Candidate Guide - Carlisle City Council - Jason Faulkner

As you prepare to vote in this year's municipal elections, the Western Star compiled answers from candidates. Here are the responses as provided. All typos and grammar mistakes, if any, are in the original responses.

Headshot provided by candidate

Education: Not provided

Current employment: Senior IT Infrastructure Manager for large manufacturing company.

Office Sought: Carlisle City Council

Why are you the best suited for this position? (150 words)

Appointed to Council vacancy in 2022. Previous experience serving on multiple boards and commissions including Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, Finance Committee, Charter Review Commission and JEMS Board. I routinely challenge council and staff with lots of questions in an effort to best represent the questions our residents will ask. I do not simply accept doing things just because it's the way we've always done them.

What are your top three areas of focus for your position?

Economic development, city infrastructure and being a good steward of the residents' money.

What specifically are you going to do for each of your top three topics? (200 words)

Lead and support city efforts to identify and attract good businesses to enhance the city's income tax base while providing attractive amenities. Work with Council and staff to refresh the Comprehensive Plan and bring infrastructure improvements such as a much needed water tower to resolve water capacity and pressure issues and bikeway connectivity. Continue to exercise fiscal responsibility by maximizing existing revenue and expanding grant opportunities.

If you are an incumbent, what is your best accomplishment?

If you are a challenger, what do you think needs to change from the current situation?

NOTE: He is an incumbent.

Since being appointed in 2022, I think Council's best accomplishment has been making a great hire to replace the outgoing city manager. In turn, our new city manager has made good staffing hires and promotions.

What are your qualifications for this position? (150 words)

3 years' experience on Carlisle Council, 12 years' experience on Franklin Council when I lived there, 7 years on JEMS Board, several years' experience serving on boards and commissions such as Board of Zoning Appeals, Charter Review Commission, Finance Committee, Planning Commission and Safety Committee,

Property tax is one of the top issues for local residents. What are your thoughts on the current property tax issues? (150 words)

At the city level, most of the revenue is received via a 1.5% income tax. The city receives a very modest amount of revenue from property tax. For example, Carlisle's volunteer fire department is supported by a levy that generates approximately $150,000 per year. I'm OK with local property tax supported services as long as the residents are given an opportunity to approve them by vote.

State laws often impact our county and the funding of local project depends on the state budget. What is your relationship with the local state representatives and senator? (100 words)

I have met and supported our state legislature representatives. I am comfortable reaching out to them for assistance with local issues and projects.

How have you been involved in the community outside of politics?

I welcome supporting local community and school events as well as our historical society.

Are you running as a slate or as a team with any of the other candidates?

Is there anything else you want the voters to know about you?

My primary objective is always to make a positive difference for our community.