’. In talking to our youth, if one does not ‘make it big’, whether they are not college educated or not, they are looked upon by the elite of Jasper as second class citizens. Some who do ‘make it big’, are still ostracized if they do not have the name or grew up in the wrong part of town. Jasper not only has to change its attitude as a whole toward our youth, but as well as, towards outsiders.
13. Teens. Activities are not going to keep teenagers from getting in trouble. Values taught by their parents and enforced by their peers is what will keep teens out of trouble. The city should look more for private enterprises in providing activities for our teenagers, such as businesses like Fuzzy’s. It is hard to phantom that Jasper’s business community has not come up with teen activity based businesses with staying power. Even my business promotes the activity of coin collecting to teens and pre-teen youths.
14. Suicide. Suicide, whether teen or adult, is a tragic thing for family, friends, and all involved. Sadly, the city government cannot do much to solve this dilemma. We can increase awareness of our local and national suicide hot lines. The burden, if you will, is with parents, teachers, and other teenagers. We must teach our children that no matter the circumstances, everyone has a mission in life. And God does not give anyone the mission of suicide. We must also battle bullying in our community. It should be stifled by parents, siblings, friends, and private citizens if witnessed by way of a reprimand. Bullies should be educated about the consequences of their actions.
15. Minorities and ‘Outsiders’. This may be the least important issues of being discussed in this election for our citizens. Whether, you were born in or outside of Jasper it shouldn’t matter. If one is Latino, Asian, Hispanic, black, white or other, you should be treated equal by all. If one is illegally in Jasper, they haven’t earned the right for equality at this time. I believe the Republican candidate raised this issue. Is this is some form of playing the race card? Please see my Platform for more info on this topic. Unknown to many, my opponent, Terry Seitz, is an outsider moving to Jasper at age 21. My other opponent, John Burger can also be viewed as an outsider, living his early life outside of the city limits of Jasper. John’s business is outside of the city limits.
16. ROJAC. ROJAC is great, but where is ROCJAC or ROWJAC? ROCJAC is my acronym for Redevelop Old Central Jasper. ROWJAC is my acronym for Redevelop Old West. Let’s not put all our eggs in one basket.
17. Walking Paths vs. Sidewalks. The Riverwalk has been a great addition to Jasper; however, additional monies have been spent on other walking paths which could have served the citizens of Jasper better. The money spent on other walking paths in the city should have been spent on sidewalks in the city that are in disrepair. We should also pay attention to putting sidewalks in places where none currently are, but are needed.
18. Transparency. As I continue my foray into the arena of city politics and toward the position of your mayor, I have found the other mayoral candidates to be no more open and honest than those on the state and national level. I also thought the news media was unbiased, but have also realized some of the media are more supportive of some candidates than others. Why I would have ever initially entertained the thought that things would be different on the local level is beyond me.
19. Foresight. I have the wherewithal of vision. I listen to the beats of different drummers, as I have been an independent, non-political thinker all of my adult life. I can visualize Jasper, not as one of the best small towns in the nation, but as the best mid-sized town in the nation. We need to change Jasper’s priorities. Jasper has been static in many cases in regards to progress.
20. Education. I am a 1973 graduate of Jasper High School in what at the time, was called the technical curriculum, which included along with other studies, advanced trigonometry, Latin, chemistry, and electronics. I obtained an Associate in Science degree in Behavioral Science from Vincennes University (VUJC) in 1978 with a GPI of 3.87 and an A.S in Furniture Production Management in 1981 with a GPI of 3.90, also from VU. I graduated Summa Cum Laude and Magna Cum Laude respectively.
I was nominated by the Dean of VU to the National Dean’s List, the largest, most prestigious publication in the country and accepted. The NDL is dedicated to recognizing academic excellence among college students. Each year, the deans, faculty members, and education professionals from over 2,500 colleges and universities select outstanding students for nomination to The National Dean's List. This is an honor reserved for only 1/2 of 1% of our nation's college students.
Most importantly, the best education I received was from the school of hard knocks. I admit at times, I am, as is the common man; dumb, stupid, and an idiot. Hopefully, not two or more at the same time.
21. Experience. My extensive management background and work experience in comparison to the other candidates is unparalleled. After 32 years at Kimball International, I was able to open my own business, Mack Trading Company of Indiana, LLC in 2009. Mack Trading is thriving on the square in Jasper.
My work experience at Kimball includes production employee in which I performed mostly all production tasks on the plant floor, supervisor, master production scheduler, costs manager, human resource manager, quality control manager, warehouse manager, inventory control manager, material control coordinator, available-to-promise project leader, project analyst for options pricing, systems engineering technician, SAP enterprise software variant configuration specialist, and SAP Master Data Analyst.
My first job, at the age of 11 was with the county as a custodial assistant at the Dubois County Courthouse. Although most likely illegal, I was employed there for several years as the custodial assistant. Jobs followed working at a local lumberyard, nursery, and various factories prior to being employed by Kimball.
22. Devotion. My devotion to responsibilities and tasks have earned me the reputation of being intuitive, industrious, intelligent, persistent, conscientious, committed, and assertive; a dedicated visionary, and a fearless questioner of the status quo. I have also been deemed compassionate and trusting to a fault. I will work hard as your next mayor with a passion to incorporate these traits for the betterment of Jasper and its people.
23. Leadership. I possess the leadership qualities Jasper needs in their next mayor. I have always been a leader in organizations, innovation, mentoring, and employment, leading more than 60 employees at a time. I have the ability to market our city as the best place to work and live in this great country.
24. Biomass. As previously stated in my Platform, I am for future alternative energy for Jasper. I was not for the biomass contract that was approved by the city on 08/05/11. I did not have enough information on the matter to make an educated decision on its merits vs. risks and believe the vote was held too soon. We should have taken hard looks at hydro electric power (Patoka bridge dam or the Beaver Lake dam), other biomass fuels such as algae, cellulose and other plant matter, wind, geothermal, and yes, even nuclear should be considered. The signed contract is the hand we have been dealt by members of Jasper’s current administration and we, the people, must play our cards the best we can.
The vote by the city has effectively taken this issue off the table in the mayoral race. A lawsuit has been filed and it may prevent the start of construction of the Jasper Clean Energy Center. Therefore, we are most likely looking at a couple of years before the plant starts operating if it will begin operation at all.
If the plant does become up and running, I am hopeful that the 231 bypass will be well on its way to completion. I do not agree with Cap and Trade legislation; however, the ‘carbon credit’ concept of it can be assimilated in Jasper’s situation. Biomass credits from the completion of the 231 bypass. Getting truck traffic out of town will result in some of the cleanest air Jasper has ever experienced, even with the biomass plant in operation.
Website: www.mackformayor.com Email: mackformayor@psci.net
Phone: 812-482-7025 (Available 24/7)
Let me know what is on your mind!
