CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE

Candidate:  Barbara A. Strand          Position Sought:  Council Person, City of Pekin

1.  Why are you seeking this office?

I have a strong commitment to the future of Pekin and want to participate in its governance. I feel I am qualified to serve as a commissioner.

2.  What are your qualifications for this office?

I have lived in Pekin for 30 years and been an active member of the community I served as a board member and the president of Pekin Public Schools District 108 for 10 years. I have also been a member of the Pekin Fire and Police Commission and served on the boards of the Chamber of Commerce and the United Way.

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

I currently manage a department of Tazewell County, the Children's Advocacy Center. We serve a three county area. I am responsible for all operations. If yes, please explain.

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

We need a coordinated effort from the Chamber, city and county to attract businesses. A good transportation system, along with quality schools and parks, creates a climate attractive to businesses.

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

The Chamber should be a resource and member of the economic team to help bring and retain businesses to Pekin. I believe the current Chamber has done a good job of participating in economic development, exemplified by the inclusion of the mayor and city manager in board meetings and frequent communication between parties.

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

I support the construction of Veteran's Drive and the exploration of all funding streams to support this project with matching funds and other possible sources.

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 I think the proposal would help traffic flow and hopefully reroute major truck traffic off 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?

I believe downtown Pekin should be a destination for entertainment and dining. I think these businesses should be funded by private dollars. West Campus and James Field both have difficult locations in terms of parking and usability. I believe the economic development committee should be involved in future planning for the area, but no city funds should be expended.

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

I don't think they should be involved. I do not approve of any funding of tourism. I don't think there is enough impact to justify this venture.

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?

I am solidly behind the Council's planning and priority setting process. Those involved know the working of the City and are best informed on what needs to be done. I do not support a mirage of additional fees for basic services.

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

When there are cases of reported child abuse, I work with detectives from Pekin Police Department at the Children's Advocacy Center, but receive no compensation as an agency or personally from the City of Pekin.

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?

I am totally in favor of the city manager form of government.

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

The council should hire the city manager, set vision and budgets and allow the staff to run day to day operations.

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

No, this provides opportunity to community members to be involved in the municipal process.

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

Continue the strategic planning process instituted by the current administration

Approve budgets that are balanced and provide for basic services and economic growth

Utilize a team approach to problem solving on the council. I believe the current council has done a great job of work together in a public way.

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

The quality of life in Pekin will be maintained and hopefully enhanced.