 (Copy)
1. Full name: Jan
Schumacher
2.
Occupation: Public relations/writer
3.
Party Affiliation: Republican
4.
Why have you chosen to run for a county board seat?
Although I've accomplished a great deal in my first term on the
board, much still needs to be done to move Logan County toward a
bright future. I'd appreciate the opportunity to continue to
represent local citizens in making sure we're doing all we can to
help the county thrive.
5.
Why do you think you will be the best choice for a seat on the
county board?
Since taking office 3 ½ years ago, I've made sure it's not been
business as usual in the county. I've helped lead the charge in
identifying ways to save taxpayer money and implement changes so
Logan County can operate more efficiently and professionally. I
thoroughly research issues before voting. I've proven my leadership
ability by tackling tough projects on the Insurance, Personnel and
Safety Committees which I chair. I take seriously the role of
representing the taxpayers' interest on the board. I'm also a 2010
graduate of U of I/United Counties Council of Illinois Leadership
Academy.
6.
How will you ensure effective two-way communication with
constituents?
I
believe in an open door policy. Since I took office, I've been one
who has encouraged the use of email in communicating with the
public. I will continue to be available to discuss issues with
residents via email or telephone, as well as attending and
participating in many local events where I can discuss issues in
person. If I'm still assigned to represent the county on the chamber
board of directors, I will continue to solicit input from chamber
board members, as I have done from time-to-time in the past.
7.
How might you work to understand the needs of county office holders
and other recipients of county dollars long before budget time?
As a
member of the county Finance Committee, I review each department's
budget and expenditures not only when we prepare the budget, but
also throughout the year. Additionally, I have a good working
relationship with department heads through my chairmanship of the
Insurance, Safety and Personnel Committees, where we deal with
issues that directly affect county departments.
8.
Please describe your main platform for running.
Logan County is at a critical juncture. We need to get serious about
our future, or we'll face a serious decline in our economy and
quality of life. I pledge to continue to be a voice on the county
board for making decisions with the long-term welfare of the county
in mind. I also will continue to make certain the county operates
with integrity and professionalism. I will continue to explore ways
to save taxpayer money as I did in my first term through writing
grants, implementing energy conservation projects and identifying
ways to save on insurance. I'm committed to representing our
residents through my service on the county board.
[to top of second column]
 |
9.
Explain how you will collaborate with local organizations to improve
the quality of life and economic prosperity of Logan County.
I
hope to continue my formal involvement with the chamber as the
county board representative, and will continue my informal
involvement with Economic Development, Tourism and Main Street
Lincoln, as well as other entities, to see where the county can
provide support or assistance in their commendable endeavors to
improve Logan County. No elected official can create a vision for
the community out of his or her own mind, but rather must gather the
hopes and dreams of local residents and work with various entities
to see those hopes and dreams realized.
10.
Explain how you will partner with city governments to improve the
quality of life and economic prosperity of each community?
I
will encourage the board to work with local city and village
governments on collaborative projects when possible. I also will
continue to be in touch on an informal basis with leaders in
Lincoln, Elkhart, Middletown, Broadwell, Atlanta and Mt. Pulaski.
11.
When in office, what will you do to ensure transparency regarding
the work of the County Board?
Of
course all meetings of the county board itself, and its committees,
are open to the public and time is allotted for public comments at
those meetings, as it should be. Currently, minutes from county
board meetings are posted on the county's website, as well as each
year's budget and auditor's reports. I would like to see minutes of
the county board committees be added to the website as well.
12.
What is your definition of economic development and how do you see
that happening in Logan County?
Economic development is the identification and implementation of
measures that will improve the economy throughout Logan County –
including retention of existing jobs, recruitment of new jobs and
enhancing the quality of life to attract new businesses, residents
and visitors. Until recently, Logan County had been growing in spite
of ourselves. But, to really thrive we needed to chart our own
course, which is what the new Economic Development Master Plan does.
13.
What will you do to help enhance economic development for the
county?
I
will support measures proposed by the Economic Development
Partnership on a case-by-case basis, particularly those in the
current Economic Development Master Plan. I will also advocate for
new, creative approaches to help the county's economy with new jobs
and increased tax revenue. I would also like to see the county
become more aggressive in developing tourism, an industry which
requires few public services but generates thousands of dollars in
sales tax and motel tax revenue. We have the rich heritage and
charming communities to allow us to thrive as a visitor destination,
but to do so tourism must become a priority.
[Text copied from file received] |
