CANDIDATE
QUESTIONNAIRE
CANDIDATE
QUESTIONNAIRE
PEKIN CITY COUNCIL
12. Should the City of Pekin continue to invest in the infrastructure of the Pekin Municipal Airport? Why or why not?
Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce: The City of Pekin should continue to invest in the Pekin Municipal Airport. It is one of the unique economic development and quality of life assets that gives Pekin an advantage over other area communitities. Infrastructure improvments generally require only a 5% match from the City of Pekin. Additionally, the City should have a plan to reach the break-even point on annual operating expenses.
Rick Hilst: Did not respond to the questionnaire.
Karen Hohimer: 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.
John Abel: Pekin airport Yes!! In my time on the council the red ink has slowly gone down. With airport director Todd Dugan we are so close to being in the black. Everyone should tour the airport and see what all is going on there. Plane repair business alone is drawing customers from several surrounding states.
David Nutter: 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.
Matthew T. Tucker (Tyler): I believe the City of Pekin should put the Municipal Airport up for sale. I don’t see spending tax payers’ funds as an investment when it is being spent on infrastructure for an airport which only a hand full of people in the city actually use it. Now of course opponents of this position will say it is essential to the business owners of Pekin since it is convenient for some business people to fly into the Pekin Municipal than it is to fly into Peoria and without it, some of these businesses will move out of Pekin. My response is for the business owners who do use the airport to partner up and purchase the airport and then manage it themselves.
The funds going towards the infrastructure of the airport could be better spent on other much more urgent expenditures.
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