CANDIDATE
QUESTIONNAIRE
CANDIDATE
QUESTIONNAIRE
Candidate: James Unsicker Position Sought: Chairperson, Tazewell County Board
1) Why are you seeking this office?
For the last 11 years I have served my community as Tazewell County Board Chairman. There have been times of trials and times of celebration in those years and as anyone that knows me can say, I am as committed today, as I was when I was first elected, to remain dedicated to providing the residents of Tazewell County continuous high quality service and to keeping the taxes low for the next four years.
2) Why do you believe you are qualified for this office?
There is an increased stability to this unit of government and from a fiscal standpoint, I have appropriately addressed the challenges that the County has had in the last 10 - 12 years and will continue to face in the future.
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 Public Safety Building has met the County Jail needs and has brought in significant revenue for the County by housing inmates from other jurisdictions and is able to not only house the Sheriff's Department, but is also able to hold officer trainings, and house the future Computer Crime and Financial Crimes Investigator that will provide a coordinated task force with other jurisdictions to investigate certain crimes such as identity theft, child pornography and computer fraud. There is no need for expansion now or in the near future.
4) Have you ever owned or managed a business? If yes, please explain.
I owned and operated Unsicker Automotive since 1971 and understand the challenges in today business climate.
5) What to you believe are the major issues facing voters in Tazewell County?
The major issue is keeping the tax rate as low as possible while providing continuous high quality to the public. Tazewell County is the 15th largest county out of 102 in the State and this year we have the 4th lowest tax rate in the State.
6) What do you believe are the major issues facing businesses in Tazewell County?
The major issues for businesses in Tazewell County are about the same as they would be anywhere such as budget, technology, employee insurance, and wage and benefit issues.
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?
Tazewell County has had a long term relationship with the Economic Development Council of Central Illinois, Inc. and they have done an excellent job of promoting and retaining business in Tazewell County. For 15 years, Tazewell County has had a revolving loan fund managed by EDC that enables businesses limited access to very limited low interest loans.
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?
I do support the Veteran's Drive project and the County has been a partner since conception. The Tazewell County Highway Department has contributed funds for land acquisition for at least ten years or more and the County will be available for any necessary support in the future.
9) In your opinion, what is the financial condition of Tazewell County? As the Chairperson, how would you improve that financial condition?
Tazewell County is in a sound financial position. The County has an excellent bond rating that speaks to the fiscal integrity of this County. As Chairman, I will continue to preserve conservative efforts in regards to fiscal matters.
10) What should the Tazewell County Board do to ensure that the property tax bills are distributed on time?
Most recently the County Board and I worked together to revamp the Supervisor of Assessments Office to work toward getting the tax bills mailed out on time. It has been quite a process and with the help of the County Administrator, the Planning and Zoning Administrator and too many others to name, it has finally become a reality as there are technology upgrades, staff trainings, and a Supervisor of Assessments has been appointed. The County is currently 4 months ahead this year than where we were last year and I am confident that the tax bills will be mailed out on time in 2008.
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?
I will continue to maintain that my primary goal - high quality constituent service - does not necessitate reckless spending. Creativity and constant diligence has been and will continue to be my formula for fiscal responsibility, managing personnel decisions that include the self funded Tazewell County Health Plan; and technology upgrades to increase the level of customer services and employee productivity.