CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE

Candidate:  Greg "Shark" Maloney         Position Sought:  Commissioner, Pekin Park District

1.  Why are you seeking this office?

I am seeking my third term as a Park Commissioner to continue to serve as a steward of the park system.

2.  What are your qualifications for this office?

Two term commissioner, current Park Board President, life long Pekin resident and park user.

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

No.

4.  What role, if any, do you believe the park district should play in the attraction of new residents to Pekin?

The park should be a major plus to new residents with it's many programs and beautiful parks.

5.  What role, if any, do you believe the park district should play in the promotion of tourism in Pekin?

The park hosts many functions, from softball to disc golf tournaments, which bring in out of towners.  Tourists also come into the park system to observe nature at our many outlying parks.

6.  What role, if any, do you believe the park district should play in the retention, expansion, and attraction of business in Pekin?

I do not believe the park should play an active role in bringing private business to Pekin.  I do feel that the fact that we have such a great park system should be a major plus in their decision to either stay or relocate.

7.  How do you envision the relationship between the park district and the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce or other business organizations?

The Park and the Chamber should work together whenever possible to provide for the betterment of all the residents of Pekin.

8.  What are you thoughts about James Field? What should the Park District's role be in that project?

I would like to see James Field maintained as an open green space for the enjoyment of the public.  If this is ultimately happens, then the park should be allowed to maintain the grounds in the superior manner that they are known for.

9.  What are your thoughts on park district finances? Are there opportunities to cut expenses? Specifically, where are those opportunities? Are there areas where spending needs to be increased? Specifically, where does spending need to increase and where would the money come from?

Mr. Blackwell and his well trained staff take exceptional care of the Parks finances.  Since I have been on the board, we have always maintained a balanced budget.  If there is something that we cannot afford, we put it off until the time is right.  At this time I do not believe that anything needs to be done about spending.

10.  What do you see as the role of a park district board commissioner?

A commissioner should serve as a steward of the park system to preserve it for future generations.

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

To maintain the high integrity of the Park Board.  To maintain the Miller Center and its high level of service that it uses to serve our seniors.  To maintain the infrastructure of the park.

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

I will consider my term a success if I can look myself in the mirror and know that I have always done what is right for the park.