CANDIDATE
QUESTIONNAIRE
CANDIDATE
QUESTIONNAIRE
Candidate: Barbara A. Owens Position Sought: Commissioner, Pekin Park District
1. Why are you seeking this office?
I am seeking reelection for the same reasons I originally ran for the Board. A total commitment to ample, safe, and quality recreational opportunities for our entire community. During my time on the board, thanks to the generosity of individuals known and unknown, several projects have been initiated that I want to continue to be a part of.
2. What are your qualifications for this office?
I have already served one term on the Park District Board. Further, my qualifications for this office are that I grew up and raised my family in Pekin. I learned how important public space is to a community. I have many years of work and volunteer experience in natural resources, (I retired from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources after twenty years) and have served on several organization boards. I was secretary to Tazewell County Government Employees Credit Union for over twelve years, and served several years on the Supervisory Committee. I was also secretary to the National Association of Letter Carriers for over twelve years. I was on the organizing committee of the newly formed Pekin Park Foundation and am a board member of that group. I served as treasurer for several years, of Pimiteoui Trail Association, which is a hiking club. Working with Park District personnel (Director Blackwell, his Department heads and staff) and other board members, in conjunction with the City of Pekin, Riverfront Park has been completed. We’ve established a Land and Water Reserve in McNaughton Park with reforestation and prairie planting begun. We‘ve renovated the ball diamonds, the popcorn stand, the concession stand, Lick Creek golf course, and a new maintenance building bathroom and soccer fields are nearing completion.
3. Have you ever owned or managed a business? If yes, please explain.
No, I have never owned or managed a business, and I‘m not sure I understand the relevancy to this issue unless it is to determine if I understand the challenges and mechanics of owning or managing one. If that‘s the case, yes I do. I managed three rental properties that I owned, at different times. I have a registered business name and tax number from the State of Illinois, and a Commercial Drivers License. At one time I considered a mail order business, but instead decided on free lance work which I do for the Pekin Daily Times and whatever else may present an opportunity.
4. What role, if any, do you believe the park district should play in the attraction of new residents to Pekin?
I believe the role Pekin Park District should play in attracting new residents to Pekin is to provide quality of life attractiveness.
5. What role, if any, do you believe the park district should play in the promotion of tourism in Pekin?
I don‘t believe Pekin Park District should actively engage in promoting tourism. That is the function of the Tourism Council. Instead the District should assist where possible.
6. What role, if any, do you believe the park district should play in the retention, expansion, and attraction of business in Pekin?
Same answer as #5. I also do not believe that it is the Park District’s function to take an active role in retention, expansion and attraction of business in Pekin, only assist where possible.
7. How do you envision the relationship between the park district and the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce or other business organizations?
I envision the relationship between the Park District, Chamber, or other business organizations as on of cooperation. But for each to carry out their own function, and to do so without compromising responsibility to their own organization.
8. What are you thoughts about James Field? What should the Park District's role be in that project?
About James Field, as the Park District, School District and Citizens Committee are involved in attempting to work something out, I don’t feel it’s appropriate to say anything further, other than that I believe the Field should remain open space. That was a condition of a land sale contract and should be honored. And, the Park District should be involved.
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?
I don’t see areas in the budget where expenses can be cut without cutting services. Director Blackwell and staff do an excellent job of managing funds, consequently the District is in good shape. Costs are ever increasing - insurance, utilities, materials, minimum wage salary increases, maintenance of golf courses and waterpark, These are items the Park District has no control over, other than to shop around for the best prices. This is done.
There is always a demand for expanded services, and a need for more money. A quick and easy answer to that would be to say a larger tax base is needed. However, it’s a little more complex than that. A larger tax base also puts more demand on the system. On the surface, funds to run a park district come from several sources but ultimately it all comes from individual taxpayers (and by the way that does include personnel and board members) whether in the form of property taxes, user fees or grants. Maintenance of the system is a balancing act of all sources. Facilities and “things” cost to acquire, construct, maintain and operate. We get what we are willing to pay for.
10. What do you see as the role of a park district board commissioner?
I see a Commissioner’s role as one stewardship - to be aware of the community’s recreational needs and by working with the director to meet those needs. By also caring for the resources (natural and otherwise) in such a manner as to insure they are there for future generations, while spending wisely the funds allocated to the District.
11. If elected, what would be your top three priorities?
My priorities are finishing projects already in progress, continuation of a walking trail through Pekin Lake Conservation area, and to create a fenced area where owners may take their pets off-leash. The present off-leash area is bisected by the walking trail and is adjacent to the new soccer fields. We also need to manage to reflect demographics of our district.
12. At the end of your term in office, how will you know if you've been successful?
At the end of my term of office I will know I have been successful if I have stayed true to what I believe my role as a Commissioner should be, and voters continue to support me as they did in the previous election.