Questions Submitted by Community Attendees to
Galesburg Mayoral Candidate Debate
Galesburg Public Library
March 31, 2009, 6-7:45 PM

Questions asked to the Candidates:

--Will you work to improve technology in the city?
--Will you run in four years?
--Please express your views regarding the important writings of urbanologists: Richard Florida and Jane Jacobs.
--Due to the upcoming decline in city revenue, what would you consider reducing to offset this loss?
--What role do you see our local education system playing in Galesburg's future and what challenges does Galesburg face in terms of its education system?
--During last week's forum there were comments made about using the Maytag and/or Butler buildings to create green energy jobs. As mayor, is this a priority and how would you pursue this?

Other questions submitted, but not asked:

--Do you support the city manager/mayor system?
--What do you think of the school system in Galesburg and what do you suggest in order to improve it?
--Did you vote in the 2005 Galesburg mayoral election? If not, why not?
--How long have you lived in Galesburg?
--How can you help the poor?
--What means will you use to bring new jobs to our community?
--The problems facing Galesburg, especially in an economic sense, are by no means unique. What other towns and cities would you look to for ideas and inspiration for directions for the city?
--What does an average day look like to you?
--Describe your leadership style. Authoritarian? Consensus builder?
--What do you think of [a plan that calls for the] elimination of the city manager's position and the introduction of a full-time mayor?
--Is it important for Galesburg government to do anything for non-white people of Galesburg?
--Please give specifics as to how your past experience can lead you to help Galesburg as mayor. For example, if you have had past successes, what were they? Not just, "I have been successful at economic development." How, who, when, and where?
--What are your views towards the current environmental movement and what would you do for Galesburg in this respect?
--Do you pay property taxes in Galesburg and, if not, why?
--What is your experience in economic development?
--It is clear that more Galesburg residents need jobs and at some point, as the number of jobs increase, Galesburg's population will increase and this town will improve. Are all jobs equal? Big box store & national franchise or independent bookstore, Thai food restaurant, and other things unique. How can you as mayor encourage jobs you think are best for Galesburg?
--How do you see the role of labor unions in Galesburg in light of recent closings?
--As important as economic development is to Galesburg and our nation, I would like to hear at least one specific initiative you feel strongly about that is not directly related to economic development. Please be as specific as possible about how you would make this happen if you are elected mayor.
--What is your position on sexual education in Galesburg in order to stop the high level of teenage pregnancy?
--What qualities do you possess that will enable you to understand the complexities and nuances of a city budget that will be required to guide it through the process?
--In a perfect world, where you get to chose any type of employment opportunities, which specific type of employment opportunities should you want to see come to Galesburg?
--Why do you want to be mayor of Galesburg?
--What is your best idea for reviving the city of Galesburg?
--In specific terms, how does your background prepare you for the specific challenges of our community?
--It is known that the arts can improve the economy and quality of life of a town and its citizens. How would you encourage and support the arts in Galesburg?
--When an issue comes before the city council that affects home owners, would you encourage the alderman to meet with a group of knowledgeable and interested people, rather than vote without having adequate information, because it's better to take a little more time than to do harm? They don't always do this.
--This may be strange, but I think it is very telling to know whether you are a fan of Dr. Laura Schlessinger?