CANDIDATE
QUESTIONNAIRE
CANDIDATE
QUESTIONNAIRE
Candidate: John McCabe Position Sought: Mayor, City of Pekin
BACKGROUND
1. Please provide us with some basic information about yourself (family, education, employment, etc.)
Susan, my wife of nearly 50 years, and I have lived in Pekin since 1989. We have two grown children and seven grandchildren. After spending ten years in the US Army, I went back to school and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences with a teaching certification from Illinois State University in 1984. I went on to earn a Master’s degree from St. Xavier University in 1999. In 2003 I achieved National Board Teacher Certification from the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards. I taught high school social studies for 29 years, the last 24 at Pekin Community High School, retiring in 2013. I have volunteered at various organizations my entire adult life including sports, education, community, and church. Currently I volunteer regularly in our community when I see a need such as in our schools, at Pekin Township, or thru St. Jude’s activities to list just a few.
2. What education, skills and experiences do you bring to the Pekin City Council?
Spending most all of my adult life as an educator in the social sciences areas taught me to explore all sides of an issue to try to reach an answer to questions. There will always be disagreements, but compromised solutions can only be achieved through civil discourse. Working with others, I believe I have developed the abilities of caring, concerned risk-taking and non-judgmental listening. These are some of the most important skills that any elected official should possess. In the fall of 2011, I was appointed, with the consent of the council, to fill a council vacancy. In 2013, I was elected to a four-year term on the council, and in 2015 I was elected mayor. I have also served on the Pekin Liquor Commission and the Pekin Civil Rights Committee. My service in these areas has given me the opportunity to experience firsthand that Pekin is fortunate to have a very professional staff. These experiences have reinforced my conviction that when members of the council work cooperatively with our staff, it goes a long way towards doing what is best for the community as a whole.
3. What has motivated you to seek this office?
I am seeking a second term as mayor because I believe that I can continue to make a positive difference in our community. In my years as mayor, we have seen the completion of Veterans’ Drive South, the opening of the medical office building (Pekin East) on Griffin Dr., major repairs to some of the more heavily travelled roads and streets. We used input from community members in an open house setting and other means to assist us in making decisions on which street to address first. I would like to see the city continue this approach. There has also been additional business in the downtown TIF district. As a citizen who believes in the democratic principles that make our government work, I strive to embody that participation. I have worked hard as mayor to give all issues that have been brought before the council the attention that they deserve before making what I see as the best decisions for all of Pekin. We have seen advancements over the past few years, and I would like us to build upon these improvements as we continue to progress. Many community members have expressed concerns about infrastructure (roads, sidewalks, curbs and etc.) and the need for additional businesses that would bring more head of household jobs to Pekin. I intend to address these matters directly in order to maintain and improve the quality of life within our community.
4. What is your vision for the community and how are you going to get us there?
In the time that I have served on the city council, a lot of progress has been made, but more can be done. It is my desire to see our community become a destination for people to live, work and play. We can get there by all the different stakeholders, both public and private, working together. This means listening to the ideas and concerns of all members of the community; then putting together a plan or set of plans that can turn these ideas and wishes into reality. However; we need a well thought out strategic plan to get us there. I see that as my primary goal. That is what the city has been lacking for too long. This will not be easy, but I see it as an absolute if we are to move our city forward.
GOVERNANCE
5. What do you believe is the Mayor's role in the city manager form of government?
As mayor, I believe it is necessary to establish a good working relationship with the city manager. We both need to be able to trust each other. This trust can be achieved by both of us having a clear understanding of the other’s roles and goals concerning the community. It is imperative that the mayor does not try to micromanage the city manager and staff. However, it cannot be overlooked that the mayor and council are the city manager’s boss. It is also the mayor’s responsibility to listen to all the concerns of all members of the community. Then the mayor, in conjunction with the rest of the council, sets policy and assigns tasks to the city manager and staff to complete according to the council’s instructions.
6. Do you support the city manager form of government? Why or why not?
I am in strong support of the city manager form of government. The manager/council form of government has been in place for more than 20 years. One of the reasons for this change was the need for a trained professional to deal with many different issues that a city the size of Pekin faces on a regular basis. Elected officials have only three required qualifications; age, residency and citizenship. A city manager needs to have working knowledge in management, human resources, finance, and day to day city operations.
7. Do you support Home Rule in Pekin? Why or why not?
Yes, I am in support of Home Rule for the city of Pekin. No one likes paying taxes, and there are so many levels of taxes we pay today. But communities in the state of Illinois had for years been too dependent on the state dealing with delays, rejections and too much bureaucratic red tape in collecting taxes. With the adoption of the state’s fourth Constitution in 1970, home rule has made the passage and collection of local taxes a manageable tool for communities such as Pekin. Home rule also grants municipalities the power to regulate for the protection of public health, safety, morals and general welfare and to issue licenses. Without home rule, we would be at the mercy of the State of Illinois.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
8. What, if anything, should the City Council do to retain, expand and attract "head of household" jobs and new residents?
Infrastructure must be our area of focus in order to attract new business and retain the businesses we already have. Infrastructure is important to the future of Pekin so that we will have a solid foundation; this includes not just the infrastructure needed to attract and retain commercial business, but also the development of homes and the labor that entails. Our infrastructure focus must expand beyond Veterans Drive; we need a more concerted effort to bring all major thoroughfares up to an acceptable standard and maintained as such. I now serve as a voting member on the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council. With this position, I hope to steer more interest and opportunities Pekin’s way. The city has also hired a part-time economic development director. Working with him and the Pekin Area Chamber, we can draw more attention to what the city has to offer, such as the south side industrial park, Veterans’ Drive and our revitalized downtown.
9. How should the City Council invest the remaining Downtown TIF funds?
In the last few years we have witnessed an amazing transformation in the downtown area. I believe that it is important that we continue with this effort. We continue to seek out businesses that have expressed an interest in the downtown area. This, as well as adaptations, such as additional parking, are examples that would allow businesses to thrive. There is still money in the TIF fund and with time running out, it needs to be utilized. I believe that the city council needs to encourage as much development in the downtown TIF district as possible. More businesses will generate more traffic which will generate more tax dollars and even more development.
10. What, if anything, should the City Council do to promote tourism in Pekin and the region?
Making our community appealing to others is an ongoing process. Collaboration with our Chamber of Commerce, parks, schools and businesses is a way in which we promote our city. The Marigold Festival, school activities such as the Pekin Holiday Tournament, and the Chambers fireworks on the Fourth of July are all activities that invite people into our community. We have spent money to promote local activities through regional and national publications; if we are to see a favorable return on these investments, we must continue to look for ways to quantify the value added and ensure we’re allocating resources in the most effective manner.
INFRASTRUCTURE
11. What are your thoughts on the completion of Veterans Drive all the way to I-474?
Now that Veterans’ Drive South is completed, Pekin must work with other neighboring communities to place more focus on the completion of the overall project. Veterans’ Drive North will benefit these other communities, and we need to work closely with those affected to ensure that all the communities in the area share not just the benefits of the project, but the costs as well. Interest in the completion of Veterans’ Drive North has waned because of cost overruns and the extended time caused by changes in state requirements. The city council needs to help maintain the interest in the project so that some day, it will be completed.
12. Should the City of Pekin continue to invest in the infrastructure of the Pekin Municipal Airport? Why or why not?
The airport not only serves a number of businesses in the area but contributes to the local economy with the occupation of motel rooms, shopping in local establishments and the purchase of fuel. The airport should be seen as a tool for future development and we need to do a better job of promoting this important asset.
13. Please identify the three most important infrastructure projects in the City of Pekin. How do you propose to pay for these projects?
Now that the Wastewater Treatment Plant is completed, there needs to be more focus on completing repairs and other work on the storm water drainage system. I created the infrastructure committee to work with our city engineer to help complete the process, and progress is being made. Most of this is being paid for with the impound fees that the city collects. The next large capital project is the repair/rebuilding of Court St. Because of cost overruns with Veterans’ Drive, money for this work is lacking. We must pursue additional grants and other assistance from both the state and federal government as well as searching for other revenues sources. The third project would be the major repairs to other major roadways such as Broadway St., North 14th St., and others. Our local gas tax along with our motor fuel tax funds helps to pay for this.
FINANCES
14. Are there opportunities to cut expenses? Are there departments that are over-staffed? Where, specifically, would you support cuts?
In the first part of my tenure as mayor, an efficiency study was conducted because of the concerns and wishes of community and council members. This independent study points out that there is really no area in the city to make any meaningful cuts. When money gets tight, people want to see cuts in expenses. But anytime cuts are made to the city budget, services such as public safety, sewer and road maintenance are diminished. Everyone likes the idea of lowering taxes, but the problem is how to make it happen and maintain the level of service the public expects.
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?
It would be nice to increase spending in a number of areas, but the revenues are not there to support any increases. The area that has the biggest need for an increase is the area of public safety. Our pensions are an area of real concern. We need to make up for past funding mistakes, but finding the resources is the real problem. We need to continue exploring all options.
VISION
16. If elected, what would be your top three priorities?
One area of concern I have is the continued redevelopment of downtown. Pekin has much potential for growth, and working with business leaders and city staff, we can attract even more people and opportunities to the city. My second priority is the need to improve our infrastructure. We cannot expect business activity to grow if the major roads and streets in our city are in disrepair. Addressing infrastructure needs will keep our city an attractive place for living and investment. The third priority would be to work with the Pekin Area Chamber and the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council in promoting Pekin to attract more head of household jobs. One area of focus should be the southside industrial park.
17. What distinguishes you from the other candidates?
Integrity, education, experience and knowledge of how the city works. I have been involved with public service most all of my adult life. I have been serving on the city council for almost 8 years; first as a council member and the last 4 years as mayor. I strive to have a good working relationship with the city manager and the department heads. In working with the city staff and the council, I have made a considerable effort to listen to the many different concerns of council, staff and the residents of the city; but the mayor must act in what is the best interest for the whole community, which means making tough choices. I have worked to help reach compromise in a number of situations to get things done. I listen to the ideas of others in reaching solutions.