McLean County Board District 8
McLean County Board District 8McLean County is divided into 10 districts, with two Board members elected from each district. The County Board establishes tax rates; administers the activities of county departments and offices; adopts an annual budget; reviews zoning, planning and land use; and enacts ordinances. The board elects a chair from its membership who serves as the head of the county government.Sources:McLean County Board codeMcLean County Recommended Annual Budget 2023Factsheet on the County Boards, Illinois Association of County Board Members and Commissioners:McLean County Board District MapJunta del Condado de McLean (Distrito 8)El Condado McLean está dividido en 10 distritos, con dos miembros elegidos de cada distrito. La Junta del Condado establece las tasas impositivas; administra las actividades de los departamentos y oficinas del condado; adopta un presupuesto anual; revisa la zonificación, la planificación y el uso de la tierra; y promulga ordenanzas. La Junta elige un presidente entre sus miembros que sirve como jefe del gobierno del condado.Fuentes:Código de la Junta del Condado de McLeanPresupuesto anual recomendado del condado de McLean para 2023Hoja informativa sobre las Juntas del Condado, Asociación de Miembros y Comisionados de la Junta del Condado de Illinois:Mapa del Distrito de McLean County Board
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Eric Hansen
(Dem)
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Gary Stevens
(Rep)
What qualifications and experiences would you bring to the County Board, if elected?
What steps, if any, should be taken to curb gun violence in McLean County?
How would you guard against partisanship from negatively impacting the public’s confidence in the County Board?
Please rank the following issues in the order in which they warrant County Board attention. Explain any policies you would pursue on the top-ranked item.
Curbing gun violence in our community
Use of taxpayer monies
Access to affordable housing
Economic opportunity
I am fortunate to have been selected to fill the vacancy in District 8 and have been serving in this role for the past year. In this time I have worked diligently to learn as much as I can to serve in this role with diligence and care for my constituents. Having previously worked for the County as an intern in the State’s Attorney’s office, and as the Volunteer Recruiter and Trainer for Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), I am very familiar with many parts of our county’s government.
With the recent release of Bloomington’s Special Commission on Safe Communities most recent report and the news that has come to light regarding the lack of legal intervention prior to Amy Moore’s death, I believe there are a handful of specific steps that will help deter gun violence in McLean County. 1. Public education campaigns disincentivizing the glorification of guns for our high school aged youth. 2. A higher priority on mental health services for adults, particularly men 45 and older. And 3. Stronger legal ramifications and enforcement of orders of protection.
As someone who grew up on the outskirts of McLean County and now lives in one of the more densely populated areas, I believe I have a unique perspective in what it means to call McLean County home. While I am an elected Democrat, I grew up with many Republicans. It is time for us to realize we have more in common than we don’t. Serving in this office, I put a priority on collaboration and finding common ground so that residents can see that no matter the party, we on the board have the best interests of our constituents in mind.
1. Taxpayer monies, 2. economic opportunity, 3. gun violence, 4. housing. With aging infrastructure and county properties, as well as various projects that have been postponed over the years, I believe it to be imperative to invest in improvements before they degrade to a state that warrants a stronger overhaul that would be more costly and ultimately be a greater expense to the taxpayer in the long run. And with investing in improvements comes jobs, which must be kept local to provide greater economic opportunity for McLean County residents. I also want to mention that gun violence and housing are very critical, however, from the scope of the county board, there is less that we are capable of addressing and taking action on.
Campaign Phone
3098245692
I have lived in Bloomington-Normal for 37 years. I have worked serving the area by helping to make cars at Bloomington Seating and have delivered pizza to the customers of District 8 for all of those years. I have a good knowledge of the roads of Bloomington. I have many times let the city know of sinkholes and water main breaks. I moved here to help start a church and have been actively involved in local churches and Bible Study Fellowship.
I think the best way to stop gun violence is to prosecute those who use guns in crimes. The best way to curb gun violence would be to enable people to share their frustrations openly and respectfully with others before they reach for a gun. That would mean encouraging self-control, patience and wisdom by all. Violence comes out of the heart. People can be violent with many different tools. Peace officers can enforce punishment for actions. But we as citizens can encourage all around us to act responsibly.
I would seek to treat all members of the board with respect. I would endeavor to listen to any point of view on the issues before the board.
1) Taxpayer money should be used openly and honestly.
2)There will be more access to affordable housing if there are less taxes and less regulations on houses. But that will also mean more people will have a greater risk of gaining or losing money. 3) Economic opportunity is also based on how much it costs to start and maintain a business. The less government regulates, the more people need to take responsibility and treat their customers well.
4) In order to curb violence people need to care for each other and seek to find ways to keep peace between neighbors. This is primarily the citizen's responsibility. The government has the responsibility to enforce laws against violent actions.
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