CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE

MAYOR, CITY OF PEKIN

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

Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce: A comprehensive or stategic plan that sets a vision for our community, prioritizes projects and meets our community's needs. A community pride / community clean-up program. An increased budget commitment to street maintenance. Progress on the large infrastructure projects mentioned earlier. Making economic development a priority in the budget.

Mark A. Luft: Leadership. Without strong leadership, we will stay idle in our efforts to move forward in a positive direction. Doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results is not the answer. Business as usual is not an option. We need leadership that can guide us through these ever changing times. We need leadership that can think outside the box, understand the issues we are facing today and has a strategic vision on how to guide us into the future. Leadership that can make the tough decisions to ensure the stability and success of our community today, tomorrow and down the road. We will not achieve our goals without a leader who has open and honest communication with the Council, staff and the community.

Pension Obligation. This is an area that I personally have worked hard on from day one. Pensions are not only a concern for our community, but for the rest of the country as well. This is a serious topic that all parties should be engaged in. We need to stay constant in our education and seeking solutions. The State of Illinois passed a law dictating our pensions be fully funded by 2040. This will not be an easy task. We cannot afford to push this off to the next council or the next generations. We also cannot afford to hear leadership positions say “I wont be around than so I’m not worried about it.” The facts are our children and grandchildren WILL be around. To ignore this situation and pass it to the next generation is irresponsible and wrong.

Economic Development. Refer to questions #8, #9, #10 .

John McCabe: 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.