CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE

Candidate:  Ron Maquet         Position Sought:  Commissioner, Pekin Park District

1.  Why are you seeking this office?

I am running for this office because I love the parks.

2.  What are your qualifications for this office?

My qualifications for this office are eighteen years on the Park Board during which we completed many challenging and interesting projects.

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

I have owned Broadway Liquor for 35 years.

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

The beauty of our parks and the variety of our programs are important in attracting new residents to Pekin.

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

The park district should continue to be involved in the programs and events which bring people to the city and thus promote tourism.

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

One of the things that businesses look at when thinking of moving to a city is a wide range of recreational activities for their employees and that is what the park is able to provide.

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

The Pekin Park Board had always collaborated with the City and Chamber in any project which enhances Pekin.

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

I feel James Field should be developed as a park and maintained as such forever.

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?

In my 18 years on the Board we have only taken the smallest increase possible and all our budgets are sound.

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

I see my role as a Park Commissioner to give guidance, direction and vision to the staff.

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

If elected, my priorities would be maintenance and care of the parks, the Southside sports complex, and to hold the line on taxes.

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

I will let the people of Pekin decide if we have been successful or not at the end of my term.