Mark Eckert, candidate for mayor in Belleville, IL

Name: Mark W. Eckert

Political party (if applicable): Independent

Age as of April 6, 2021: 65

Campaign website or social media page: Facebook@CitizensforEckert

Office seeking: Mayor for City of Belleville, Illinois

Are you an incumbent? Yes

Previous offices sought: Alderman Ward 5 1997-2001; Mayor Appointed Dec. 20, 2004; Elected the following terms: Mayor 2005; Mayor 2009; Mayor 2013; Mayor 2017

Occupation: Mayor - for past sixteen years full-time position

Education: Graduate of Belleville Township High School West - Class of 1974; Belleville Area College 1974-1978; EMTA 1975; Southwestern IL Police Academy 1978; Paramedic EMT-I Cert. 1982

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Currently serving on the Chamber Board; Southwestern Illinois Law Enforcement Commission (SILEC) Board of Directors 2005-Present; Illinois Municipal League 2013-Present and served as IML Past President 2017-2018; Member of the Southwestern Illinois Council of Mayors 2005-Present and served as President 2015-2017; Honorary Chairman of the Belle-Scott Committee; Honorary Chairman of the Belleville Sister Cities Organization; Past Member of the Board of Directors of the East-West Gateway Council of Governments 2013-2017; Past President of St. Paul UCC; Past President of Henry Raab PTA; Past Scout Master 1981-1994; Past Executive Director for the Franklin Neighborhood Community Assoc. 1992-1996; Past volunteer for Hospice of Southern Illinois

Why are you running? I am running for mayor because I believe I have the experience to lead our city through a difficult time. “Experience matters” with issues between the COVID-19 pandemic and TIF 3 possibly ending. It will be challenging for the next several years.

Why should people vote for you? I believe that the City Council members, staff, and myself have many accomplishments including, the Downtown Streetscape, North Illinois Streetscape, 6-12th Streetscape, new Firehouse, new Police Station, remodeled City Hall with ADA improvements. We also developed two shopping centers at Green Mount Commons and Belleville Crossing.

I have always been accessible to the public, listening to their concerns and trying to solve their problems.

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? I believe the top issue in the race is navigating the city’s finances through the next several years. The COVID-19 pandemic, hurting businesses, possible loss of TIF 3, and our State of Illinois budget concerns are all contributing factors. We must live within our means. I do not believe we should increase any fees this next year.

Who are your top three campaign contributors? Russell Scott and Thouvenot, Wade & Moerchen. I just started receiving donations from a mailer. There is no traditional fundraiser at this time.

Belleville Tax Increment Finance District 3, or TIF 3, is expiring this year. Do you agree with the proposal to extend the expiration date for another 12 years? Why/why not? Yes. I believe Belleville has used TIF very effectively. TIF has allowed us to repair many streets, sewers, attract new businesses, demolish many derelict buildings, purchase equipment, and repair city buildings.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating effect on parts of Belleville’s economy. How would you grade the city’s response and, if you are elected, what would you do to help businesses and residents?

I believe our Aldermen, staff, and myself have worked extremely hard to help all businesses advocate for State loans or grants.

If elected, the city will continue to assist businesses with grant opportunities and create more space for outside dining. We will continue to share information and inform residents of safety measures. We will continue to communicate with our local schools. We will continue to partner with the Illinois Department of Public Health and the St. Clair County Health Department. We will continue to encourage residents to shop locally and support our restaurants.

What is your opinion of how the Belleville Police Department handles public safety in the city? Do you think the city needs more or fewer police officers? If you want additional officers, how would you fund that cost? The Belleville Police Department does a great job! Sure, we would all love more police officers, but we must pay them. Chief Clay and Lt. Col. Eiskant talk daily, and they understand our finances. This is not the time to increase any tax.

Belleville has offered various tax incentives to support businesses in recent years. What are your plans to increase economic development in the city and how would you use tax incentives? If possible, we cannot rule out incentives. All cities in our region are going after many of the same businesses. We aren’t located along an interstate! We must use all the tools such as TIF, Enterprise Zone, and Business District to attract new business.

In 2020, with a tough year, the city issued 77 new business occupancies. The Lofts on the Square will be complete this summer, a 14 million dollar project. By this fall, we will have a rebuilt McDonald’s, an A&W Restaurant, a Smoothie King, and Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.

This story was originally published February 24, 2021 at 4:58 PM with the headline "Mark Eckert, candidate for mayor in Belleville, IL."