CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE

Candidate:  Larry Noreuil          Position Sought:  Chairperson, Tazewell County Board

1) Why are you seeking this office?

I believe I have the background and concerns to move this County forward for the future.

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

I served for twenty-two years on the Tazewell County Board, twenty-six years as Pekin Township Supervisor and have a very good working knowledge of the needs for Tazewell County.

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?

I believe I can provide a fresh outlook to the needs of Tazewell County and provide effective leadership for overlooking the operating needs of Tazewell County.

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

Yes I previously owned the Central House located in downtown Pekin during the 1970's and 1980's.  This was a restaurant, bar and hotel combination.

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

The voters have various issues in different areas.  The voters should be concerned about attraction of business to this area to maintain a healthy economy.

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

Businesses need to help with the attraction of other businesses to enhance the assessed value and help with the property tax burden for business.

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?

Currently the County mainly depends on the Tri-County Economic Development Council, I feel they should maintain a very active role in the organization as well as utilize the County Administrator to further develop programs which may entice business to locate here.

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?

The continued construction of Veterans Drive can only be a benefit for the area, this would enhance business opportunities with the availability of interstate travel, etc.  We could work on funding projects for this construction jointly with the municipality involved.

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 very healthy.  As always, you must be mindful of the revenue verses the expense.  The Tazewell County Board has always been a very frugal governmental body and I don't see that changing.  PTELL may bring future revenue slow-down therefore there may need to be alternative methods of revenue and decisions from the public regarding required services.

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

The first step has been taken, we moved up the date in 2007 and the hiring of a new Supervisor of Assessments should enhance the mailing date even further.  Communication and cooperation will be a key issue in the future of the tax cycle.

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?

Economic Development, financial condition and communication are three major issues facing Tazewell County.  The Chairman, along with the County Board need to communicate with the Department Heads/Elected Officials regarding needs and prioritze for the future.  With the aid of the Administrator there needs to be communication in the business work for enhancement of economic development in this area.