The Morrison Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors hosted a well-organized and well-received Meet the Candidates event on Thursday, March 21, 2013, before an audience of over 100 interested citizens.
The forum took place from 6:00 to nearly 8:00 p.m. in the Odell Public Library Community Room, 307 S. Madison Street, Morrison, IL.
City Administrator Jim Wise recorded the commentary. A link to the video will be available on various websites, so those who were unable to attend–and those who wish to review what was said–may watch the composed, confident candidates state their views.
On this evening, the audience played the role of active listenters until the forum ended. However, the general public had played a significant role before the event, by submitting questions about important issues. While the Chamber Board had to eliminate some, 14 topics were chosen to prompt the candidates.
Alternating between the nine contenders, Moderator Stephanie Vavra posed thought-provoking queries, proceeding in round-robin fashion. For each question, a different person was selected to begin the 60 responses.
Six questions were directed to the Aldermanic candidates below, shown left-to-right: Vernon Tervelt, Harvey Zuidema, Nancy Riggen, Scott Connelly, Curt Bender, and Dale Eizenga. Cheryl Bush and David Helms were unable to attend.
Three Mayoral candidates followed the pattern with eight questions: Sarah Thorndike, Everett Pannier, and Marti Wood. David Jindrich was unable to attend.
Questions to City Council Candidates
What are your top priorities that the City Council must address during the next term? State your viewpoint and suggestions for making a change.
There are many different people that live in your ward, with many different views. How will you represent all of your constituents, especially when the majority may have a differing opinion than the loudest minority?
Name two or three things you would support to grow our local economy and generate some much-needed revenue.
What is your view on the Recreational Trail, which would connect our community with Rockwood State Park?
How will you use your position to promote and practice “Shopping Local?”
Should the Sports Complex be subsidized by the General Fund?
Question to Mayoral Candidates
If elected, will you bring the issue of Sunday liquor sales back for discussion during your term in office? Explain your position.
What is your background in financial matters, budgeting, and prioritizing needs?
What guidelines or criteria will you use to set the Council’s agendas?
What is your view of Historic Preservation, as it pertains to economic development of Morrison?
Do you think we should operate in the red to allow some of the major infrastructure needs to be addressed? Explain your position.
Do you think City Council subcommittees i.e. police, finance, public works, and parks, should be reinstated? If yes, how often do you think they should meet?
What is one way to induce the residents, businesses, Council, and City leaders to work together as a whole. How will you make this happen?
As Mayor, would you attend Mayoral trainings, conferences, and meetings that are available for elected officials, to learn from, and network with, other community leaders?