Hagaman

CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE

Candidate: Vivian Hagaman Position Sought: Chairperson, Tazewell County Board

1) Why are you seeking this office?

My reason for seeking this office is that I believe that I can be effective in helping the people of Tazewell County on issues important to them. I believe that I can bring a leadership style that works to resolve problems in a constructive way. It is time to put the rights of the taxpayers/voters first, after all they are the ones that elect the candidates and have the power to remove incumbents that put their wants first.

2) Why do you believe you are qualified for this office?

I will bring experienced and qualified leadership to the Tazewell County Board. My qualifications include licensing in the following fields: real estate, brokerage and appraisal. For the past ten years, I have represented property owners, who wanted to know that their property tax assessments are equitable to similar properties. In addition I am certified as an Illinois Assessing Officer and as of March 2007, serving as the Deputy Assessor in Morton.

3) If you're the incumbent, what have been your significant leadership contributions to the county board? If you are a challenger, what do you believe are the current leadership deficiencies and how will you be a more effective leader?

The major current leadership deficiency is the lack of caring for the taxpayer/voter's needs. The current county board is too quick to use money to reward people/departments that should have done their job right the first time, fund unpopular projects and increase their salary when taxpayers' income remains the same. At all times, I would remember that I represent the taxpayer and my decisions would be based on their needs.

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

I own and operate Citizens Real Estate. My motto is: "One company for all your real estate needs!" Property Tax Consultant, experienced, professional representation for sellers and buyers, and appraiser (residential, commercial and industrial properties).

5) What to you believe are the major issues facing voters in Tazewell County?

6) What do you believe are the major issues facing businesses in Tazewell County?

It appears to me that the businesses and voters have similar concerns.

7) Does the County Board have a role in Economic Development? If yes, how do you propose to retain, expand and attract businesses to Tazewell County?

Yes, I believe that we can retain, expand, and attract business to Tazewell County by changing our ideas and beliefs. We need to understand how to make our money work for us and not us working for the money. In other words, the key is to start being an area rich in ideas and talent. Physical and cultural amenities will attract people. We need to be willing to partnership with business, government, and nonprofit sector more than being dependent on only government-led development. We need to think more about quality than quantity; more about becoming more prosperous than simply getting bigger (e.g., quality jobs). Also, improving the roads and other transportation vessels are important to attracting bigger and better businesses.

8) Do you support the continued construction of Veterans Drive in Pekin? Why or why not? If elected, how will you help with this project?

Yes. If Tazewell County wants to attract businesses and boost the incomes of their residents, the continuing construction of Veterans Drive is very important in determining the economic health and development of Tazewell County. If elected, I would work with the local Planning and Development Directors and local businesses. I would seek funds from the State, and talk to Federal officials to find more monies for the project.

9) In your opinion, what is the financial condition of Tazewell County? As the Chairperson, how would you improve that financial condition?

The financial condition of Tazewell County is strong. However, the current County Board is too liberal with the taxpayer's monies. I would review current salaries and request reductions. I believe that in some departments we have quantity not quality; therefore, some positions need to be reviewed.

10) What should the Tazewell County Board do to ensure that the property tax bills are distributed on time?

Not allow unqualified Board of Review (BOR) members to add properties, they label "omitted" past December 31. In 2005, BOR took 4 months (after Dec.31, 2004) to add 200+ properties to the tax roll increasing revenue by estimated $370,000+. However, this action cause the taxing body to lose an estimated $1.2 million in interest. If elected, the current BOR would be qualified, knowledgeable, and unbiased.

Second, I would recommend that the people on the Finance Committee take courses and be educated in regards to the Illinois tax codes. This would help insure that these people, based on the information provided in the Tazewell County handbook 2005-2006, exercise continuous review of the overall tax cycle from the initial assessment of property through the tax collection. I feel that it is important for the members of the finance committee to know and understand their duties as members of this committee.

11) What do you believe are the 3 most important issues the Tazewell County Board will face in the next few years? As Chairman/Chairwoman of the Tazewell County Board, how would you lead the Board on these issues?

First issue - Voters want a County Board that can be trusted and held accountable for their decisions.

Second issue - The current Board has been too liberal with the taxpayer monies and there needs to be some checks and balances put in place.

Voters want a County Board that can be trusted and is fair in its decisions. Voters also want help on issues that directly affect them and their families. Households are already dealing with property taxes, gas, Ameren Cilco, water/waste, etc that are increasing faster than their income. Therefore, currently it appears that the current County Board is sending a message that the voter's needs are not important. To regain the trust of Tazewell taxpayers I would have more open communication by using the newspapers, correspondence, also include all monthly meeting to be recorded and/or televised. Working with all departments to truly understand what is happening and needed first hand.

The current County Board is too liberal with the taxpayer's monies. I would review current salaries and request reductions. I believe that in some departments we have quantity not quality; therefore, some positions need to be reviewed. As Chairwoman, I would request that all departments' expenses be reviewed and modified. For the Chairperson office, I would request a reduction in the salary of the chairperson and would not charge the county mileage reimbursements to drive to Pekin to do a job that Tazewell voters elected me to do. I would request that County Board members only be paid IF they attend the monthly meetings. Right now as it stands, each County Board member is reimbursed for mileage and receives $200 per meeting, regardless of whether they attend the meetings or not. It is important that Tazewell County Board members and Chairperson remember that they are VOTED IN and can be VOTED OUT.