Candidate Profile: Kyle Jaeckel, Fort Atkinson City Council

City Council candidate Kyle Jaeckel

Age: 27.

Current occupation: Construction Operator, Agriculturalist and Fabricator.

Years of residence in Fort Atkinson: 5.

Education: Graduated Fort Atkinson High School 2015; Worldwide College of Auctioneering, Mason City, IA 2015; Diesel & Heavy Equipment Technical diploma, Blackhawk Technical College, Janesville, WI 2017.

Current organizations: Bethany Lutheran Church.

Prior political experience: Currently serving first term on the City Council.

Reasons for seeking City Council position: “Since graduating high school, government, especially local, has always intrigued me and how it functions. Fort Atkinson is a great community to live and work in, however I’ve watched several surrounding communities continue to bring more opportunities to not only its residents but its businesses as well. I want to see Fort Atkinson thrive and create greater opportunities for everyone whether it be family recreation, or business development. I believe we need to continue to aggressively market our community for both and stop hoping that the city will grow without enticement. The city council also needs more members that will be fully transparent, stand up for the residents and businesses and be sure that the city is truly working for its constituents and not its own benefit.”

Most pressing issues facing the office/position of City Councilperson: “The city is struggling in many areas such as family opportunities, housing, road maintenance, or economic development. While we've made big strides with housing and roads in the last 3 years, there is much more to be done.”

“Road maintenance and repair is one area the city has made strides in. Although many are upset that they had to pay a wheel tax or see their property taxes and water bills increase to fund these, it is something people can actually see their money being used towards and benefiting all. Although the city has several big projects scheduled for the next 5 years that needed the attention years ago, it is better late than never.”

“Economic Development has been stagnant within our community while neighboring cities seem to be growing. Fort Atkinson has a large industrial park that has been sitting mostly vacant for 25 plusyears. The longer this area sits empty the more economic hurt it puts on our community as a whole. There have been several businesses over the years that have inquired about purchasing the land and building their facilities there, most of them have backed out due to the excessive rules and ordinances the city has for that industrial park. I believe it is time the city revisits those ordinances and looks at what neighboring communities, such as Jefferson and Milton, are doing to fill their vacant industrial parks. Not always do communities need to provide tax incentives for businesses to build; many just need fewer regulations to make their businesses thrive.”

“While it is great that the city is taking initiative in housing development, I believe many residents have a strong concern about the city itself buying large amounts of land and developing land for residential areas. During the time that land is in the city’s ownership, there is no property tax revenue coming from it and just becomes a current liability and money pit for the city until they can get developers involved to develop it and begin selling parcels off.”

Conditions or projects to improve, initiate, or complete: “During my next potential term, there are a few things I'd like to see changed and/or improved within our community.”

“First I would like to initiate a policy that requires better maintenance practices of city buildings and property. When I first came on the council the big topic was the Public Works building that was so neglected that the only way forward was a brand new facility. I was one to bring forward at budget time in 2023 for the 2024 budget that the Municipal building was majorly leaking and that should be addressed before it gets worse. By waiting to repair something like a leaking roof, that will only cost more money in the future because of the prolonged interior damage caused. There are many maintenance practices that should be put on an inspection schedule so the city could properly budget for and not have surprise costs that just get pushed onto the taxpayers.”

“Second condition I would like to improve is building covenants and ordinances. Fort Atkinson is still a Small town and can't expect every business to build a “fancy” facility. We have had many small businesses look to build in the Klement Business park but with the added building facade requirements they couldn't justify the cost and built in neighboring communities.”

“Third, I want to see the Ridgeview Estates Development flourish with new homes and residences for the many people within our community and others who wish to move here. This developmenthas been a long time coming but has now unlocked a huge potential for the needed housing and increased tax revenue for the city and other taxing jurisdictions.”

Unique perspectives brought to the office of City Councilperson: “I come from a three-generation family business that is located just outside of town but serves many individuals, businesses and municipalities around the Jefferson County area. I’ve seen and worked in several of the neighboring communities on all different types of job sites through our business, and have seen how the local governments are or are not willing to work with its residents and businesses. I’ve always been one to dive into numbers and look at where money can be cut and where it needs to be spent, just as any business owner knows and does. I am also not afraid to make phone calls, ask questions and do extensive research to make sure there is full understanding on a subject before making a decision.”

Additional comments or insights for the public to know: “I hope to bring my experience from working with my family and my short time working for the Town of Koshkonong Dept. of Public Works to help navigate the city of Fort Atkinson to be a stronger and more economically friendly city to live and work in. I greatly enjoyed going door to door and meeting with residents while circulating nomination papers and hearing all the concerns and ideas they have. As a young father to two amazing children, I want to make sure what we are doing as a council and community will be something our future generations will be grateful of. I would greatly appreciate your support on April 1st to help shape the future of Fort Atkinson.”