Candidates

BizPAC conducts a candidate survey in addition to personal 1 on 1 interviews in order to select those who most strongly support the local business community. Below are the questions contained in the survey.

CANDIDATE SURVEY

1. During the next 4 years, the City will be facing budgetary constraints as the unfunded pension payments will force reductions in funds available for basic services.  What SPECIFIC solutions do you have for the City to balance the budget?
   
   
2. What strategic investments do you believe the City can make in public safety, infrastructure, or economic development that can improve the budgetary issues facing our city?
   
   
3. What is the single greatest thing going well for the City of Peoria?  
    
4. What is the biggest issue facing the City of Peoria?
    
5. What recent Council vote do you most strongly disagree with and why?
    
6. Peoria like other cities around Illinois is losing population, what steps will you take to stop Peoria from losing both people and existing businesses?
    
7. The Council recently voted to keep the property tax levy flat.  Assessed property values have increased overall.  This leads to increased property tax bills for property owners.  How did you vote on this item or how would you have voted?
    
8. Homelessness and panhandling have demonstrably increased in Peoria.  The City Council recently voted to impose fines and penalties on outdoor camping.  Do you support the action the majority of the Council took and what specifically would you do in the short-term to reduce the homeless population downtown? 
    
9. Should the City of Peoria pursue a land based relocation of Par-A-Dice Casino? How would you handle the situation with the City of East Peoria? 
    
10. Why should the business community support your candidacy? 

 What Our Endorsement Means to a Candidate

During the interview process, our endorsed candidates exhibited a commitment to helping improve business conditions here in Central Illinois. We are likewise committed to seeing them succeed in getting elected to office where we believe those candidates can make a big difference for the business community. Beginning immediately, an endorsed candidate may publicize their BizPAC endorsement.

What is BizPAC?

• BizPAC is the premier independent, business-focused political action committee focusing on state and local races in the greater Peoria region.
• BizPAC board members are local business owners and managers

What does the BizPAC endorsement mean?

• BizPAC endorsed candidates have proven that they share the same pro-business vision as the local business community.
• BizPAC invited each of the candidates in your race to interview. After an intensive interview process you stood out among the field as being committed to improving the business climate in Central Illinois.
• Those candidates have a proven track record in community and civic engagement that is pro-business.
• The policies they support help local businesses grow thereby improving employment prospects for this region’s workforce.
• Candidates understand the challenges local businesses face and you are dedicated to improving the system so that we have business-friendly outcomes.
• Candidates identify small business as the engine for economic and employment growth in our community and you want to provide solutions that enable small business to succeed.
• Candidates are committed to addressing the structural deficits that create business uncertainty

How can the BizPAC help beyond a financial contribution?

• The above talking points may assist them as they communicate the BizPAC endorsement on the campaign trail
• Endorsed candidates may publicize the BizPAC endorsement on campaign literature and over social media.
• BizPAC is willing to contribute approved quotes attributable to the BizPAC for campaign literature.
• Members of the BizPAC may be willing to provide sign locations and send friend-of-friend letters out to the community.
• BizPAC announces candidate endorsements by issuing a press release.
• BizPAC members actively promote endorsed candidates in conversations with other business leaders and local citizens.

We feel the BizPAC endorsement is a helpful tool to use during your campaign. We are confident a pro-business approach and solutions will be well received by the business community. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us should you have any questions or requests.