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Two candidates vie for the presidency of the Peoria Park District, the largest and oldest of the state.
Robert Johnson, a native of Peoria, has worked for Park District for 23 years and currently sits on their board of directors. He runs to keep the traditions alive.
"Preserve some of the things we have done and keep working like all of us. We work with great staff, the community loves us, tells us great things about us, we just want to accompany us, "said Johnson
Michael Van Cleve said that he had fallen in love with Peoria as soon as he arrived here and that he wanted to make a difference so that others would stay in River City.
"As a local real estate agent, people tell me that quality of life issues are an important part of their lifestyle choice," Van Cleve said.
The biggest problems? Van Cleve said the Park District needed the participation of the people.
"We need to involve people in the process from the beginning. It's too late to get them to a discussion when something is wrong, "Van Cleve said.
While Johnson is concerned about future finances with the increase of the minimum wage.
"We employ a lot of young people here and I believe in a minimum living wage for everyone, but we have to work harder and have our budget so that we can handle that when it happens.
Their solutions? Both sides agree that the Park District needs to strengthen their relationship with private businesses to enable the city and the Park District to thrive.
"I'm excited, I want to make sure we'll have good relationships with private partners … even in this facility we're in right now, the Riverplex," Johnson said.
"We have the same goals, we want the same result, we all want to create incredible products. Van Cleve said about the relationship between the business district and the park.
Both candidates also agreed that they wanted to create more green spaces in the city.
For more information on Robert Johnson.
For more information on Michael Van Cleve.
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