Candidates
in Feb. 27 primary election
(Click on
the names to see
unedited position papers from the candidates.)
For
mayor
(Listed in the order
their papers were received)
|
Feb.
2 and 3 postings
Issues
posed to mayoral candidates
1.
What is the most significant problem that you will have to deal
with as mayor of Lincoln?
2.
What contribution do you think you can bring to the business
climate of Lincoln, Illinois, to bolster existing businesses and
attract new ones to town?
3.
What will your administration bring in the form of changes to
existing basic services to the citizenry of Lincoln?
4.
Please coin a phrase that would define your mayoral
administration.
5.
Would you advocate changing current leadership of City
departments?
6.
Comment on your unique qualifications that make you right for
the office of Mayor of Lincoln.
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For
city treasurer
For
city clerk
For
1st Ward alderman
For
2nd Ward alderman
For
3rd Ward alderman
For
4th Ward alderman
For
5th Ward alderman
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|
Mayoral
candidates
The
following position papers have been submitted by
mayoral candidates. All candidates were contacted and asked to
participate. The hope in providing this information via this format
is that each candidate is able to express his/her positions that
distinguish the individuals in their run for the office. Lincoln
Daily News believes this format allows the candidates equal
opportunity to state their platforms with minimal media bias.
All
mayoral candidates are invited to submit for each of the following
scheduled times:
Jan.
19, 20
Feb.
2 & 3
Feb.
16 & 17
Feb. 23 & 24 |
Personal
introduction and general platform
Specific
issues
More
issues
Closing remarks |
|
|
(Unedited position papers from the
candidates)
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|
Stephan
Mesner, candidate for
mayor
I
am again grateful to the Lincoln Daily News for giving me the
opportunity to express my views to these questions that they
submitted.
What
is the most significant problem that you will have to deal with as
mayor of Lincoln?
The
largest and most costly project for the city is the state mandated
sewer plant upgrades. We need to get this project completed in the
most cost effective way that will have the lowest impact on our
taxpayers. This project should help to make us more aware of several
issues involving our budget and the way we are presently running our
city. Tough decisions are what will be needed to get this
accomplished. Two areas to deal with first are manpower utilization
and spending.
What
contribution do you think you can bring to the business climate of
Lincoln, Illinois, to bolster existing businesses and attract new
ones to town?
First,
we must keep our businesses that we have. I believe it all comes
down to flexibility with ordinance and zoning regulations. There
have been some business owners that I have spoken with that have
told me that there have been nothing but brick walls to get over
when dealing with the offices at City Hall. If we make it easier for
businesses to survive here, new businesses will see the direction
Lincoln is taking in being more accommodating and they will want to
do business here.
What
will your administration bring in the form of changes to existing
basic services to the citizenry of Lincoln?
One
area that is due for a change is the Building Codes Office.
Efficiency and fairness are the first two steps that need to be
addressed.
I
believe that the Department Heads need the freedom to run their
departments. The Council also needs to return to the proper
procedures which would allow a more hands on approach from committee
chairman and committees. We must realize that we are not governed by
a Monarch, but by a Mayor and City Council that are elected.
Everyone in Lincoln must be treated the same, whether their problems
are large or small, they must all be addressed in a timely manner.
Please
coin a phrase that would define your mayoral administration.
A
MAYOR WHO IS FOR PEOPLE, FOR BUSINESS AND MOSTLY FOR LINCOLN.
Would
you advocate changing current leadership of City departments?
Yes,
there will be at least one change. But in all fairness to others, if
elected, I would hold my judgement on other Department Heads until I
had a chance to talk with them and try to determine if their
performance is hindered or hurt by the direction that they currently
have.
Comment
on your unique qualifications that make you right for the office of
Mayor of Lincoln.
I
have learned a lot through the many experiences that I have had over
the last eight years on the Council. There are no taboo or
untouchable issues for me. What I mean by this is that for several
years before I was Chairman of the Insurance Committee, the
Liability Insurance had not been bid. By taking on an issue that no
one else wanted to address, I was able to save the city more than
$80,000 a year. Another example concerns our unpaid Sewer bills. The
city was not following up on delinquent bills. Because of my efforts
we have a new plan in place that has gotten this problem under
control. I believe that these examples show that I am able and
willing to get something done for the advancement of Lincoln. Also,
I have the ability to step back and let the system work. We need to
remember that our people are the most important piece in an effort
to get things done. We cannot forget that. I won’t!
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Jason
Harlow, candidate for
mayor
1.
& 2. The most significant problem for Lincoln during the next
four years will be economic growth. As of late, trends have shown
regressive growth throughout the city. We have had some good things
happen in Lincoln, but overall we still seem to be in a downward
spiral.
Our
Economic Development Office is trying to do a great deal for our
community. That office needs more funding for many reasons, and
would receive such funding from my administration. Without proper
funding and support, they can not pursue what Lincoln needs to grow
and prosper.
Lincoln
and it’s residents also need to begin a new train of thought if we
want our community to grow. All of our residents, businesses, media,
and financial institutions need to see a new vision, and decide on
what they want Lincoln to become. The days of watching economic
growth just walk into a city are gone. There are thousands if not
millions of "Lincolns" out there that want just what we
do. The community in a whole needs to pull together to attract any
type of business or industry. Companies simply will not invest
millions of dollars into a community that will not support it’s
operations, whatever they may be.
An
example that sticks in my mind is Effingham, IL. That city is very
similar in size to Lincoln. At one time, they faced the same dilemma
as we do now. A gentleman by the name of Mr. Keller, invested
millions of dollars into Effingham. With that money, they brought a
lot of new things to the community, such as restaurants, truck
stops, a large outlet mall, and a large prospering industrial park.
With
that in mind, Lincoln’s goal should be to gain support of every
fashion to bring new and exciting things to our city, such as
department stores, a convention center, zoo, racetrack, or amusement
park. We need to invest money into improving what is here, and
making our city more appealing to a new company, resident, or
tourist. We too could be the next Effingham, IL.
3.
1. I would fight to put the leaf burning issue onto the ballot. I
feel this is the best way for city residents to decide what is
right, whether it be to ban leaf burning, or continue to allow leaf
burning.
2.
My administration would also assure residents that their streets,
alleys, and downtown are free of snow after a winter storm hits the
area. All too often the residents see streets and intersections
missed in the snow plowing effort, and they also see downtown
buried, making it inaccessible for customers to visit our downtown
businesses.
3.
Residents would also see a change in the way city hall and local
government are operated. Simple items such as liquor license
requests, would be handled in a speedy, non-biased manner.
Our
city would also see their elected officials work more diligently on
any and all issues that come before City Hall.
4.
"A Change For The Future" This phrase would be followed
throughout my administration, in every aspect of daily operations.
Lincoln’s residents and their leaders should work closely together
to bring about change to our city.
5.
I will meet with all department leaders and interview them for my
administration. If the department leader and I agree on how we can
make Lincoln a better place, we would continue to work together to
bring unsurpassed service to the City of Lincoln. I would also work
closely with them to be certain residents are receiving the kind of
"customer service" they should be receiving.
6.
I believe I am qualified to become the next mayor for two main
reasons. I have vision and ambition to bring change to the city. I
am also not afraid to take a risk where one is needed to be taken.
Lincoln needs a leader who will do what is right for the city, and
bring new and exciting business, industry, and attractions..
I
also started my own business at age 20, and I have not gotten where
I am at now without hard work, sacrifice, discipline, and
dedication. If I can start and operate a successful business at such
a young age, why can I not succeed as mayor of a city ?
I
also know that deep inside, I have what it takes to be the best
possible leader I can be, and if elected as your mayor, I will not
let the residents of Lincoln down in any way.
I
ask you to lend me your support on February 27, so we can begin
making Lincoln a much better place to call home.
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Joan
Ritter, candidate for
mayor
1.
What is the most significant problem that you have to deal with as
Mayor of Lincoln?
Not
really a problem but is two- fold issue:
(a)
Time Management - numerous meetings-DCCA, EPA, organizations, Logan
County Regional Planning Commission, Economic Development Council,
Developers etc. Requests for ribbon cuttings, school events,
speaking engagements, other appearances, phone calls,
correspondence, responses, and off ice walk in, etc.
(b)
Monitoring and improving infrastructure and services simultaneously
slightly reducing corporate tax rate.
2.
What contribution do you think you can bring to business climate of
Lincoln, Illinois, to bolster existing businesses and attract new
ones to town?
Interpersonal
relationship with government organizations, DCCA, EPA, Secretary of
State - Local organizations, Logan County Board, Healthy Community
Partnership, Economic Development Council, Chamber of Commerce,
MainStreet, Tourism, Utility companies, State Senator,
Representative and Congressman provides a solid foundation in
presentations and/or discussions with businesses and developers.
3.
What will your administration bring in the form of changes to
existing basic services to the citizenry of Lincoln?
Continue
upgrading public safety, infrastructure and sewerage disposal plant.
4.
Please coin a phrase
that would define your mayoral administration.
Great
things happen when we work together for a community agenda !
5.
Would you advocate changing current leadership of City departments?
Fire
and Police departments have upgraded training received grants for
equipment, personal safety and community programs. Street and Sewer
departments have considerable amount of new infrastructure in place
and further improvements are scheduled. Zoning department has
properly addressed violations, remodeling and new construction. All
departments are within budget. A retention recommendation is
anticipated.
6.
Comment on your unique qualifications that make you right for the
Office of Mayor of Lincoln.
A
committed, dedicated, impartial full time Mayor at a part time
salary. This administration has accomplished $50,000 reduction in
sewerage delinquency, streets, curbs and gutters, sewer, public
safety improvements and business and education programs
Joan
C. Ritter
230
White Avenue
Lincoln,
Illinois 62656
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Introductory
papers from the candidates
(Unedited
text)
(Listed in the order
their papers were received)
|
Jason
Harlow, candidate for
mayor
Dear
Fellow Citizens,
My
name is Jason Harlow, and I would appreciate your vote on February
27, 2001.
I
am 23 years old, and I have been self employed for over two years
with a nationwide hot air balloon company. I started this company
from scratch when I was 20 years old, and have since seen rapid
growth.
I
keep many animals, most of which are of the exotic type, enjoy
music, and storm chasing.
I
decided to run for mayor for a number of reasons. I have lived in
Lincoln almost my entire life, and I am not pleased with watching a
good town slowly lose everything that it once had.
Lincoln
at one time had eight major employers, a bustling downtown, and a
population of over 17,000 people. If you will reminisce with me for
a moment, and go back 15 years, Lincoln was a striving community. We
had much to offer residents, and tourists. But what happened ???
We
are now down to only a small handful of major employers, a downtown
with many vacant buildings, a crumbling road system, and leaders
that do not seem to realize any of this.
Very
recently, Lincoln has lost businesses, Staples, and Stage. What did
the Ritter administration do to try and prevent this from happening
? Personally, I would have sat down with both management and asked
them what is it that Lincoln would be able to offer them to stay.
Perhaps there would have been nothing to change their decision to
leave our city. But how would we know if we didn’t try?
Another
issue that I feel needs addressed is west side fire protection.
Lincoln Fire Department is an excellent department in terms of
manpower and equipment, but in terms of location, they fail
miserably. Currently, it takes approximately 3-8 minutes to reach a
fire or accident scene west of College Street. In inclement weather,
this time is increased further.
If
Lincoln had a one or two truck station near Woodlawn and Lincoln
Parkway, the response time would be minimal. The faster response
time might make the difference in saving someone’s life.
However,
have any of my opponents shown concern for families and businesses
on the west side of Lincoln?
Another
issue I feel needs addressed in Lincoln, is the growing drug
problem. Day after day, the police records show many arrests on drug
charges. I would like to drive drugs out of Lincoln, once and for
all by proposing strict fines and imprisonment for those who choose
to break the drug laws.
The
money acquired from these drug users would be used to fund
festivals, street repairs, attract new business, and help rejuvenate
downtown. There would also be a strict policy for repayment of these
fines, to insure that these criminals are punished.
I
would also like the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of
Lincoln’s youth. At this time, there is no place in which they can
gather at that is safe, and secure. If we do not take care of our
youth now, they will simply leave town when they are older, and
Lincoln will not have the benefit of that population in the future.
The
rising costs of gasoline, and heating fuels has me very concerned.
It is simply amazing to me, that towns all around us have cheaper
gasoline. I would form a committee to investigate why this is the
way that it is. Lincolnites should not be forced to pay any prices
higher than the surrounding communities.
Recently
while visiting some residents, two of the main concerns they voiced
were water bills, and property taxes. There are very easy ways to
remedy both of these concerns.
I
feel the city government should once again take control over our
water works system, and bring relief to these skyrocketing prices
for a natural resource such as water.
The
city could also cut property taxes by 1 to 2 %, and use the income
from my drug enforcement policy to more than offset the revenue
loss. I realize that 1 to 2 % is not a drastic amount of money, but
any relief would be helpful to many residents.
In
conclusion, I have many ideas on how to change our community for the
better, but can not do it without your support. If you are ready for
a change, I ask that you support me, and together we can make
Lincoln, a town that you can be proud to call home.
Best
Wishes,
Jason
R. Harlow
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Stephan
Mesner, candidate for
mayor
My
name is Stephan A. Mesner and I am a candidate for the Mayor of
Lincoln. I have lived in Lincoln with my wife Debbie and my children
for the past 17 years.
Having
served for two terms as an Alderman in Ward Two, I have been heavily
involved in all aspects of running City government and issues that
we face now and in the future. I see the Office of Mayor as that of
a manager or a facilitator of all matters that come before the city.
This does not mean that I would be managing everything in the city
on a daily basis. Believing in and supporting the Department Heads
to do the job that we expect them to do would be my approach. I will
work with and help the Aldermen to effectively run their assigned
committee positions. I believe that the Department Heads and
Committee Chairs should be in the position of making decisions and
developing all the plans that affect Lincoln.
Now
as to some positions I have. I feel the most important issues that
need to be addressed are:
Budget
- No more tax increases until we address our current budget and
remove or lower certain expenses. Freeze all new hiring.
Continue G.O. Bond - Grant Writing
Police
-
1.
Take the same position as the county has taken as "why rent
when you can buy." By this I mean that we should leave the
radio room and radio operators at the County Complex and move the
Police to other offices. The long term savings are dramatic.
2.
All radio dispatchers should be civilians and not Police Officers.
Both
are simple and the right business decisions. (Note: There
would be no loss of employment with current city employees.)
Fire
- The city must address the Fire Department vs. Fire Ambulance
Service. We should not dispatch our Fire Department until
requested by the Ambulance Service when particular assistance is
needed.
Streets
and Alleys - More street repairs - done by city crews. Hire
summer part-time to do simpler jobs, this would allow utilization of
city crews on major projects.
Downtown
Parking - Meet with Chamber of Commerce, Main Street, Businesses and
County Officials and resolve this issue.
Funding
for Main Street and Chamber of Commerce - Continue to fund, but look
for a long term and established method of funding. For example -
through available legislation I believe we can do this with taxes
collected through motels/hotels.
Leaf
Burning - Maybe it should not be an issue of whether or not to burn
leaves, but an issue that it is the responsibility of the City to
dispose of them. How will we do that and at what cost? This should
not be an issue that we keep putting off.
Department
Heads - Will there be changes? Yes.
Keeping
businesses in town - Have a policy to work with businesses and be
flexible. Be for businesses not against.
New
Businesses - The first step is to have an aggressive Economic
Developer. The Mayor should not be used as a Real Estate Agent
trying to make land deals, but should promote the city and assist
the proper people and agencies to work toward landing new
businesses.
Liquor
Commission - A Commission vs. Member of One. The Liquor Commission
should consist of the Mayor and at least two, possibly four other
members.
Thank
you.
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|
Joan
Ritter, candidate for
mayor
Elected
as Mayor of Lincoln, IL in May 1997, Mayor Joan C. Ritter bring in
her position a broad experience as a City Official, Businesswoman,
and area Volunteer.
FAMILY
HISTORY:
Born
and raised in Galesburg, Illinois
Married
40 years
Two
children , four grandchildren
EDUCATION
Elementary
and High School - Galesburg, Illinois
College
- Marycrest College, Davenport, Iowa 1957-1959
Continuing
Education - Various Banking Courses
BUSINESS
AND PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES
Banking
Arena - 13 years; Legislative Committee Clerk, House of
Representatives 1971;Committee Member - Logan County Regional
Planning Commission, IDOT Enhancement Downtown Grant, Lincoln 1993
- Present Member of Illinois State Local Records Commission 1997
Present Member Illinois State Archives Advisory Board 1999, -
Present Gang Task Force Board, Alcohol and Tobacco Task Force,
Lincoln City Planning Commission, The "Oasis" Senior
Citizens ofLogan County, Panel Member Channel 47 At Issue Program,
Property Tax Extension in Legislation- 1997, Co-Chairman Healthy
Community Partnership -1997 to Present, Member of Chamber of
Commerce, Mainstreet, Economic Development Council and Prairie
Gardens Literacy Program Elementary Schools
ORGANIZATIONS
AND OFFICES:
Alderperson
of Lincoln City Council 1991-1997
Precinct
Committeeman 1981-1997
Mayor
Pro Tem, I year
Mayor,
May 1997 to present
PAST
POSITIONS:
Co-Chairman
Heart and Cancer Fund Drive; Member League of Women Voters-,
Logan-Mason Rehabilitation Center Advisory Board; ALMH Hospital
Volunteer Zonta, Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, Past Rotary member; PTO
President, Treasurer and Tutor - Northwest Elementary School, Head
Start Volunteer, Treasurer Lincoln Railer Basketball Booster Club
- 4 years
IMPORTANT
HONORS:
Named
Outstanding Young Woman of America - 1970 Miss Congeniality Beta
Sigma Phi Sorority -1979 Recognized by Illinois State Police
Academy for Spouse Program - 1978 Co-Chairman Lincoln Elementary
District 27 Task Force Actively involved with Elementary Students
- Government and Patriotic Functions Outstanding Service as Public
Official - The American Biographical Institute Instrumental in
obtaining new Business in Lincoln-1997 to present Career to Public
and Community highlighted by becoming 3 91th Mayor of Lincoln, IL
Honorary Alumnus, Lincoln College Alumni Association, May 16, 1998
Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs Certification of
Appreciation for continuing to recognize, remember and educate our
children about patriotism and sacrifices all Veterans have made.
Honorary Dan in Taekwondo in appreciation of dedicated service and
outstanding contribution to the development of Taekwondo Honorary
Ringmaster of the 2000 Royal Hanneford Circus presented by Ansar
Temple Springfield, Illinois
HOBBIES:
Collectable
plates, cups and saucers, Precious Moments, Possible Dreams
Santa's and antiques.
ISSUES
- A COMMUNITY AGENDA FOR LINCOLN
1.
Sewerage Disposal Plant Upgrading
2.
Cooperation with EPA - contaminated ground, clean air and
water
3.
Grants - Public Safety, Business and Infrastructure
4.
Development - Expansion, Business, Residential
5.
Cooperative mode in general
6.
Fiscal stability and accountability
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|
Don
Fults, candidate for
mayor
I
would like to serve you the People. I will listen to your concerns
and work to solve or help your problems.
BACKGROUND:
Past
City Council Member
Educator
at Lincoln Community High School
Hitex
Aviation One Instructor (Summer Youth Program)
EDUCATION:
Carroll
Catholic
Lincoln
High School
Murray
State University (Math, P.E. and Recreation)
Illinois
State University (Special Education)
University
of Illinois (Master of Education Administration)
FAMILY:
CHILDREN:
Saint
Fults - 18
James Fults - 16
Julie
Fults - 14
|
BROTHERS
AND SISTERS:
Jeff
and Susie Fults
Dr.
Robert and Susan Fults
Larry
and Doody Newberry
Warren
and Jean Peters
Eleanor
"Snooks" Feldman |
PARENTS
Dr.
J.E. Fults
and
Eleanor
"Shug"
Fults
|
DON
F. FULTS
MAYOR
RACE ISSUES
ECONOMIC
GROWTH:
A
never ending search for Big Businesses and Small Businesses will
continue to be a focus for every Administration for the future of
the Community. I will work closely with the Chamber of Commerce and
Main Street in this effort.
COOPERATION:
We
need Cooperation between the Mayor's Office and all Businesses in
the Community. We must work with each other to solve our differences
in an effective cooperative manner.
POLICE
DEPARTMENT.
A
Safe and Comfortable Community should be maintained. The Finest
Police Department, yet fiscally responsible, is the goal of my
Administration.
FIRE
DEPARTMENT
We
must continue to update this Department. We must never let our guard
down and fall behind in new methods and techniques.
LEAF
BURNING:
"To
Ban or Not to Ban"?, that
is the Question.
"To
Ban" -- Then
the City would have to pick up the leaves at no cost to the
citizens.
"Not
to Ban" -- Then
the City needs to stay as they are now or have designated days to
burn (one weekend per month on alternating sides of the City.) A
Person will then know the days of burning in the designated areas.
Safety
Factor: Small Children tend to play in large piles of leaves in
the yard and in the street. The life of one Child can never be
compromised in the Disposal of Leaves and the Burning
Issue.
PLANS
FOR THE FUTURE:
We
must have a Long Term and Short Term Plan for the Upgrade and
Replacement of our Sewer Drains, Streets, Vehicles and all other
Equipment. Every Department should implement a Five-Year Plan.
CITY
WIDE CLEAN-UP:
This
Service will make "Lincoln Look Good" and help
People dispose of their junk. When this activity was stopped, junk
started to pile up again. This is a great service to the People.
1,
as your Mayor will be a fair and impartial individual. I will listen
to both sides of an issue and try to come to a solution to solve the
problem and benefit the community as a whole.
|
|
Beth
Davis, candidate for
mayor
Dear
Citizens of Lincoln, IL:
I
am writing to inform you of my decision to run for Mayor of the City
of Lincoln, and I am asking for your support. I am a life-long
resident of Lincoln, Logan County, and wish to contribute the best I
can to the betterment and safety of the Citizens of this fine City.
I would like to introduce myself and give you some background
information about me and the issues for which I stand. Besides being
highly motivated and energetic, I am fair and honest and look at all
sides of a situation before making a decision. I support an
open-door policy whereby concerned citizens and business owners may
reach me. I will listen to your concerns and suggestions and
implement them to the best of my ability, taking all concerns into
consideration. I offer a different, and I believe better, choice for
the residents and business owners in Lincoln, IL, and know I will do
my utmost for you if given the chance. Please note my personal
information:
I
am 42 years old, a life-long resident of Lincoln, and mother of
three children—Emilia 20, Joseph 18, and Alexandrea 15
-
Chair
and voting member of the Logan County Health Department Board
-
Chair
of the Public Aid Appeals Board for Logan County
-
Liaison
to "Main Street Lincoln" for Logan County
-
Logan
County Board’s Representative for the "Looking for
Lincoln" Program
-
Member
of the Building and Grounds Committee
-
Member
of the Logan County Planning and Zoning Commission
-
Past
Member of the Insurance and Legislative Committee
1.
I believe in an open-door policy and a "delegation" style
of management. I do not believe in micro-managing our City’s
department heads’ decision-making abilities when our department
heads have extensive training and many years of experience to their
credit.
2.
I want to enhance our City government’s performance and increase
City employee morale. I believe happy employees are productive
employees.
3.
I believe the City of Lincoln does not need a full time Mayor at
this point in time, nor has our city had need of one in decades
past.
4.
I am a pro-business individual and promise to continue working
towards economic growth in this City.
5.
I will promote increased community policing within our city for
safer children, elderly, and disabled citizens.
My
goal, if elected as your next Mayor, is to bring forth trust,
friendliness, professionalism, and pride for which our great City
was christened 147 years ago. I bring a new and better leadership
style to the City I love and have resided in all my life. A team
effort is always the best way to achieve a goal. Together, we can
make a better Lincoln.
Thank
you for your consideration of my candidacy for Mayor of Lincoln,
Illinois.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth
A. "Beth" Davis,
217/735-3912
or eaj_davis@yahoo.com or eadavis@abelink.com
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|
Candidates for other city offices
(unedited text)
|
Lester
Plotner, candidate for
city treasurer
My
name is Les Plotner and I am currently Treasurer for the City of
Lincoln. I have held the treasurer's job since 1994 when I was
appointed to the post by Former Mayor, John Guzzardo. I was
subsequently elected to the office four year's ago And sincerely
feel that I have been helpful to the City in that capacity.
Many
in Lincoln know about my past experience as the Superintendent of
Schools for the Lincoln Elementary School District #27 over a period
of 26 years. I also served two years as Ass't. Superintendent prior
to assuming the head job in 1968. In addition, I Was a teacher/coach
at Lincoln Jr. High School and Central School for a total of seven
years from 1956-1963. During the period from 1963-1966 1 served as
SuperintendentPrincipal of Chester-East Lincoln School District.
During
my year's in school administration I had the opportunity to work a
great deal with school finances creating fiscal year budgets,
administering state and federal grant programs, projecting
future revenues and expenditures, negotiating with the teacher's
organization, and serving as an educational leader for a staff of
140 people. During my tenure as Superintendent in District #27, the
school population went from a total of 2150 students to
approximately 1400 when I retired in 1994. When I left the school
district I Left it in good financial shape thanks to the people of
Lincoln who understand the need to adequately fund the children's
education in our city.
As
treasurer, I have the task of investing surplus revenues for the
City and also make investments for both the Police and Firemen's
Pension Funds. Usually, the City has about $3,000,000 plus invested
at all times and both pension funds have in excess of $7,000,000
plus invested at all times. I must follow the investment guidelines
of both the City Council and the Trustees of the pension funds as
well as the State of Illinois when investing all funds. All funds
must be properly collateralized with pension funds requiring
government backing for their funds. In addition, I make monthly
reports to the City Council to keep them abreast of the current
status of revenues and/or expenditures as compared to the fiscal
year's budget.
Approximate
two year's ago I discovered that the sales tax distribution was not
correct for the City of Lincoln in that a portion of our sales tax
revenues were being incorrectly distributed to Logan County instead
of to Lincoln. The gain in sales tax revenues has been quite
substantial since that discovery.
I
feel I am qualified for the City Treasurer's position in Lincoln and
hope the voters in Lincoln feel the same was about my candidacy in
the February election.
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Juanita
Josserand, candidate for
city clerk
I
have lived in Logan County all of my 64 years. I have worked for the
citizens of Lincoln first as Accounts Payable, Payroll Clerk and
Deputy Clerk for sixteen years. I was then appointed to complete
Robert Madigan's unfinished term February of 1987. 1 ran and was
elected to the City Clerk's position in May, 1989, May 1993, May
1997 and am seeking one more term, to begin May of 2001. 1 begin my
thirty-first year the f first of March, 2001. 1 feel I have brought
a lot of experience and knowledge to the office. I was instrumental
In having the drop boxes placed on Kickapoo Street for payments of
all city bills. I have recently installed a document scanner to
eventually get all of the papers and records that need to be kept,
stored either on discs or stored in the memory of the computer
attached to the scanner.
I
originally campaigned to be a Clerk who would uphold all city
ordinances and State Statutes In a fair and consistent manner. I
have always been sympathetic to the needs of the citizens of
Lincoln, but also realize I have been elected to carry out the laws
of our city. My office handles all city payroll, payment of claims
against the city, all birth and death certificates occurring In
Logan County, keeper of the records for the City and I as the
liaison between the Citizens of Lincoln and the City Council.
My
office staff assists with questions from the public and either
answers those questions or transfers then to someone who can
possibly be of help to them. I have a very effective staff who
handles a lot of questions and comments regarding the city and I
know they do a great job. We are here to serve and I would like to
continue to do so.
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(Unedited position papers from the
candidates)
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