Where they stand Q&A: Marc Huber

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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 makes you a qualified candidate for the position?

I am the incumbent Hancock County commissioner. I served two years as an elected official on the Hancock County Council. I started my first-generation family business over 20 years ago. That has taught me how to make tough decisions. I have been responsible for finance, budgets, asset management, personnel, insurance, payroll, taxes, purchasing, maintenance, customer service and developing professional relationships with our customers. My common sense approach, the skills learned from operating my business and the skills I learned over the last six years as an elected official in Hancock County makes me the most qualified candidate for commissioner.

What are your top three goals for the position?

1. Continue to demand road maintenance be a priority. We need to make sure we keep the funding levels consistent for our seven-year maintenance plan that has maintenance being performed on every mile of county road in seven years. I am proud to say that plan is ahead of schedule. 2. Continue to support and encourage internal programs and county personnel that are dedicated to fighting the opioid and drug epidemic plaguing our county. 3. Continue updating and adding to the county’s capital improvement plan. Continue yearly maintenance and look 15 to 20 years into the future.

What are the most pressing issues facing Hancock County, and what can the county commissioners do to help?

The drug and opioid epidemic is the biggest issue facing our county. Overdoses, mental illness, repeat offenses, repeat incarceration, all contribute to our high jail population. For over a year, the commissioners have worked to find areas in the existing jail to utilize additional space. Most options require too much manpower. I am encouraged by a meeting I attended on March 8, where three council members thought they could fund the additional jailers and counseling professionals needed to implement the original option the commissioners proposed that allows space for an in-house 12 to 14 person recovery block within existing space.

Do you support construction of a new criminal justice facility? Why or why not?

We are in an unpleasant, difficult situation but doing nothing is not an option. The fact is, the type of criminals and offenses are different today than they were 30 years ago when the existing jail was built. The county commissioners have done our due diligence. The project solves space issues for numerous departments, possible space for a fourth court, adds approximately 365 beds for community corrections, incarcerations and mental health and addiction treatment. As commissioner, the safety of employees and all the citizens is my No. 1 priority! Therefore, I support the proposed criminal justice project.

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Name: Marc Huber

Age: 43

Party: Republican

Office sought: Hancock County commissioner

Occupation: President of Huber Enterprises, LLC and Huber Auction Group, LLC

Political experience: Incumbent Hancock County commissioner, two years on the Hancock County council

Family: Wife Heather, one daughter

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