CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE

PEKIN CITY COUNCIL

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

Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce: First, the City Council should make economic development a priority in the budget by funding a dedicated, full-time, economic development staff member and provide for economic development incentives. Second, the City Council should collaborate with the Greater Peoria EDC, other municipalities, the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce and other local and regional groups on economic development programs and initiatives. If we create new head of household jobs, new residents will follow.

Rick Hilst: Did not respond to the questionnaire.

Karen Hohimer: 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.

John Abel: More promotion of our "ready to go" Rivervway Industrial Park.

David Nutter: 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.

Matthew T. Tucker (Tyler): The City Council can begin to attract “Head of Household” and new residents by attracting family orientated businesses and creating or promoting family orientated events.  We need to work with community organizations, schools, the library, churches, the hospital, the park district, …. and brainstorm on ideas to promote and excite kids and parents about participating in these events.

We can use what Peoria has done with their warehouse district and how they had commissioned artist to create sculptures for their streets.  We can have art classes throughout the school districts to come up with the design, then wielding and wood working classes can construct the sculpture.  Erecting some sculptures throughout the city will generate some pride in the younger generation as well as the parents.

The City can start by switching The Farmers Market from Wednesday’s between 11:00 and 2:00 a Saturday beginning around 8:00 or 9:00 until 2:00.  At the beginning maybe we could get some of the nearby restaurants to serve breakfast?  I have seen The Railhouse has had a booth at a couple of street fairs.  Maybe we can invite some other and more local restaurants to serve breakfast or a brunch?  Maybe the participating restaurants could use some of the produce at The Market.  This way the produce vendors and restaurants can co-promote?

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