This profile is part of a “Meet the Candidate” series. All candidates were given the opportunity to answer the same questions. Their responses are published verbatim, without any editing.
Why did you decide to run for office?
I decided to run for office because I am concerned about the direction the City pursuing. It feels like the City is trying to price Senior Citizens out, spending that is not responsible and not accountable to the Citizens of Newburyport. Bring a strong and different voice instead of the same narrative heard over and over
If elected, what would be your top 3 priorities?
- Senior citizen property tax relief
2. Fiscal responsibility thru strong budgeting, transparency of City dealings
3. Moratorium on property/home flipping
How has prior experience (either professional or personal) prepared you for this role?
I work for the Community Action Agency – Community Teamwork in Lowell, as the Transportation Director. We transport Early Learning, Head Start, and School Age children to programs. I have experience in budgeting and fiscal management. Previous to Community Teamwork, I worked for contracted bus companies serving School Districts in New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Minnesota. Worked closely with these School Districts with their Transportation budgets and to plan traffic Safety around their respective Schools. I do not think you need to have public service experience, but should rely more on common sense, ability to learn, strong voice and the will to take care of the people.
What can city government do to make local housing more affordable?
There needs to be a pause or Moratorium on property/home flipping in Newburyport. Builders come in and buy the 900 square foot house and then erect an 1800 square foot house. This drives up the housing costs. How many families can afford 1800 to 6500 square foot houses going for millions of dollars.
Do you think residents are getting their money’s worth in city services from taxes?
No, I do not. Spending has increased 20% in the last 4 years. Yet our sidewalks and streets need major repairs. Take a walk along the Boardwalk or thru downtown and see uneven sidewalks or pot holes lining the streets. I mean, I have been staring at the same pot hole on Water St for 20 years. The City is at its Bonding threshold and big ticket items are coming in the very near future like securing our drinking water.
How would you balance historic preservation with more practical concerns like safety and accessibility?
Historical preservation should be valued highly. All new and shiny looks nice, however, we must be able to be reminded how we have gotten to were we are. History should be maintained/preserved and not replaced.
How do you think Newburyport schools stack up against others in Essex County?
I think we can do better. The School district ranks 9 out of 31 districts and the High School ranks 11 out of 14. High School in ranked 87 for best Public High School. Question would be, how do we get to be #1
What else should voters know about you?
I have lived in Newburyport for the past 21 years. I am married to Phyllis Harnch Eichhorst. I do not prescribe to big party narratives or have there backing. I like to listen first act second. And once enacted, it should be the voice of the people not an individual who holds an office.
James Eichhorst is a candidate for Newburyport City Council, Ward 6. Election and early voting information can be found here.
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