CHAMPAIGN -- With an interim appointee keeping the seat warm, three candidates are campaigning for the District 5 city council seat.

But none of their names will be on Tuesday's ballot.

Gordy Hulten stepped down from the District 5 seat in January to accept his appointment as Champaign County clerk. That was after the filing period to get a candidate's name on Tuesday's ballot had already passed.

Linda Cross has since been appointed to fill seat, but she did so with a guarantee that she would not run for re-election. With the seat open, three District 5 residents decided it was their chance to take advantage of a race without an incumbent.

Voters on Tuesday will decide between Cathy Emanuel, Paul Faraci and Jim McGuire. And if you are voting in District 5, your spelling does not have to be perfect, but it does have to be readable.

Those who cast ballots for a write-in candidate must fill in the oval next to a blank line and then write the candidate's name next to the oval.

The spelling does not have to be correct, but it needs to be close enough that an election judge can "determine what the intent of the voter was," Hulten said.

And be careful with the handwriting it has to be legible, though Hulten does not expect any problems with readability.

"We've done a lot of training with our election judges for this election on what our processes and procedures are," Hulten said.

Last month, The News-Gazette fielded questions from readers interested in hearing more from the three candidates. We forwarded some of those questions to the candidates, added a few of our own, and responses to five of those are below.

1. A year and a half after the fatal shooting of Kiwane Carrington, tensions remain among some community members. What do you specifically propose to help build relations between the city officials and the community?

Paul Faraci: The fatal shooting of Kiwane Carrington was undoubtedly tragic, and time will never heal all the wounds of Kiwane's family and other community members affected by his death. What we as a community not just the city council must do is to stay active and involved in collaboratively communicating how we feel and what we feel is right.

Specifically, I would like to see quarterly open office hours with city officials, community forums on progress being made on city council goals, encouraging city council members to host roundtable events in their districts that focus on specific subject areas (police/fire coverage, street maintenance, and even potentially non-city-related issues like access to health care or education equity). This would hopefully form diverse stakeholder partnerships with government and non-government entities. Ideally, these community brainstorming sessions would allow for open dialogue in a civic forum.

Jim McGuire: Community relationship changes must start early in the schools and the churches. Citywide programs put together by city officials, religious leaders, and interested parties can be introduced in churches, pre-school and grades 1-8 to develop a positive image and better relationships with police officers and authority figures (parents, teachers, principals, etc.) that come into play in a child's life. It is essential to start with younger children with such a project. Overall, we need to continue to meet and communicate with the whole community to have better relationships not just on holidays or special occasions.

Cathy Emanuel: I would propose continuing the efforts that have already started. There is a community group currently working on this, and I would support the council and community getting a quarterly update on their progress. I would also support an additional neighborhood meeting with key council members. Finally, I would suggest relooking at the question of use of TASERs.

2. Do you support issuing pension obligation bonds to diminish short-term budget deficits? What potential advantages or disadvantages, if any, do you see with such a plan?

Faraci: As we know, the issue of pension obligation bonds failed unanimously in the March 15 city council meeting. Thanks to the enlightening presentation made by the city's budget director, the specific data highlighted that the risks outweighed the potential benefits.

What was positive about this was the dialogue that took place around the issue. This was a controversial issue that had many people asking a variety of questions. The city council was able to take a deeper look, evaluate community input, and investigate all of the facts. At the end of the lively discussion, the council was able to make their own educated decision based on the facts.

McGuire: No, I don't support selling obligation bonds. The city finance department has looked at this issue and found that any benefit was too high a risk for that benefit, and I agree.

Emanuel: I do not support issuing pension obligation bonds to diminish short-term budget deficits. I oppose this on two fronts: (1) I do not support increased debt or increased leveraging of current debt or extension of time frame of debt except in very limited circumstances. (2) I do not support adding any increased risk to pension obligations. As it turned out, the risk associated with the required return for this issue was evaluated by the city staff and council and they determined not to proceed with this.

3. Do you think that the city should make details of its spending more readily available to the average citizen, for example, by posting documents online? How would you qualify the condition of the city's fiscal transparency?

Faraci: In the age of online documents, the city's condition of fiscal transparency could be improved. The information is there, but it takes some effort to locate it. I'd like to see it front and center. The city of Champaign's finances are in relatively decent shape compared to the state of Illinois and the many other communities throughout the nation. We know that we will need to make tough choices and if existing revenue streams don't improve and/or if more revenue streams are not identified it is likely that cuts will have to be made in order to balance the budget.

Without easily accessible online financial documents, the citizens of Champaign will have a difficult time identifying where potential streamlining and/or increase in revenue can occur. Operating in a silo without a well-informed public is not the way to positively move our community forward.

McGuire: Champaign city government does an excellent job of utilizing its website in matters of city business awareness. Realizing most citizens are not interested in government until the matter at hand directly affects them, it is important to post all publicly-discussed issues online within a certain timeframe. I would not delay the information more than five working days. Transparency is important; the city should provide any information as long as it does not hinder its ability to negotiate contracts.

Emanuel: I think the city's fiscal duties are carried out extremely well. I find them to be very willing to share fiscal information. My understanding is many of the documents are available online, but I have had difficulty finding them myself. I think some simple changes with identifying the links would be appropriate because I think the city budget should be available publicly.

4. What are the top three infrastructure areas that need improvement? Do you believe this is a quality of life problem and an obstacle to the city's future development? If so, what are your plans to rectify these problems?

Faraci: The top three infrastructure improvements our community needs are high speed rail (220mph), Olympian Drive, and changes to storm water and drainage systems. All of these projects impact quality of life as well as economic development. High speed rail would likely have the single greatest economic development impact on the community since the creation of the University of Illinois. The completion of Olympian Drive will create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, not to mention the positive impact it will have on the existing business already located in the industrial park located just south of the Champaign portion of Olympian Drive. Improving storm water and drainage systems would prevent home values from declining, which is vital to maintaining property tax levels and happy residents.

As a certified economic development professional, I work every day to recruit businesses and retain jobs here in central Illinois. I work with site selectors, CEOs of companies and other stakeholders to find the right fit for growing companies potentially interested in locating or expanding in my six-county region. In an article by Mark Crawford, "The Case for Infrastructure Investment," (Dec/Jan 2009), Crawford points out that, "Officials in many U.S. locations are beginning to see the financial rewards of long-term investment in infrastructure...."

Jim Colsen, president of site selection for Angelou Economics in Austin, Texas, provides a perspective I completely agree with. Jim says, "From the site selection perspective, infrastructure is absolutely vital. ... To be competitive, cities must have modern infrastructure in place, or at least a very sound plan to deliver that infrastructure in a timely fashion, with all risk mitigated." The entire article can be found at http://www.areadevelopment.com/logisticsInfrastructure/dec08/united-states-infrastructure-investment-001.shtml.

Champaign has major strengths that assist us in business development: health care, the University of Illinois and technology/innovation, just to name a few. We need to make sure we're focusing on those strengths in order to continue to develop and to stay competitive in a global economy.

McGuire:

Systematic renovation of main arterial streets

Systematic renovation of older neighborhood streets

Replacement of our aging sewer system in many parts of the community

After a long winter and continued budget cuts, our roads and city equipment are showing their age. We have been able to continue some capital improvement programs such as the Boneyard and sewer repair and others. Good city maintenance and repair of roads is always an incentive to attract business. Funding is a whole other matter to address these priorities. Some diversion of funding for lesser priorities must occur in order for the work to be done if we do not want to raise taxes, permits or fees.

Emanuel: Top three infrastructure: water and drainage; roads (ask any resident and they will tell you potholes), and transportation both roads and rail.

Water and drainage and some aspects of roads (potholes) do seem to be quality of life problems. Roads, such as the Olympian Drive issue and rail are obstacles to the city's future development.

I don't believe these problems can all be rectified immediately given the economic situation in our state and country at the present. I believe the city has methodically been correcting water and drainage problems and I would support continuation of this. I have also been given some suggestions by residents of some smaller scale solutions such as rain gardens that I think could be of some assistance and would give visibility to the problem to those who are not directly affected. I believe the immediate quality of life and safety issues of the potholes should be the most achievable and quickly remedied of the infrastructure problems. The high speed rail is, I think, essential to our future development but is a long-term, politically entwined situation that will require collaboration on many different government levels. The Olympian Drive seems to be heading in the direction of getting resolved but will require examination of the funds being made available and the requirements of local funding and our ability to meet these needs.

5. How would you characterize the quality and service level of core city departments, like police, fire and public works?

Faraci: The quality and service of our core city departments is, in my experience, excellent. I am proud to be endorsed by the Champaign firefighters for my commitment to promoting well-trained and well-staffed police and fire departments. I'm lucky to have had the opportunity to spend a few hours at the police front desk to learn exactly what the staff does between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m.

Is there room for improvement? Yes. All city departments must be flexible and able to improve. That is more difficult to do when budgets and staff are cut and our city workers have difficulty managing the services they were hired to do. One of the main priorities of my campaign has been economic vitality. In my role in economic development, I know potential businesses are paying close attention to the quality of basic services. When considering Champaign as a location for expansion, they have asked about the quality of basic services and considered that into their decision on whether or not to move here.

I have learned in talking to my neighbors over the last several months that they want their local firehouses staffed, they want their potholes filled and they want the police to respond as quickly as possible when there is an emergency.

McGuire: Currently, these core services are under stress, but the perception of them by the public is still fine. Unfortunately, with the coming budget cuts, they will be compromised with a fire station being browned out, and police protection coverage becoming further limited.

Emanuel: Very good. I think the quality and service level of fire, police and public works is good, and that is confirmed to me by citizens in the district who have had voiced no complaints on that front. The only complaint I have received associated with that is the redundancy of the fire service on medical calls with the ambulance services. I believe this is an area that could be addressed as long as we assure that the quality doesn't suffer but we look for ways to increase efficiency.

6. The city of Champaign property tax rate has been flat for several years, and since the housing market bust, the tax levy has not produced the revenue increases it had previously. Do you see the tax rate changing in the next four years?

Faraci: I would strongly oppose raising the property tax rate here in Champaign. Property taxes may not have produced necessary revenues, but they are already too high. I don't, however, suggest lowering taxes during a time of looming budget shortfalls.

We should be discussing other revenue-generating ideas and options. I would like to see additional discussions based around the idea of increasing certain fees such as the impounded car fee; the fee is currently a flat $250 charge if a car is used in the commission of a crime. Other communities similar in size to Champaign charge as much as $500. I would like to study the idea of having an incremental increase based on the nature of the crime. I've heard some say that an increase could have as much as $300,000 per year positive impact to the city's budget. Again, I am not saying that is the answer or the only answer, I'm suggesting we discuss the benefits and potential risks of any fee increases.

In addition, I want to stress the importance of economic development in Champaign; making Champaign a business-friendly community is the most effective way to resolve our budget issues. As we increase the number of jobs, we ultimately increase the population which in turn creates a healthier robust climate for home sales and retail sales.

McGuire: No, I don't want to see the levy changing in the next four years; the property tax revenue is still increasing as property values increase. Instead we need to promote sales tax growth opportunities through retail business growth, tourism, and University of Illinois project developments.

Emanuel: I do not see the property tax rate increasing in the next four years. This is one comment I consistently receive in going door-to-door: "Why are our property taxes so high?"

7. As a representative of District 5, how would you describe your duties as a member of the city council?

Faraci: First and foremost, it is to represent the people. It would be my responsibility to make sure the people of District 5 know what the issues are, have proper information about the issues (budget information from the city, for example) and create a variety of forums outside of just city council meetings and study sessions to discuss those issues. Working as a certified economic development professional, I have frequently hosted roundtables to discuss a variety of issues more thoroughly. I have seen that format's success and foresee utilizing something similar for citizens of District 5 to openly discuss pending council resolutions and issues.

As a father of a young daughter, I know that many people living in the district are busy with work and their kids' after-school activities. So, I see it as my responsibility to provide information electronically and maintain public online forums (Facebook, Twitter) to increase transparency and dialogue for those unable to attend community meetings.

Creating civic spaces isn't the only role of a councilman. Additionally, I see my role as a leader to move our community forward for growing our tax base, creating jobs and providing the basic services our citizens need and deserve.

McGuire: I want to be a problem solver for my neighbors. I want to be a representative for those issues that are specific first to our district like the service level changes to fire station 4, which will impact fire protection for the district as well as Centennial and Jefferson schools, where many of the children of the district attend.

Emanuel: Discern and represent the needs, concerns and voices of the people living in District 5 in relation to the services and development of the city of Champaign and the community overall. Utilize the position to ensure that the community heads in the direction that the citizens of District 5 support and work with the city staff, council and related local governments to seize opportunities to make sure we continue to be a vibrant, healthy community.

8. In a situation where the two diverge, would you vote with your conscience or with your constituents' desires?

Faraci: My role is to represent the people. I am running because I genuinely feel I best represent the people of District 5. In a perfect world, my desires will always be exactly the same as of all the constituents' desires; I realize that is not likely going to be the case and in controversial situations, I will do thorough due diligence to learn about all sides of a particular issue and make an informed decision. But, being no stranger to the world of politics and governance, I know that situations can arise when an elected official's conscience differs from some of the public they represent. I will always vote my conscience, and what I feel in my heart is right for the good of the whole. If it means not being re-elected to my position, I would still be able to sleep at night knowing I followed my heart and did what I felt was right.

McGuire: I will always ask for and listen to my constituents' insights on the issues. I will try to vote on the basis of their concerns, but I will never cast a vote that does not fit into my core values; core values like honesty, integrity, high ethics and morals, and equal treatment of all people.

Emanuel: It would depend on the basis of the divergence. If the basis of the divergence were desire i.e., I just wanted a different outcome than the constituents did I would hope I would vote the preference of the constituent. If the basis of the divergence was knowledge and I had knowledge about an issue that was not yet known to the constituents but that I thought would lead to a shared desire, I would vote my responsibility to make good decisions to achieve the shared desired result.

9. What public services are lacking in District 5, and what would you do to resolve the problem?

Faraci: Just finishing up a tough winter, the people in District 5 have repeatedly voiced concern over snow removal and pothole repair. Other neighborhood concerns in district 5 are the condition and upkeep of retention ponds. Resolving problems is a process; in tough financial times, it is vital to take a critical look at adding or changing any additional services. As an elected official, it is my job to discuss problems or gaps and talk through what options are available to resolve those issues. In my full-time job, I find resources for communities, businesses and the residents of a six-county region, I develop and engage in networks with the sole purpose of solving problems. I will bring that experience and that foundation to the Champaign City Council.

McGuire: Currently the area has great services, but the city is preparing to cut fire services, and if the front desk personnel is cut at the police station there will be a need to bring a sworn officer off the street to back up those employees. The area of the city deemed to have the least need for police service is southwest Champaign, so they are likely to lose service.

Emanuel: I am not aware of any specific services that are lacking in District 5 that are not being considered, for example, broadband access.

10. In speaking with your potential constituents, what do you hear as the three most prevalent issues facing District 5?

Faraci:

Balancing the budget, business development, economic vitality

Protecting our first responders and public works employees

Maintaining basic services in tough fiscal times (potholes, snow removal)

In order to be able to respond to the above issues, it is imperative that we balance the budget and promote a positive economic development environment. Once the budget is balanced, we can then entertain the idea of establishing a surplus or rainy day fund. If the city of Champaign were able to balance its budget and eventually establish a budget surplus we would have the potential to provide microloans. Microloans have been shown to have a substantial positive impact on some community's economic vitality; Microloans can range from $1,000 to $100,000.

For example, the city of Elk River, Minn., (only slightly smaller in size than Champaign) offers microloans for up to $100,000 at two points below prime. The purpose of Elk River's microloan fund is to provide low interest, long-term loans as incentives to encourage the following:

Industrial development that supports the tax base and brings quality jobs to the city

Rehabilitation of existing buildings in the central business district

McGuire: The three main issues voters have shared with me: do not raise taxes, maintain a balanced budget and maintain core public services.

Emanuel:

Potholes

Property taxes

Budget concerns (staying solvent; no increased debt)