CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE

Candidate:  David Zimmerman          Position Sought:  Chairperson, Tazewell County Board

1) Why are you seeking this office?

I can bring many proven skills to the position that are needed.  I will bring leadership, consensus building, an openness to new ideas and I will reduce the Board Chairman's salary.

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

In my 10 ½ years on the Board I have had the privilege of chairing numerous committees including Finance for the last 3 years.  I have also participated in the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission, union negotiations, health insurance review, federal & state legislative issues along with many other relevant committees.  I am also active in the community.  I am a member of the Morton Chamber of Commerce, President of the Morton Rotary, active in my church, on the advisory boards of We-Care & the Pekin Salvation Army, part of the Farm Bureau, a father & husband in addition to other civic involvements.  This experience gives me the necessary background and skills to be an effective County Board Chairman.

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 that an effective leader operates in an environment of trust and openness.  Openness builds accountability and trust with board members, other elected officials, the public and the press.  I believe I have earned that trust with my openness and my willingness to work with everyone.

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

No.

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

1. Continuing the "capping" and maintenance of the Pekin Metro Landfill
2. Asking, "Are there additional services that Tazewell should be providing and how do we pay for these improvements?
3. Cost pressures-Rising utility and fuel costs, healthcare costs, etc.
4. How do we improve our IT needs and web based applications?

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

The prospect of increased taxes and fees by the State of Illinois, a slowing economy, over-regulation and not working together as a region to bring development and growth.

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.  Tazewell County has been a significant investor in the Economic Development Commission.  We can enhance the County's role in Economic Development by providing low tax rates, continued investment in the EDC and consistent & fair regulations (zoning, health department, etc.) where the County is involved.

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 continued construction of Veteran's Parkway in Pekin.  I support its completion because it facilitates economic development and easy commuting in and around town.  I am committed to doing whatever we can as a County to facilitate its completion.

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 the County remains strong and is reflected in our low tax rate.  Although the County faces the same cost pressures as any business (personnel costs, health insurance, utilities, etc.) we have stuck to our core mission and have therefore been able to contain expenses.  We do budget conservatively, especially with the uncertain budget situation with the State of Illinois.

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

Last year we formed the Tax Committee, of which I am Chairman, to oversee every aspect of the tax cycle.  I am happy to report that we are on target to have the tax bills out on time and that a new Supervisor of Assessments is currently being hired.  Our committee will continue to meet regularly to deal quickly with any problems that may arise.

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?

1. Technology-We now have the time and the money budgeted to move forward in hiring an IT coordinator.  This individual will work closely with the Board and the end-users to develop a user-friendly and consumer-friendly system.  
2. Human Resources-Our people are our greatest asset. We need to standardize and streamline our hiring, orientation and evaluation procedures.  We need to contain healthcare costs and improve our training processes.  My strong relationship with our employees will help facilitate these improvements.
3. Cost Pressures-With some uncertainty in the economy, less (or flat) tax revenue and the State's difficult financial position, it is imperative that we move forward as a County with efficiency and intelligence.