CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE

Candidate: David Nutter         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.)

Married to my wife Pam
Six daughters; 17 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren
Associates degree in Business Administration
32 years: Caterpillar Mapleton; hourly, salaried and management roles
7 years; WalMart; Inventory Supervisor and Safety committee member
Work experience included; Cost Reduction, Planning, Training, Accounting, Purchasing, Quality, and Inventory Management.
Partner with Pekin Bridgeway Community Church
Volunteer at Joyce Meyer Ministry nationwide conferences

2. What education, skills and experiences do you bring to the Pekin City Council?

35 years in business management, team building, meeting leadership, budgeting, problem solving, departmental management, cost reduction, customer service, employee screening and hiring.

3. What has motivated you to seek this office?

Having attended and participated in Council meetings for 2.5 years, reviewing committee and board minutes, talking to citizens and city employees it’s obvious. Pekin government needs enhanced leadership, teamwork and a pro-active and positive change.

4. What is your vision for the community and how are you going to get us there?

1) clean up the cities appearance
2) continued focus on the opioid epidemic
3) increase citizen involvement
Action plan:
1) prioritize street repair, weed control, code enforcement of empty property
2) reassess drug enforcement staffing and recommend change as needed
3) conduct town hall meetings.

GOVERNANCE

5. What do you believe is the role of a city council member in the city manager form of government?

Involvement with the City Manager to set policy, policy implementation within budget limitations and ensure compliance of the policies.

6. Do you support the city manager form of government? Why or why not?

After reading and evaluating the pros and cons of both forms of governing a common denominator is required for both. EFFECTIVE PROACTIVE LEADERSHIP; without leadership neither system will be effective.

7. Do you support Home Rule in Pekin?  Why or why not?

After reading and evaluating the pros and cons of both forms of governing a common denominator is required for both. EFFECTIVE PROACTIVE LEADERSHIP; without leadership neither system will be effective.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

8. What, if anything, should the City Council do to retain, expand and attract "head of household" jobs and new residents?

The Council approved two contracts to research and provide feedback for “head of household” jobs and other business opportunities. The contracts coincide with Greater Peoria Economic Development Council; whose goal is to address the job issue. Organize work sessions with LOCAL “head of household” companies, small/medium businesses, civic organizations and other non profits with a goal of finding a solution to this issue.

9. How should the City Council invest the remaining Downtown TIF funds?

Update/repair buildings, streets, alleys, sidewalks, green spaces, lighting, etc.

10. What, if anything, should the City Council do to promote tourism in Pekin and the region?

The City receives tourism assistance from non local organizations along with Pekin Tourism Committee and Main St. Committee. Funds are also budgeted for media sources to promote Pekin tourism. No additional Council involvement is required at this time.

INFRASTRUCTURE

11. What are your thoughts on the completion of Veterans Drive all the way to I-474?

After Federal/State/Local studies and public hearings the Council can decide the funding feasibility of the Veterans Dr. extension.

12. Should the City of Pekin continue to invest in the infrastructure of the Pekin Municipal Airport? Why or why not?

Major infra-structure improvements should be completed in 2019. The airport is projected to operate at a deficit in 18/19; equating to a $428,000 loss over three years. Revenue has improved through fuel sales management, hangar rental increase and a potential solar project. If the Airport cannot break even in 2020; alternatives need to be pursued. Options; sell off assets, lease to corporate or private investors, total shut down.

13. Please identify the three most important infrastructure projects in the City of Pekin. How do you propose to pay for these projects?

1) 2nd St storm water project; EPA loan and surplus waste water fees.
2) Continued street overlay; Sheridan Rd. (14th to Parkway), Court and Parkway intersection, Derby St.; use MFT funds.
3) Broadway Farms project. Funding from Shire St. loan balance, impound fees, utilization of Street Dept. resources and State grants .

FINANCES

14. Are there opportunities to cut expenses?  Are there departments that are over-staffed? Where, specifically, would you support cuts?

There are always opportunities to reduce expenses. Review the 2016 Effeciency Study staffing realignments compared to current operations. This may offer realignment opportunities. The 17/18 audit results are not available as of 1/7/19. Once complete and reviewed staffing can be addressed in the budget.

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?

After the 17/18 audit is available I can provide a more comprehensive response.

VISION

16. If elected, what would be your top three priorities?

1) Police/Fire Pension debt alternatives
2) Implement departmental goals/objectives, improved accountability and transparency and follow-up
3) Cost control and quarterly/semi annual budget review.

17. What distinguishes you from the other candidates?

At this time I do not know all the other candidates well enough to comment.