CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE

Candidate:  William Toel          Position Sought:  Mayor, City of Pekin

1.  Why are you seeking this office?

For two reasons:  I care deeply for this community, it has been my home and my family's home for a very long time.  Second, I have the specific strengths and leadership skills needed to bring otherwise disparate elements in this city together.

2.  What are your qualifications for this office?

In preparation for possible service in the United States Senate I have studied all aspects of civic leadership and have successfully served in senior management and leadership positions for over forty years.

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

I have been president and chief executive officer of two different banks (one a Federal Reserve member bank), have had direct responsibility for budgets as large as $80,000,000, have supervised large numbers of individuals, and in the last twelve months have successfully overseen the staff, administration, and finances of the Grace Presbyterian Church of Peoria.

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

Pekin needs to believe in itself and have others to believe in it.  Getting this done is a skill that I have:  And I intend to apply it fully.

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

The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce and other business organizations can and should be moving shoulder to shoulder with our city government to make Pekin a vibrant, attractive, and well positioned community for jobs and investments.

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

I do support the continued construction of Veterans Drive.  It can be very beneficial.  However, the city funds necessary for the expansion must fit in logically with all other priorities.

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?

From the knowledge that I now have, I see no obvious problems with the proposed change of Route 9 from Court Street to Veterans Drive.

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?

The broader downtown area (to include the riverfront, West Campus, and James Field) must be brought together in a coordinated plan so that it is both visually attractive and well utilized.  The City must have a central role in coordinating these plans as part of overall development

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

A well coordinated central area as detailed in question 8 and ensuring that all roads entering Pekin leave a positive impression will go a long way towards attracting visitors.  However, changing our internal attitudes and our external perceptions are also critical.

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?

We need to be far more transparent with the City's finances.  This money comes directly from the pockets of hard working citizens.  There are ample opportunities to cut expenses.  This must be done through taking advantage of considerable efficiencies and a general tightening of the ship, not reducing people or services.  Expanding the economic health of our community both in expanding our tax base and attracting visitors is far preferable to raising tax rates or adding new user fees.

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

No.

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?

If the city manager is highly trained for the position and has the leadership ability to say "no" and make it stick when necessary; and if the city manager is someone who can anticipate challenges and balance long term planning with tactical duties, then a non elected professional can work.  Currently, the city manager form of government is not as effective as it could be.  I will observe and listen carefully to determine what changes are applicable.

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

The primary role is broad oversight to both protect and serve their fellow citizens through diligent strategic guidance and setting general policy and direction.  The role must not be to push forward a personal agenda or that of any specific entity.

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

I believe that city council members who have indicated a desire and who have the skills to bring positive and objective input should be encouraged to serve on boards and commissions within the framework of the Open Meetings Act.

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

a) Inculcating a new attitude both internally and externally to lay the foundation for creating a broad economic base with decent paying jobs.

b) Setting a precedent for prudent, common sense decisions that are perceived as fair.

c) Creating innovative efficiencies to keep taxes down and maintaining or improving city services.

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

If my fellow citizens who care enough to vote re-elect me, I will know that I have served successfully.