Jack Amrhein is seeking re-election to Kent City Council - Ward 2. View his responses to our candidate endorsement questionnaire below:
1. Why are you running for office, and what previous experience makes you the most qualified candidate for this position?
I’ve lived in Kent for nearly 50 years and have served on council for the past 16 years. I spent my career as a teacher in the Kent City Schools and raised my family here. I was on council at the beginning of the redevelopment of Downtown and would like to continue to contribute to growth and development of the city.
2. If elected, what do you hope to accomplish in this position?
I hope to continue economic development and representing the best interests of my constituents.
3. What are three policy initiatives you plan to focus on if elected?
Economic Development.
Neighborhood initiatives.
Continued support of diversity in our community.
4. What can local governments do to encourage young adults to stay in Northeast Ohio?
We have created a town gown environment that celebrates inclusion of all including students, families and long term residents. Through economic development Kent has created more jobs that have enticed young people to remain in the community.
5. Will you support nondiscrimination policies that protect individuals regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, veterans status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression? If so, how?
As a member of Kent City Council I have voted for initiatives protecting the rights of the individuals mentioned above. I will continue to support the rights of all individuals and minorities. We must protect the rights of all citizens.
6. Do you support reasonable regulations on firearms in the United States? Please explain in detail.
Absolutely. Gun violence plagues this country. We must have universal background checks. Prohibiting handgun possession for those who have committed violent crimes. No possession of handguns until the age of 21. There should also be a ban on the sale of assault weapons and large capacity magazines.
7. What will you do to actively engage young adults in local government?
I believe that we can actively engage young adults in government through education. Our students learn civics, while in school. We need to encourage young people to volunteer. Through volunteer efforts young people begin to put civic responsibility into action. Community involvement can boost a teens or young persons, confidence, and self-esteem. I have spoken to high school students about community involvement as well as college students.
8. Describe your vision on public safety and your plans for crime prevention?
Public safety means putting an end to the levels of crime and violence that impact the every day lives of our residence. It also includes delivering life-saving rescue services, preventing fires, preparing for, and responding to foreign and domestic terrorism, as well as man-made, disasters and pandemic events. My vision of public safety involves well trained police and fire departments. Crime prevention begins with well written fair and unbiased laws.
9. What should your locality be doing to ensure racial equity and eliminating bias in community policing?
The City of Kent needs to ensure the hiring of minority police officers. We have created a part time position to help in assisting us to find qualified individuals to fill these positions. Our officers should be required to attend racial bias training.
10. The Environment
Experts agree that a key to reducing the effects of climate disruption is to reduce our dependence on, and use of, carbon-based fuels, including oil, natural gas and coal. Please answer the following questions related to the environment in detail:
10-A. Should local governments play a role in phasing out the use of fossil fuels by our municipalities? If so, what role should a local legislator play?
I believe local government should help to reduce dependency on fossil fuels. Legislators should look for or direct administration to find money for such expensive energy alternatives such as solar panels as well a electric or hybrid vehicles.
10-B. Do you support the use of "Fracking" (hydraulic fracturing) to extract oil or gas within your city, or would you support a ban on Fracking?
I do not support Fracking. I would support a ban on Fracking.
11. In June of last year, the United States Supreme Court overturned the landmark case Roe vs. Wade, which guaranteed a persons right to safe and legal abortion access. What role should local government play in advocating for access to safe and legal abortion services?
Kent City council sent a letter to the state of Ohio objecting to its legislation banning abortion. Although we have no power to change the states laws, we can protest and give our point of view. I, along with six of the nine council members voted to object to the states Abortion legislation.
12. The state of Ohio has continually cut funds to local governments over the last decade. How do you plan on operating within the confines of an already reduced local budget, without cutting critical services to tax payers?
The city of Kent has been able to increase its operating budget through economic development and grant monies.
13. What can be done to create and/or attract new businesses with good paying jobs and benefits in the City? How can we encourage new businesses, and existing businesses, to become an active part of our community?
Again, through economic development the city of Kent has been able to attract new businesses. We can encourage new businesses and existing businesses to be an active part of our community by supporting them and encouraging and supporting a strong and sound Chamber of Commerce. Main Street in Kent has also helped businesses to participate in programs that strengthen their ties to our community.
14. Should the City reduce the cost of services by contracting out or privatizing government services? Why or why not?
No. Kent does contract out garbage collection, but it is important to keep control of other services if possible.
15. Do you feel that housing in your City is affordable and available for young people and families? If not, what will you do to address this issue?
Housing stock in Kent is relatively affordable. Unfortunately there is a need for more single-family homes. Kent has nearly 50% rentals. We greatly need to convert many of the rental properties into family housing.