Lake City City Council: James Heise

​My name is James Heise and I am encouraging the citizens of Lake City to​ vote for me for a position on the Lake City City Council in the upcoming​ ​election on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

I was born and raised in Lake City and​ ​after retiring from a career of teaching and coaching here at Lincoln High​ ​School, I would now like to contribute in a different capacity to this​ ​community.

I, like just about everyone I know, have grown weary of the​ ​redundancy in campaign ads and promises that have saturated our lives​ ​over the last couple months and mercifully will not repeat myself now.

My​ ​positions and perspectives will be published in this paper to important​ ​questions facing our community posed by the editors. A person can also​ ​watch the video of my positions in the public forum that was held on​ ​Monday, October 5.

If elected, I do want the citizens of this community to​ ​know that I will bring the same work ethic, diligence, intellect and passion to​ ​my responsibilities as a member of the city council as I did as a teacher​ ​and coach here in Lake City.​

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Why are you running for mayor or city council?

I was born and raised in Lake City and since 1993 I have been a teacher and coach at Lincoln High School. I retired in 2024 and I would now like to contribute in a different capacity to the community that has been so much a part of my life. I view the city council as a place where I can fulfill that goal.

What qualities or characteristics make you a good choice to represent Lake City and why?

First, I grew up here and am well read on the history of the community and how it has changed and evolved over time. I believe that is important in understanding the context of the successes and challenges the community has experienced and continues to manifest itself in new ways as the city evolves. Second, I served in a leadership capacity on numerous committees in the school district involving contract negotiations, insurance plan discussions, building and grounds improvement committees, district historical committees and academic and curriculum committees. That experience will transfer well to a leadership position on the city council. Third, in that capacity I believe I developed strong professional and working relationships with other leaders in the district. At times there were arguments and disagreements, but I never lost sight of the fact that this was a professional arrangement and must in the end be a team effort.

Personal feelings often need to be set aside to move forward.

What is the biggest issue facing Lake City at the moment and how do you propose to address it?

The issue for the moment is one that has been an issue for quite some time.

Lake City needs to expand housing opportunities for young families, working families, rental units and senior housing. The city council, working with city administration, should remain a facilitator in helping expand opportunities in our housing market but should not become directly involved in the construction aspect of developments. The city should look at zoning and building requirements that could possibly be adjusted to accommodate building plans.

Streamlining and speeding up the process of permits being issued would also lessen the burdens for our community contractors who are frustrated with the slow and cumbersome process that is in place at the moment. This is a complex and difficult issue to resolve but it is necessary to continue to try and find different avenues to improve our housing options. I do not have all the answers but will certainly give effort to learning and to participate in creating possible solutions.

What’s your vision for Lake City in four years and then in the long term?

A city that has made progress in facilitating new housing development to alleviate the shortage of options listed in the previous response, along with a healthy trades industry composed of local contractors. The city has continued to upgrade and update existing street, sewer, water and electrical infrastructure. It has maintained our amazing lakeshore and park facilities. A vibrant downtown business community with an expansion of entertainment entities connected to the restaurant industry and tourism. The continued presence of a strong industrial and agricultural base of businesses.

How will you work to make that vision a reality?

I will work diligently within the auspices of our city council, serve on specific committees that are responsible for addressing the aforementioned issues as well as future goals. I will listen to input from residents, business owners, local contractors, developers, industry leaders, and governmental agencies to facilitate change and opportunities. Keeping in mind that city resources and capital are limited and that the tax burden must remain rational and palatable. The purpose of a government is to serve the commonwealth of a community. It cannot be negligent in its duties by neglecting obvious needs for improvement nor at the same time, promising to be all things for all citizens all the time.

How can people reach you for more information about your candidacy?

I can be reached by email: jaheise80@gmail.com.