Why are you running for office?
I am running for re-election to ensure that the citizens of Hancock County have an accessible, approachable, down-to-earth, common-sense voice fighting for them in county government. My goal is to continue to provide solutions to problems that will help preserve the future of Hancock County for our children, grandchildren and beyond. I am humbled by being able to work for the citizens of Hancock County and try to help each person with the concerns they have when they contact me, looking for answers and results. That is what a public servant is supposed to do.
What are the most challenging aspects of the county commissioner position?
It is hard to find the balance between what is best for the entire county while you have various private groups, municipalities, cities, towns and agencies wanting the county to support their individual projects. All the individuals or entities proposing the projects are very passionate about what they are trying to do. It is tough as a commissioner to try and vet each proposal and come up with decisions that are good for each individual entity while also trying to look out for every taxpayer in the entire county.
What is the role of the board of commissioners in deciding on a solution to the overcrowded county jail?
If you look at the legal description of a county commissioner’s duties, we are tasked with proposing needs, developing solutions and providing the costs of these solutions to the county council. For the past three years, this board of commissioners has done just that. With the help of our various departments, we identified the needs. We worked with all the departments, we had public input and worked with the county council to develop a well-thought-out and long-term solution. Once all the data was compiled, we provided the cost of the long-term solutions to the county council.
What do you think needs to be accomplished in the next two years to create more space/build a new county jail?
First, all personal agendas need to stop. The commissioners proposed a long-term solution, and the county council funded nearly $1 million for that study and design. We are just weeks away from that proposal being ready to send out to bid. While we watch the city and county council change plans, after three years of due diligence being performed, the real loser is the taxpayer and the individuals who must work in these unsafe/unpleasant conditions. All while our community suffers increased incarceration rates and we slowly fall further behind on mental health and addiction treatment.
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Name: Marc Huber
Age: 44
Party: Republican
Office sought: Hancock County Commissioner District 2
Occupation: President of Huber Enterprises, LLC and Huber Auction Group, LLC
Political experience: Incumbent District 2 Commissioner; two years on the Hancock County Council
Family: Wife Heather, daughter Macy
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