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Jerri McCue: Candidate Profile

Elgin City Council (4-year Terms) (Republican)

Note: Answers provided have not been edited for grammar, misspellings or typos. In some instances, candidate claims that could not be immediately verified have been omitted. Jump to:BioKey IssuesQA Bio City: ElginWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Elgin City Council (4-year Terms)Age: 58Family: 4 Grown Children, 5 Grandchildren, 2 Canine family members Pete and OzyOccupation: Registered NurseEducation: Associates of Applied Science, Nursing, Kiswaukee Community College, 1996Civic involvement: Downtown Nieghborhood Association Board Member, Izaak Walton League Member, Longviewpoint Waterfront Community Board Member, City of Elgin 4th of July parade volunteer, Co-organizer, Rett Syndrome fundraiserElected offices held: noneHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Voter engagement and participation. Electing individuals that can critically think and work to build consensus to drive the buisness of the city forward. An electerate that is using their voice to have individuals on the council that will work for them. Increasing the number of registered voters that participate in local elections.Key Issue 2 City department consistency and education in performing their service to the public. Consistency in how the buisness of this city is run so everyone understands the process and education/awarness/engagement of the public on issues at hand to keep the process from becoming an issue. In a nut shell a culture of service and quality.Key Issue 3 Fiscal Responsibility and accountabilityQuestions Answers Should the city continue its opposition to allowing video gambling outside the grand Victoria?It appears the council is moving in the direction of allowing this to be a part of the landscape. At this time, as a voter, I support them in that decision.What is your position on the city's plans to to implement a stormwater utility fee in 2014?This appears to be a complicated issue and as the council directed at the last meeting there is more information needed before a fee can be implemented if at all. I would like to know the costs involved and the scope of the work. We also need to look forward and address this with any new projects that may be coming in the future. For example, permeable pavers like the ones that were suggested for the new Walmart site. I haven't seen any out there but do remember the council talking about requiring them. Just as a point of information I do own commercial property in Elgin and it has a parking lot.Do you support the city funding the $900,000 overhaul of the Eastside Recreation Center? What do you think of closing Eastside and consolidating operations with The Centre of Elgin?When you throw that big number out there is does make the hair stand up on the back of a taxpayers neck. I would have a hard time not supporting something that is for the benefit our youth in a certain geographical area. There is no guaranty that combined operations translates into combined participation.What is your view on the city's recent property tax levying history and imposition of other charges, such as the refuse fee?Changes needed to be made to keep the city viable. Current bond rating is critical to future capital projects, services, quality of the city. Without all information and options it's a difficult call. Budget creation and implementation is a moving target. It is necessary for council to review and discuss budget on an ongoing basis. Monitoring what is working and fixing any problems.The Elgin Symphony Orchestra wants the city to resume its yearly disbursement of Riverboat funds to the ESO. Do you support this? Why or why not?I do support this request due to the ESO's contribution to the quality of life in Elgin and the positive financial impact it creates for the downtown business community. At this time, I would not agree to this on a yearly basis, but a one time assistance, to aid them in what appears to be a cash flow problem and financial support to secure matching donations.