Candidate Guide - Mason City Council - Mark Haake

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: Master of Science in Computer Information Systems

Current employment: Retired

Office Sought: Mason City Council

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

I have spent the past four years demonstrating my commitment to doing what is in the best interest of our city. I have worked tirelessly on six different committees (Downtown - Chair, Small Business, Arts & Culture, Planning Commission, Economic Development and Board of Veterans Affairs). As chair of the Downtown Committee I have helped lead the efforts to engage experts in the development of the Mason Mile Master Plan, a monumental shift in how we partner with another organization to utilize professionals in the planning for our downtown revitalization. As a member of the Board of Veterans Affairs I have championed efforts to recognize and celebrate veterans in our community, most recently our Welcome Home for Vietnam veterans and our 80th anniversary celebration of our surviving WWII veterans.

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

1. The Mason Mile, 2. Small Businesses, 3. Veteran Support & Recognition

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

I will continue to champion the work of the Mason Deerfield Community Development Corporation (MADE CDC) in their efforts to move our downtown (Mason Mile) redevelopment forward. Our partnership with the MADE CDC has ensured that we have a plan based on research, real numbers and a logical plan that makes good sense for developers, residents and local business owners.

Our Small Business Committee, started as a vision shared between myself and Mayor Nelson, will continue to champion for small businesses within our city. Small businesses are a vital part of our community and can also be an economic development tool for attracting larger businesses to our city. We partnered last year with the Warren County Economic Development Center to provide resources to new and existing small businesses within Mason. I want to continue to support this vital resource to ensure small businesses have every opportunity to succeed.

As a 20 year Air Force veteran, I am very devoted to supporting initiatives to honor and recognize the sacrifices that our veterans have made for our country. Through our committee I will continue to support these efforts.

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.

There have been many, but the one I'm most proud of is our Welcome Home ceremony for Vietnam veterans. Vietnam veterans not only faced extreme hardship and peril while deployed to Vietnam. They were ridiculed, attacked and spat upon when they came home from the war. Being able to give them a proper welcome home, which they should have received 50 years ago, is one of the most rewarding and meaningful things I have ever been a part of.

In addition, saving the Cincinnati Open tennis tournament is also at the top of my list of accomplishments.

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

I've served on Mason City Council for the past four years. During that time I've worked tirelessly to represent all residents in a fair and consistent manner. Additionally, I served in numerous leadership roles and on several boards of directors.

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

Property taxes in Mason (nearly all levied at the county level) are primarily used to fund our exceptional schools. Our school leaders have ensured that, while our taxes are high, they are kept at levels to ensure Mason residents, unlike most of our neighboring communities, were shielded from the recent extreme rises in property taxes.

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 a very good working relationship with our state rep in the house, as well as our state senator. In addition, I have developed relationships with all of those who are planning to run in the next election.

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

I'm a mentor in the Warren County Common Pleas Veterans Honor Court. I'm very involved in the Mason Kiwanis Club as well as at the Ohio District level of Kiwanis. Additionally, I'm the Finance Office for the Joe Barr American Legion in Mason.

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

I'm running independent of any other candidates.

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

It's been an honor to serve the city of Mason and I hope to be able to continue to do so.