These responses were submitted by Republican McLean County Board member Randy Martin, who faces Libertarian Christopher Howick. The questionnaire was prepared by GLT in partnership with the League of Women Voters of McLean County. See more candidate responses.
Explain any experience you have working or serving with McLean County government.
I have served on the Property committee. I am now serving on the Justice, Health, Transportation and the Legislative subcommittee.
Last fall, the county had to close a $1.5 million budget gap — a deficit that led to an early retirement program and other cuts. What would you prioritize in future budgets if revenues remain tight?
I am not in favor of laying off employees. I believe that departments have line items that can be identified and eliminated. We do rely on the State for some income which has not been very helpful in the past couple of years. I am hopeful that department heads can find enough items in their budgets to be able to get a balanced budget.
What would be your approach to evaluating economic incentives to help bring (or expand) businesses in McLean County?
I do believe that we can offer incentives to bring business to the community. I am not in favor of allowing the length of time that has been proposed on recent incentives. The time limit in my opinion should be closer to 5-7 years instead of 20 plus years.
Do you think McLean County should establish a countywide election commission? Why or why not?
I do not believe that we should establish another commission. The County is already paying expenses for two election bodies. We should combine the two into the Clerks office to save money.
Do you support changing County Board meeting times — from the morning to afternoons or evenings?
I do not care when the Board meets. If we go to late afternoons or evenings it would be better for me with my current job. I disagree with the reason stated in the past for changing the meeting time because of transparency.
How do you think McLean County government can help to provide more affordable housing in the area?
I do not have a plan for providing more affordable housing in the County. I would allow the EDC and the local Chamber to come up with a plan.
How would you describe the relationship between the County Board, the Board of Health and the Behavioral Health Coordinating Council? What role the County Board play in guiding health policy, governance?
In my opinion the current relationship between the County Board, the Board of Health and the Behavioral Health Coordinating Council is very strong. All three entities are working together for a common goal and are making progress. This is good for all of McLean County residents.
The County Board, specifically John McIntyre and Susan Shaffer, were instrumental in helping to shape the current mental health policy.
What would be your approach to evaluating land-use requests involving renewable energy like wind and solar?
I believe that wind and solar energy is needed to replace our existing sources of energy. The land use for wind and solar can be returned to crop production where building a subdivision will take land production out of existence forever. I would be against expanding housing onto agriculture land but would support wind and solar. We already have CRP practices that take land out of production for an amount of time. I don't see much difference.
