Commissioner Jackson Faces Questions Alone
May 16, 2020 at 4:28 a.m.
Commissioner Jackson Faces Questions Alone
By David [email protected]
Hosted by the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce and Kosciusko County Bar Association, the forum featured candidates in competitive primary races and was broadcast online due to the COVID-19 social distancing recommendations.
Jackson, a Republican from the Syracuse area, introduced himself by stating he was a local contractor and developer. Having served as a commissioner for over 20 years, he said, “I love this county. It’s a great place to live, a great place to work. And it’s an honor and privilege to serve each of you as your commissioner for the last number of years.”
Asked what the biggest challenges are due to the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically within Kosciusko County government, Jackson replied, “Basically, the biggest is keeping our people safe. We closed the offices for quite a while. I shouldn’t say we closed them, we made them by appointment only and had it so the public could only come in if they had an urgent matter and by appointment only.”
He said the county only brought in essential staff, until this week when all staff were brought back. Next week, full staff will be back again with the public, but they shouldn’t make it a “family outing.”
The county’s budget is around $50 million. He was asked about his experience in budgeting and how would he work with the county council on any decreases or increases in county government spending.
Jackson said his experience in budgeting is running a small business because there’s “where you don’t get any extra money. So there’s no cushion. You have what you’ve earned. So I’m use to working on a tight budget.”
When he first ran for commissioner, Jackson said he’d spend tax dollars like his own. “I’m frugal. People who know me know that. And that’s how I handle that,” he said, pointing out the commissioners have a great working relationship with the council.
The fifth of eight questions asked him, “What do you see as the top three most pressing needs for infrastructure or capital projects in the county?”
Jackson said, “Right now, we’re currently working on, which is unbelieveable, we’re able to get approximately $8 million in federal money to build an overpass in Milford. That’s a very unique situation there.”
In Milford, there’s a north/south and east/west train track, which is “very unusual” and “a huge opportunity” for development, Jackson said. The overpass will help a number of industries in the area, and provide increased safety for school buses, the general public and emergency vehicles to get over the railroad tracks, he said.
“So that, I think, will be the most important right now that we’re really focused on,” Jackson said.
Finally, he was asked what made him the best candidate for the job.
“One of the reasons that I feel I’m the best candidate for the job is my ability to work with others,” Jackson said.
He said it’s not common to receive endorsements in a primary from other elected officials, but he’s received endorsements that he said were “almost unheard of” for a county race. Those endorsements include Sen. Mike Braun, Sen. Todd Young, Congresswoman Jackie Walorski, Congressman Jim Banks, State Rep. Dave Wolkins and State Sens. Ryan Mishler and Blake Doriot among others.
“I’m humbled and honored that they endorsed me, and to know that they believe in me and what I’m doing for the county, so that’s why I respectfully ask all of you for your support and your vote on June 2,” Jackson concluded.
Hosted by the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce and Kosciusko County Bar Association, the forum featured candidates in competitive primary races and was broadcast online due to the COVID-19 social distancing recommendations.
Jackson, a Republican from the Syracuse area, introduced himself by stating he was a local contractor and developer. Having served as a commissioner for over 20 years, he said, “I love this county. It’s a great place to live, a great place to work. And it’s an honor and privilege to serve each of you as your commissioner for the last number of years.”
Asked what the biggest challenges are due to the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically within Kosciusko County government, Jackson replied, “Basically, the biggest is keeping our people safe. We closed the offices for quite a while. I shouldn’t say we closed them, we made them by appointment only and had it so the public could only come in if they had an urgent matter and by appointment only.”
He said the county only brought in essential staff, until this week when all staff were brought back. Next week, full staff will be back again with the public, but they shouldn’t make it a “family outing.”
The county’s budget is around $50 million. He was asked about his experience in budgeting and how would he work with the county council on any decreases or increases in county government spending.
Jackson said his experience in budgeting is running a small business because there’s “where you don’t get any extra money. So there’s no cushion. You have what you’ve earned. So I’m use to working on a tight budget.”
When he first ran for commissioner, Jackson said he’d spend tax dollars like his own. “I’m frugal. People who know me know that. And that’s how I handle that,” he said, pointing out the commissioners have a great working relationship with the council.
The fifth of eight questions asked him, “What do you see as the top three most pressing needs for infrastructure or capital projects in the county?”
Jackson said, “Right now, we’re currently working on, which is unbelieveable, we’re able to get approximately $8 million in federal money to build an overpass in Milford. That’s a very unique situation there.”
In Milford, there’s a north/south and east/west train track, which is “very unusual” and “a huge opportunity” for development, Jackson said. The overpass will help a number of industries in the area, and provide increased safety for school buses, the general public and emergency vehicles to get over the railroad tracks, he said.
“So that, I think, will be the most important right now that we’re really focused on,” Jackson said.
Finally, he was asked what made him the best candidate for the job.
“One of the reasons that I feel I’m the best candidate for the job is my ability to work with others,” Jackson said.
He said it’s not common to receive endorsements in a primary from other elected officials, but he’s received endorsements that he said were “almost unheard of” for a county race. Those endorsements include Sen. Mike Braun, Sen. Todd Young, Congresswoman Jackie Walorski, Congressman Jim Banks, State Rep. Dave Wolkins and State Sens. Ryan Mishler and Blake Doriot among others.
“I’m humbled and honored that they endorsed me, and to know that they believe in me and what I’m doing for the county, so that’s why I respectfully ask all of you for your support and your vote on June 2,” Jackson concluded.
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