CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE

Candidate:  Harvey F. Richmond          Position Sought:  Council Person, City of Pekin

1.  Why are you seeking this office?

Because I want to see Pekin continue to prosper.

2.  What are your qualifications for this office?

Eight years as Chief Deputy of the Tazewell County Sheriff's Department

Twelve years serving on the Tazewell Council Sheriff's Merit Commission.

Ten years serving on the Pekin City Council

A past business owner in Pekin for 25 years.

3.  Have you ever owned or managed a business?  If yes, please explain.

Yes, Richmond Painting for 25 years.

4.  How do you propose to retain, expand and attract businesses in the Pekin area?

by hiring a competent economic development director

5.  What role should the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce and other business organizations play in strengthening the City's economic base?

continue to work hand in hand as we did for ten years

6.  Do you support the continued construction of Veterans Drive?  Why or why not?

Yes.  Yes.  Yes.  Look to the east around the already developed highway and it its easy to see why.

7.  Do you support the proposed change to the Route 9 designation from Court Street to the southern/western leg of Veterans Drive?  Why or why not?

Yes, if we can get state funding it would relieve truck traffic on Court Street.

8.  What is your vision for downtown Pekin, including riverfront development, West Campus, and James Field?  What should be the City's role in these efforts? How should these projects be paid for?

To continue working with business and government agencies for the betterment of the citizens of Pekin.  They should be funded by the same businesses and government agencies.

9.  What, if anything, should the City of Pekin do to promote tourism in Pekin?

We need a Tourism Director on either a part or full time basis to work with the economic development director.

10.  What are your thoughts about City finances?  Are there opportunities to cut expenses?  Specifically, where are those opportunities?  Is there a need for new or additional revenue?  Specifically, where would it come from?  Are there areas where spending needs to be increased?  Specifically, where does spending need to increase?  Specifically, where would the money come from?

City finances need to be scrutinized by the city council.  There will be a need for additional revenue because of the unfunded state and federal mandates.  There are always areas that need more funding but it depends on where the funding comes from.  (If you don't have it you don't spend it!)

11.  Do you have any "conflicts of interest" with the City of Pekin, either financially or personally?

Not to my knowledge.

12.  What are your thoughts on the City Manager form of government?  Has it been successful for Pekin?  If not, what form of government do you believe would be best for Pekin?

It is the best form of city government.

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

To set policy (not interfere with the staff)

14.  Do you believe city council members should serve on the various city boards and commissions?  Why or why not?

It can be beneficial if the right person serves on the right board.

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

1. Maintain the taxes at the present level.

2. Continue to support the Veterans' Drive project

3. Continue the quality of life for the citizens of Pekin

16.  At the end of your term in office, how will you know if you've been successful?

By what has been accomplished during my term.