Since I began as mayor, I have requested that my departments look to find efficiencies and cost savings where possible. I have also requested that each area of the city look at ways to become sustainable; in other words, how you can pay for your efforts by adding value to the community.
Racine is a wonderful community full of great people and opportunities. Since I took office four years ago, I have made it my mission to put a positive light on Racine and let people know of all the great things happening here. I believe we should utilize every opportunity available to tell our story. Whether it is the newspapers, radio, the city website or our local television stations, including CAR25, we should be telling our story, whether it’s North Beach receiving its ranking as one of the best beaches in the world or the Racine in Bloom Award we recently received.
Our administration, as well as the city’s Cable Commission, have introduced a number of initiatives over the last several years aimed at broadening the scope and quality CAR25 in order to make it a source of quality information and programming about the value of the city of Racine as a tourist, business and lifestyle destination.
It is our position that, with modifications to its management and mission, CAR25 would be capable of producing quality programing which could then be used as valuable aids in promoting the City of Racine and even raise funds necessary to create a sustainable enterprise.
I have also worked to steer CAR25 in the direction of positive messaging and a regular programming schedule. My experience of working with a cable access channel for five years while in school has blessed me with the experience of seeing the vast potential a station can bring and furthermore, the true potential that lies within.
We have to constantly look for ways to create a better product for a cheaper cost. More importantly, I believe we have to provide a great message that demonstrates the positive things going on in Racine. While I understand the public nature of CAR25, I am concerned that some of the programming currently defeats the very purpose of a positive message for our city.
We tell these positive stories to attract developers and tourists alike. They in turn spend money in our stores or develop here using our workers and contribute to our community, adding to our tax base.
Unfortunately, the very producers that are opposing change are the ones currently providing programs that speak negatively about Racine. While that is their right, I believe we need to put our focus on a 21st century message and programming that informs and educates our community about the great things going on and what opportunities that are available to them daily.
I want to assure those who have expressed opposition to the proposed changes with CAR25, they will still have their access to production equipment and the free broadcast of their content. We are simply attempting to use the resources available to us in a more proactive and positive fashion to continue to promote the City of Racine as a work, play and lifestyle destination.
CAR25 currently costs roughly $100,000 per year, which is funded by revenues received from licensing fees and your tax dollars.
John Dickert is mayor of Racine.
“the very producers that are opposing change are the ones currently providing programs that speak negatively about Racine. While that is their right”
Thank you for understanding this
“I want to assure those who have expressed opposition to the proposed changes with CAR25, they will still have their access to production equipment and the free broadcast of their content.
After the Union contract issues the whole NSP past Law suits and the ones still coming to into court Do you think anyone trusts your word?
We also have seen with our own eyes your having information by Chase Hendrex removed from the desks of Alderman. Was not that an attempt to control communication of a member of the public to elected officials?
From First Amendment
…and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. You sir have no right to interfere.
How far are you willing to go to prevent the public from communicating to elected officials news you do not want them to see?
“CAR25 currently costs roughly $100,000 per year, which is funded by revenues received from licensing fees and your tax dollars.”
The City receives far more then this from ATT/Time Warner in fees how are taxes then paying for any of this?
I will also ask why once again those getting money from the City as I see it have personal connections with you?
This whole process of the RFP from the Beginning just sucks
I like CAR 25, however I use You Tube Goggle Hang Outs etc to get my messages out
my teaser at http://www.gogogirlsvsthenazis.com/teaser/ gets far more views then CAR 25
You sir have given me lots ideas to use for both the Go Go Girls and It Came From The Root River. You want folks to see Racine as others who live here do you got it
Please members of the public read this https://racineinruins.wordpress.com/2012/12/11/please-read-and-tell-others-letter-to-editor-coped-from-racine-uncovered/
I put this story here for I expect before much longer the Paper will remove the comments posted
felt that what I and others said need to be documented
In the long run Dickert will win all he needs to do is end the funding, then hire out pals to do work under under some City/County program to tape events in the area.
As I would hope that the Alderman would put a stop to this but other then two or three they have no backbone and know who their master is. If you dare speak out you are punished. If you behave you might get to work at City Hall or get a neat title. One lerns fast to get along to know your place
Yes Racine keeps our reputation as I see it the most corrupt City in America
Racine in Ruins a Muckrakers Dream 
LOLOLOL!
The fools of Racine and their money are parted every single day – and the amount taken only grows greater every single day…..
This piece should be under “COMEDY”. LOLOLOL!
You wanna know something Racine – Racine is the laughing stock of the State in Madison – but everybody has to be somebody – so GO WITH IT!
Dickert makes Barrett look like a genius!~
Racine – the proud birthplace of Homer Simpson!
We are number 1 in Unemployment (again)
We are back to the days of daylight armed robberies
Murder after murder gangs running wild
The State Courts saying City actions on Black bars are illegal opening the city to yet more law suits
The Downtown and Uptown areas look more empty then ever before
Shunting down CAR 25 turning it into the John Dickert is God Network only goes to have the outside world see our Mayor as he is to so many a petty Dictator, trying to keep control over his city going into ruin.
Mayor Dickert may think there is nothing wrong other the the ********* Blogers then too some think Reichert Court is the place to be
We don’t believe you. You lie and lie about everything and have cost us hundreds of thousands in legal fees. NO tax dollars are used for CAR 25. See, another lie! You just lie and lie to us, as does your lying cousin city administrator, and expect us to suck it up..
We;re sick of your lies. We’re sick of you assuming that we are stupid enough to believe any more of your lies.
How can a public official enter into a confidentiality agreement using public money? You are a lying thief and belong behind bars. That day may come sooner than you think, lying John.