CANDIDATE
QUESTIONNAIRE
CANDIDATE
QUESTIONNAIRE
Candidate: Karen Hohimer Position Sought: Council Person (4-year term), City of Pekin
BACKGROUND
1. Please provide us with some basic information about yourself (family, education, employment, etc.)
My name is Karen Hohimer, maiden name Brees. I had been married for 33 1/2 years to my husband Dean who passed away unexpectedly this past October 20th. I have a son named Jordan who is married and lives in St. Louis. I have a Bachelor's Degree from Bradley University (1998) with a double major in Elementary Education and Science. I received my Master's Degree from Illinois State University (2003) in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis on Reading. I have been employed by Peoria Public School District 150 since 1998.
2. What education, skills and experiences do you bring to the Pekin City Council?
I have been a member of Habitat for Humanity House Selection Board, a past board member of the Fuller Center for Veterans, a member of the Board of Education at Pekin Community High School for almost 14 years, past treasurer for the Marigold Home Owner's Association, as well as teaching for more than 20 years and being my grade level Universal Leadership Team representative for the past 4 years. I was an Area Vice President for the Peoria Federation of Teachers, representing union members and negotiating contracts. I believe with my past/current leadership experiences, dealing with people I know as well as people I don't, will help me promote Pekin and it's citizens in a professional and fair manner.
3. What has motivated you to seek this office?
I have always loved being a volunteer/helper and started thinking about running for a council seat about 4 years ago but since my husband was a city employee, I decided to wait till he retired so there would be no question as to my motives for running. I do not have "one" particular reason for running other than I love my community and hope to be a positive influence when making those hard decisions.
4. What is your vision for the community and how are you going to get us there?
My vision for this community is to see downtown return to a thriving hub of business and pleasure. I think we need to find ways other than just TIF money to bring in business without hurting our financial bottom line. I like to think I'm an "out of the box" thinker.
GOVERNANCE
5. What do you believe is the role of a city council member in the city manager form of government?
The role of the city council is to hire/fire the city manager. Individually, my role is to seek and hear input from community members and bring those issues to the council for resolution or at least communication.
6. Do you support the city manager form of government? Why or why not?
Yes and no. Yes, because the City Manager has the time to oversee all department heads in the city and acts accordingly. Unfortunately, candidates for City Manager are not "from" this community and don't have the "back story", which can be a positive or negative.
7. Do you support Home Rule in Pekin? Why or why not?
Yes. I believe the city should have the right to pass laws governing ourselves as long as we are in compliance with state and federal laws. Home rule would give us some flexibility on taxation that would benefit Pekin and bringing in new businesses as well as homeowners.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
8. What, if anything, should the City Council do to retain, expand and attract "head of household" jobs and new residents?
I think a great way to get people to buy a home and live in Pekin is to offer homeowner incentives such as having a one time graduated homeowner's tax. A new homeowner would pay a quarter of the tax the first year, half of their tax bill the second year, three quarters the third year of residency and by their fourth year they will pay their full tax bill.
9. How should the City Council invest the remaining Downtown TIF funds?
Encouraging entrepreneurship. We WANT diversity in our community and we should make it a priority.
10. What, if anything, should the City Council do to promote tourism in Pekin and the region?
Stop the negativity during council meetings. When I am constantly watching and reading the same complaints from the same people week after week, it is a turn off and I live here. Imagine if you were considering moving here and reading and hearing the constant barrage of complaints, you may change your mind. Address each complaint until it is solved.
INFRASTRUCTURE
11. What are your thoughts on the completion of Veterans Drive all the way to I-474?
I have concerns about the completion of Veterans Dr. to 474 because it will cause potential tax dollars to bypass us. Cars will only leave the highway out of necessity, missing our community and all it has to offer.
12. Should the City of Pekin continue to invest in the infrastructure of the Pekin Municipal Airport? Why or why not?
Most definitely. Pekin Municipal Airport is a gem. Many people do not know how much business is generated because of the proximity of our airport to Pekin.
13. Please identify the three most important infrastructure projects in the City of Pekin. How do you propose to pay for these projects?
Pekin needs to have welcoming entrances. Simply offering TIF money to some business owners on the main drive into Pekin for a facelift on their facade is huge. Keeping trash on the roads cleaned up by using people that need to complete community service hours (free to the tax payer). Make sure our roads are kept drive able, free from potholes and flooding. This is a street department mandate.
FINANCES
14. Are there opportunities to cut expenses? Are there departments that are over-staffed? Where, specifically, would you support cuts?
As far as cutting expenses, YES. I would like to see an employee audit in every department except police/fire. Having been married to a city employee, I have many thoughts on where cuts should take place but will save that until after the audit.
15. Are there areas where spending needs to be increased? Are there departments that are under-staffed? If yes, where does spending need to increase and where would the money come from?
I don't think spending NEEDS to be increased. This community needs to work smarter, not harder.
VISION
16. If elected, what would be your top three priorities?
My top 3 priorities would be an employee audit, attracting people and businesses to Pekin, and showcasing all our community has to offer in a positive and sincere way.
17. What distinguishes you from the other candidates?
I have many years experience on other boards and committees. I am a lifelong resident of this community (born in Pekin Hospital), and I consider myself to be open to other's ideas as well as being honest and trustworthy.