Jamie Eros, candidate for City Council Ward 2 in Belleville, IL
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More on the election for Belleville City Council Ward 2
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Name: Jamie Eros
Political party (if applicable): Independent
Age as of April 6, 2021: 40
Campaign website or social media page: https://www.facebook.com/jamieward2belleville
Office seeking: Alderman Ward 2
Are you an incumbent? No
Previous offices sought: None
Occupation: Teacher
Education: Bachelor’s and Master’s
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Nothing really to highlight as I haven’t been on any committees or run for office. Excited for this opportunity to serve my community.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? Brad Eilering, myself
Why are you running? I am running for Alderman of Ward 2 because I value my community and want the young families of Belleville to have a voice on the City Council.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? A significant issue is the revitalization of the 600-1700 blocks of West Main Street. I would like to see businesses move into these vacant properties and make our stretch of Main Street as booming as the businesses around the fountain and further down West Main. The Lindenwood property is also an issue, but the city is actively pursuing interested parties to try to repurpose this property. I am ready jump in and support the city’s pursuit of these interested parties.
Why should people vote for you? I am young, intelligent, passionate, full of energy and an independent thinker. I will always vote with the best interest of the citizens in mind.
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? I agree with this proposal. TIF 3 has made many significant projects possible, including the renovation of City Hall, the new Police Station, and several road projects. Belleville has been recognized for its effective use of TIF funds. I think many people are uneducated on this issue, which is something the City Council could help remedy. TIF money helps bring businesses to the city. Since they are liable to hold up their end of the agreement, it helps establish a relationship of mutual respect between them and the city right away.
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 cannot imagine the immense stress our civic leaders must be under. I think following the governor’s rules has been the right choice, even though it has put an enormous strain on our local businesses. I think the city has done a good job in helping these businesses navigate the state’s rules. Closing down downtown streets helped create more outdoor dining space. The relief grants from the city that were made available in recent months have also been helpful. Like all of us, they have done the best they could through all of this; I don’t feel it’s my place to criticize.
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? From my own experience as a citizen, I would say the police department does a great job. Any time we’ve had a neighborhood issue, the police have been quick and efficient in handling them. I think for the time being we need to stay put with the number of officers we have; I am not sure we could afford to hire any more in our current economy.
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? I think tax incentives are a great way to bring business to Belleville. As I said earlier in my responses, I would like to see some focus given to the 600-1700 blocks of West Main Street in order to help clean up the area and encourage housing development as well. Belleville has grown so much just in the time I have lived here and I look forward to being a part of further growth and development.
This story was originally published February 24, 2021 at 9:53 PM.