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I was born and raised in Lincoln, and graduated
from LCHS in 1982.
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After spending many years at Row Motor Sales, I
managed my own Carquest Auto Parts for 5 years. After winning
awards for highest-grossing sales and fastest-growing store, my
best customer convinced me to run a second location for him,
which I did until the Landmark Automotive Group recruited me. I
started managing their Ford parts and was promoted to manager of
the wholesale division of the Landmark Automotive Group.
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Because of my interest in making our community
better, I was appointed to the Logan County Board in 2008 to
fill an empty position. I was elected to the position in 2012
and 2016.
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I also was a founder of the highly successful Up
in Smoke Barbeque competition and continue to serve on that
committee.
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After my homemade barbecue sauce became wildly
popular with friends and family, I began to have it produced
commercially and have been selling it as Lincoln’s Secret Sauce,
a nod to our city’s namesake. The sauce is sold throughout
Central Illinois in large grocery stores as well as in Lincoln
at IGA, Abe’s and Big R.
I’m running for mayor so I can bring my experience
on the Logan County Board to the city of Lincoln. As a member of the
county board, I have a proven track record of making the tough
decisions to improve our community. We at the county board have kept
and created good jobs and controlled spending - while raising the
pay for employees and adding new services (such as the Veterans
Commission) without raising taxes.
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top of second column] |
 What strengths would you bring to the office?
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I’m an experienced, effective leader
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I get things done
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I operate with transparency and integrity
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I bring together those with different points of
view and develop collaborations
How would you work with the department heads and the
city administrator to address current city needs and future
planning? Although I would be a strong mayor, I would also work
closely with department heads to achieve their goals in addressing
city needs - while being fiscally responsible. In planning for the
future, I would strive to be a catalyst in having the city work with
Tourism and Economic Development to find new ways to capitalize on
our centralized location such as hosting more sports tournaments.
What would be the focus of your administration?
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being very frugal with money to hold taxes in
check
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working with business owners to create a
business-friendly atmosphere to attract and retain jobs
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making quality repairs to local streets and
other improvements throughout the city
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welcoming input from local residents through an
open-door policy and town hall meetings
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working closely with city department heads and
the city council
Kevin Bateman
[Text from file received] |
