January 25, 2010

'Mr. Racine' Mark Eickhorst in line to become city's public information officer

RAMAC President Roger Caron (left) and City Administrator Tom Friedel (right) speak in favor of Mark Eickhorst as the city's first public information officer.


Mr. Racine is ready to start selling Racine.

Mark Eickhorst, a radio host and former Racine alderman, is in line to become the city's new public information officer.

Eickhorst will work for the city through a $25,000 contract with Racine Area Manufacturers and Commerce. The contract would run from Feb. 1 to Dec. 31.

As PIO for the city, Eickhorst will write press releases and market Racine to media within 100 miles of the city. Here's a list of job duties included in Eickhorst's contract:
▪ Coordinate, conduct and oversee all press conferences with all media sources.
▪ Develop, implement and maintain an effective public information program for the city organization and its departments.
▪ Prepare, review and edit letters, speeches, memoranda, proclamations and resolutions, calendars and press releases; develop and prepare city newsletters and articles for general public information.
▪ Provide Mayor with support/information on issues of interest to the media; assist departments and the Mayor’s office in responding to media inquiries and in promoting city programs, services, events and policies.
▪ Develop communication plans for various city campaigns, both internally and externally, including marketing.
▪ Work with information specialists on the development and maintenance of city web sites.
▪ Develop, implement and maintain city presence on cable television access channel.
▪ Work with departments on media and protocol training/advice.
▪ Draft public service announcements.
▪ Design, develop, organize and control the communication of the City’s vision, values and central themes and messages to internal and external audiences.
▪ Act as the primary contact person for all media inquiries and to respond to questions that arise from media releases.
▪ Plan, lead, organize and control print, web and TV media so as to enhance the City’s image and communicate City issues, actions and services.
▪ Perform other duties as designed or required.

Eickhorst is a former Journal Times sports reporter, served on the City Council from 1997 to 1999, when he ran for mayor and lost to Jim Smith. Eickhorst hosts the "It's All About Racine" radio show on Saturday mornings on WRJN and works for RAMAC in a variety of roles. He's served in numerous charitable roles in the community, which helped earn him the nickname "Mr. Racine."

The $25,000 PIO contract was included in the mayor's 2010 budget and received little opposition from the City Council.

Alderman Jim Spangenberg, chairman of the Finance and Personnel Committee, said at Monday's meeting the position was long overdue.

City Administrator Tom Friedel and RAMAC President Roger Caron both spoke in favor of Eickhorst getting the job.



90 comments:

  1. RIDICULOUS! So please oh please tell me why do we need a city admin again? Making 100k a year? Isn't this PR guy doing the job of the mayor and city admin? C'mon guys.... and what PR experience does Eickhorst have again? Foolish Dickert.....just plain foolish

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  2. I agree...seems like a logical duty for the City Administrator!!!!

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  3. FIRE DICKERT NOW! Another glaring example of inept skills. Was this contract bid out or another favor pay back?

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  4. City's Vison?!? City's Image? Are you kidding me!? Just what is that Dickert?! Please do tell us! Worthless waste

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  5. Mark!
    Prostitutes are walking up and down the street and drug dealers openly selling drugs on each and every corner in front of the cops. African-American males make up the highest percentage of unemployment in the state. Slum landlords make up the greater housing stock in the area. To end crime, the Racine Police Department plans to build another COP House with taxpayers dollars.(Where am I.)

    This new job is no more than Mayor Dickert trying to paint a pretty face on a ugly community. It reminds me of the Mayor calling the inner-city Riverview with the hope that people will take a positive look at their poor conditions while living in the most blighted area of the city.

    What is needed is a comprehensive plan to improve Racine's inner-city, and not a new position to put a political spend on everything that is not so nice in our city.

    I am surprised that there has not been a tea party style revolt on how this adminstration is weasting our tax dollars on little foolish ideals.

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  6. Maybe Mark's first assignment should be to counsel bloggers on what he will do. Dickert was called thrifty in his personal spending for the city and you clowns still are not satisfied.

    When will you run for office? What are you doing to make it better? Be part of the solution, don't just complain here when someone tries to spread better news to a community eager for some.

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  7. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  8. This is nothing more then a sop to keep the public eye off the issues of the day.
    1984 has come to Racine

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  9. Dickert's job creation program is working! What a joke.

    SDJ

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  10. I'm impressed. It only took 7 comments for the idiot bloggers to compare this to Nazi Germany. I was expecting it would be one of the top three. Such restraint. Bravo!

    Now, please go back to watching TV. Serious people have work to do.

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  11. concrete katie1/26/2010 7:43 AM

    Can Mr. Eickhorst fire some department heads? Can he duke it out with the good ol' boys?

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    Replies
    1. What happened to the Wet Goods?

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  12. 10:59 - Can't you read? $25,000 not $100,000 - that does not mean I support this. If this was in Dickert's budget, why are we just hearing about it now? And for Mr. Racine, Eickhorst named himself that.

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  13. Name me one positive thing this mayor has done other then pull weeds from a forest. Big Failure folks!

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  14. Umm yeah. Freidel (city admin) is 100k. Combined with PR 25k........thats 125K of useless, wasteful, out of touch with reality spending!

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  15. PIO = Vladimir Borodin

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  16. ▪ Plan, lead, organize and control print, web and TV media so as to enhance the City’s image and communicate City issues, actions and services.

    Realy? Going to CONTROL this how? Censoring what might go on CAR 25? Perhaps on someone blog? Perhaps on Podcasts? Sure you want to use the word control?

    Sidebar will Mr Eichorst be resigning from WRJN due to the conflect of interests?

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  17. Another No Bid Contract?? WTF Folks?

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  18. First order is to cram the recycle bins and their instructions down our throats.

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  19. No the first job is to shut us up.
    and I wonder who RAMAC got that money from? (to pay the Wages)
    Can you just think of the debates that the PIO will oversee? The question that would be asked and who would be allowed to ask them?

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  20. Yeah I agree, this mayor wants nothing to do with public input, it's either his way or everyone is being difficult and uncooperative. I'm fed up with all the back door dealing and dishonesty. This guy is sinking this community and fast!

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  21. Hey buddy....thanks for the help electing me. Remember that "debate" you had. I remembered our deal. Friedl did not run so I gave him a great job, now Ike you get 25K to do nothing. Now Monte will be on County Board...now remember guys my election starts soon. Need some help to keep the gravy coming.

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  22. "If this was in Dickert's budget, why are we just hearing about it now?"

    Because you weren't paying attention.

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  23. Another Dickert thank you to a campaign supporter. Seriously, how far does this guy think he can go?

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  24. Is this a 425K a year job "$25,000 contract with Racine Area Manufacturers and Commerce." or a 50K a year job "The $25,000 PIO contract was included in the mayor's 2010 budget and received little opposition from the City Council."
    The same two quotes beg the question where is the money to pay this coming from? If its City money then I join in with yet another no bid contract?

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  25. Thats alot of cold ones for Ike.

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  26. "DICKERTHEAD STRIKES AGAIN"

    Fool me once, shame on me. Fool me twice, shame on you! John you and your pretty hair need to go! See you on election day John!!!!!!!!!

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  27. Another lying suit.

    Instead of dealing with the issues destroying our city, we get more smoke blown at us.

    And don't even start with that what would you do stuff. I didn't run for mayor. I didn't lie to the people of Racine over and over. I didn't buy off cronies. Nonexistent 10 year plan. Promising no city administrator and then installing his cousin at an inflated salary for 6 years. Stifling development from within the inner city.

    What a waste of our time and money. Now we have to start all over with another mayor. Why do only crooks run for office?

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  28. 10 year plan

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  29. A PR man who needs a PR person to clean up his messes round this town. "Mr Racine" is his name for himself, not others. This is just a way for RAMAC to cover some of Mark's costs because he has been removed from other projects.

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  30. Anyone who knows the truth about our corrupt little "Family Company" town also knows that improving Racine's raunchy image ought to be called "Mission Impossible."

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  31. One person asks, “If this was in the city budget, why is it we are just now hearing about?” He’s answered with, “Because you weren’t paying attention.” Well, I was paying attention, and this is the first I’m hearing about it. Also, why isn’t creating a new position in city government put to referendum to let the people paying the bill decide whether or not it is a reasonable expenditure?

    Now let’s look at the quote: “…control print, web and TV media…” This, in my opinion is very poor wording. It is not the purpose of government to “control” any media (TV, radio, print, web, or any other) and thereby censor what is otherwise referred to as free speech and expression (save what is obviously obscene). This smacks of gaining political control of CAR-25 and censoring anything the pseudo-mayor, city council, or any other Dickert lackey feels is not in Dickert’s best interest.

    John, it’s time to stop creating jobs in city hall for your family, friends and supporters and to start fulfilling your campaign promises to the residents of this city. This is something that should fall under Freidel’s job description, considering the $95,000.00+ per year you’re paying him out or OUR pockets. I’m not sure if buying out the entire sign industry (again) in the next election is going to save you. I certainly hope not.

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  32. I am very disappointed in this city government. Why don't they check credentials and backgrounds of people before they hire them, especially if its going to be a public speaking position. Racine Post can you please check with Mark Eickhorst and find out why he has tax warrants dating back to 2000 for nonpayment of taxes and why the State of Wisconsin sued him. If this is the type of person someone would call "Mr. Racine" then this city really has gone to hell. Someone knowing breaking the law for nonpayment of taxes and hey hes our spokesperson. Racine post can you look into this

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  33. will this PR person have anything to do with the recycle carts retraining of the public ?? If so,the contract with another company should be canceled !!

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  34. 12:28

    The Post Likes both the Mayor and Mr. Racine you know that will not happen.

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  35. No, we need all the PR men and consultants and advisers that the city can hire. We need to keep taking money from the working people of Racine and giving it to the mayor's cronies. We need more failed real estate deals, more doomed developments, more pumping of tax dollars into private pockets.

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  36. Hey Guys,

    Could you re-design you site to read?

    Post a negative comment on: Racine Post.
    &
    Leave your negative comment here.

    Your entertaining a bunch of NUT CAKES!!

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  37. 12:52 - Maybe you should take a spelling and grammar class.

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  38. Didn't his marketing business fail horribly?

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  39. The Translator1/26/2010 2:06 PM

    So is this part of the ten year plan..... or not?

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  40. 10 yr plan. All of my friends will have jobs.

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  41. I like the idea of using a marketing guy who works best with well an older crowd maybe IMHO an Undead crowd as I keep hearing WRJN being called the Station of Zombies.

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  42. 12:52 Hey --> "Nut Cake" is that your best shot? Got your attention for what's worth LOL

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  43. http://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/82711727.html

    Oh happy day if here!

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  44. I have to apologize for my poor writing and grammar skills.

    However, if you would like to have a contest sometime on net worth after all loans and liens are payed I'd be glad to lay my cards on the table.

    My point was that these posts are far to negative and what was your comment? Negative. Duh!

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  45. It is bad enough when some dips*** reads his resume on here, but someone who doesn't spell as well as one of my cats talking about how much money he has? I laughed so hard that my tongue almost snapped off its roller -

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  46. Anon 3;50, that should be, "far TOO negative..." Not "far TO negative." Your RUSD education is showing.

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  47. Oops: Anon 3:50, not 3;50. But at least I caught it myself.

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  48. Well said- Ms.negative -Uptown girl

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  49. No comment? Cat got your tongue? LOL

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  50. Anon 12:13,
    The reason that no one at "Slity Hall" knew about Mr. Racine tax warrents is because the "Dickert Vetting Team" doesn't do their job!!!!!!! Or "Johnnie Boy" told them to disregard any negative information found on him.

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  51. To the Post:

    Are you going to do your jobs and question Eikhorst and Dickert about Eikhorst's open tax warrants and legal woes??? We the people will be waiting for the follow-up.

    I always get a kick out of "Govt. Officials"; Do as I say, not as I do" attitudes. F'N PATHETIC!!!

    NO ONE WOULD BE HIRED FOR ANY CITY POSITION WITH A TAINTED BACKGROUND LIKE EIKHORSTS. THEY WOULD BE TOLD TO APPLY ELSEWHERE. THE GOOD OL' BOY SYSTEM CONTINUES TO ROLL IN RATSCENE WISCONSIN. F' ALL OF YOU WHO VOTED FOR DICKERT!!

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  52. Ditto on what 5:50 p.m.

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  53. Well I guess it's a wait and see if the Racine Post are going to be true reporters and journalists by following up and finding out about the unpaid taxes for a decade, being sued by the state.

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  54. I do aplogize, I voted for this waste of a mayor, sorry I suffer severe voters remorse. Bye- bye lying john!

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  55. What was the hiring procedure for this position? I don't think I ever saw anything posted. That would be a concern as well.

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  56. 8:42

    Just like the Crony contract for CAR 25 $40K I understand for former Dickert workers. Must be nice to be Mayor and give your pals gifts I mean jobs. Meanwhile Racine burns but Mr Racine will save us because he will prevent us from knowing. 1984 here we are!

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  57. I would think someone who is a little more "worldly' would be more appropriate.

    The things about Racine Mark is familiar with are the things working against us these days.

    Maybe someone who is a little less "Racine", if you know what I mean?

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  58. 8:42 is right. How many others were offered this position? Was this new position posted publicly? Seems a bit fishy/illegal possibly?
    Not accusing, just curious.

    SDJ

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  59. No reply from the Racine Post concerning Mark's tax warrants... Ummmm makes me feel that this site is not a news site, or true journalism or reporting and it's just a PR outlet for government. I hope advertisers who pay to be on this site and also people who "donate" take notice and think twice.

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  60. Pete or Dustin - what are the guidelines for filling positions? Are there policies that dictate that jobs must be posted for a certain period of time? If so, where was this job posted and for how long. Just because Markk made up his own name, Mr. Racine, does he have the credentials and background checks to fill this positon?

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  61. Anyone who names himself "Mr. Racine" should be slapped! And yes folks, NO BID CONTRACTS ARE HAPPINING WITH DICKERT! He is also trying to place his friend in a 40k sweetheart deal on our channel 25. We need truth and fairness in government. We need to DEMAND IT!

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  62. Anon 9:36, we are demanding it. But when you have a pseudo-mayor that won't respond to emails or phone calls, all you can do is cast your vote against him in the next election. I for one would vote for a dead fish, if it was on the ballot, before I'd vote to re-elect this scumbag.

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  63. Don't forget how he is trying to hold up the development in Racine to make sure that his friends get all the contracts.

    That's a good way to get funded for his upcoming campaign

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  64. JJ McAuliffe1/28/2010 4:16 AM

    Man these comments sicken me! Do any of you cowardly anonymous blow hards know what Mark Eickhorst has done for the city??
    You may not like the position that has been created,and that's fine. I get that, and I even understand your concerns. But to go after Mark's character and drag this man through the dirt after all he has done for the city. You cowards get behind your keyboard and bitch, bitch, bitch! Mark ran for mayor, sat on the city council, raises thousands of dollars for charity, runs a show that promotes EVERYTHING positive about Racine, shows his face when things concern Racine. He actually does something and makes an impact, instead of you little cowards dragging everyone through the mud and NOT doing anything but whine, whine, whine. Sad thing is, the next couple of post's will now drag me through the mud because I stood up for a man who unlike you people, has character. I will read it as I hope Mark reads it. Unless you post your REAL name, who cares what you have to say! I know for a fact what Mark has done for this community. If it wasn't for Mark, I would never have been turned on to the wonderful things Big Brothers Big Sisters do. I would not have be as informed to United Way, I would not know about charity events that are going on. I am not defending this position that the mayor has created. You have every right to be against it! But please do not trash a man who has done more for this city THEN ANY OF YOU!
    Let he without sin cast the first stone, yet most of you casting stone's more then likely have more sin's to repent for then Mark.
    Mark, if your reading this......Don't change, we love you brother!

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  65. Gee, did he also help you on your drive to prevent a legitimate businessman, with a good track record, from establishing a new business on 6th Street?

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  66. I'm a nice guy. Can the city, in the midst of a deep recession, create a job for me. This private sector thing is getting old.

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  67. Hey brother - who names themself Mr. Racine like Mark did? How many jobs is RAMAC or the city going to create for this guy? His last 2-3 jobs have been created for him - he did not fill open positions.

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  68. Predictions

    10% 0f the businesses in the downtown area will close about the same will leave or close at the Mall. More of the West Racine and Uptown business sections will disappear.

    WRJN will become radio history and the now struggling Journal –Times will become a local news weekly. Sunday Paper will Disappear.

    For about 10 years the “ Johnson Project Honor” will become Racine’s biggest tourist attraction.

    With in the next decade CNH (Case) will close all manufacturing here and the Main Offices will be moved to Illinois.

    Within 10 years Gould Street will be closed between Michigan blvd. and Main street and a new Public Museum will be built at Lakeview Park. The two will complement each other creating a new destination and tourist spots in south east Wisconsin.

    Dozens of assisted living complexes will be developed to create jobs. The affordable prices will draw elderly from Chicago and other major city’s in the mid-west.

    With in 20 years Racine and Kenosha will re-attach and all County expenses will be cut by one third.

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  69. Is he related to Jaimee Racine? Will his expense account have him flying to Europe, Asia and maybe hopping on board the space shuttle to get out there and promote Racine?

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  70. JJ, No one has really ATTACKED MR. Racine. It's just valid questions and generally anger towards the mayors ridiculous idea to hire Mr. RAcine. With no PR experience, and troubled tax history, this is not something needed now and is most definatly Tom Freidels job as city admin. Oh and YES the self givin name of Mr. Racine? is stupid. IMHO.

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  71. I would like to know what education he has in marketing. What companies he worked for to obtain his marketing skills (besides the ones he created himself and bars don't count) If we are going to have someone being Mr or Mrs whomever then they better have the background and by hiring someone that doesn't pay their taxes its basically saying our local government says its ok to skip out on paying taxes

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  72. What kind of reputation does this give our city when people in position to communite with the "outside" world don't pay taxes. I guess it's ok for all of us to skip out on paying our taxes because the mayor will take care of us. I see the good ol boys are having a fun time in office (while it lasts).

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  73. Well one thing you can say for "Mr. Racine" - he is consistant in not paying his taxes since 2000. Then throw in a foreclosure and you've got the right man for PR in this fine city. What the hell are you guys thinking? Hiring this poorly dressed, grumped up looking guy with his past record.

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  74. Isn't that touching, one bar bum defending another bar bum. Only in Racine I tell ya.

    No one cares what you think J.J., trust that.

    Signed - Patrick O'nonymous

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  75. JJ McAuliffe1/28/2010 3:39 PM

    Yeah that's what I expected Patrick O' Anonymous. Another idiot talking out his ass not knowing facts. Mark doesnt even drink. Hi Matt!

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  76. JJ no one was throwing stones at Mark they are tired of the BS politics but if anyone knows Mark they know the exact reason why he doesn't drink.

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  77. JJ - you have not addressed any of the prior comments, who has the right to make up the name for themselves "Mr. Racine?" Why he he such an ideal guy for the job when he is a tax evader? When was this job posted and what were the qualification requirements? Oh, that's right, he's MR.RACINE. This guy can't hold a job even though someone always is there to give him one. I think part of his $25,000 should be garnished to pay back taxes. Here's to our new Racine face - PR guy with a wonderful track record. JJ if you love this guy so much, why haven't you given him a job, God knows with a forecloser in his past he needs the money.

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  78. I think they are discriminating against Mrs. Racine. Do I hear a lawsuit coming?

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  79. Can we at least agree this is a waste of money and the job should be done by our 100K a year City administrator? Waste of our taxpayer dollars!

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  80. I say bar bum because he used to own a bar you bearded punk. Kind of like you.

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  81. concrete katie1/28/2010 9:03 PM

    I don't think the problems Racine faces can be addressed by marketing or pr. The city needs a plan that is out in the open. And the city needs to listen to its residents.

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  82. Dickert probably hired the guy to help him put a great spin on the things he does so he can get re-elected on our dime! Nice!

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  83. I don't have a comment on Mr. Racine but want to give JJ credit for voicing what many are thinking.
    Despite knowing what may result.

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  84. JJ McAuliffe stood up to defend Mark Eickhorst. From his statements, it is apparent that JJ knows Mark on a personal level. I give credit to someone who defends their friend, particularly when faced with credibility issues. I do not know Mr. Eickhorst. I don’t know anything about his, so called, naming himself Mr. Racine (where is the proof to back that statement up?).

    On the other hand, I can definitely understand citizens being concerned about a man being appointed to a city staff position who has outstanding tax warrants posted on Wisconsin Circuit Court Access for 2000, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2009. I think Mr. Eickhorst should settle these issues before accepting the position. Tax evasion and/or tax fraud are criminal offenses and I don’t think he should hold any public office (elected or appointed) until he has settled these issues or been exonerated from them. This is not meant as attack against Mr. Eickhorst, I would make this observation concerning ANY individual under these circumstances.

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  85. There are already three high paid city positions that should have plenty of time to do the PR work -- Mayor, Assistant to the Mayor, and City Administrator. There is no need to pay someone else $25,000 to do what they can do!

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  86. Looks like Sebastians and Mcauliffs pub just lost a customer a piece. This town is too small to run loose lips.

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  87. There are already three high paid city positions that should have plenty of time to do the PR work -- Mayor, Assistant to the Mayor, and City Administrator. There is no need to pay someone else $25,000 to do what they can do!



    NOTHING MORE NEEDS TO BE SAID! THIS IS A WASTE OF OUR TAX DOLLARS! Sorry to yell.

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  88. No amount of PR will get Dickert re elected that's for sure. Satan would win hands down against Dickert. At least we'd know what Satans game plan was lol

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  89. I don't understand why virtually EVERY incumbent in this city's government isn't voted out of office. It is time to clean house and start fresh, overturn many of the previous policies that have been put into place, get rid of the unnecessary and expensive programs that don't work or are purely special interest, roll back the taxes and re-evaluate how they are spent, and restructure the roll of city hall in our lives. On a local level, this city's government is just as out-of-hand as our state and national governments are. This has got to stop.

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