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The Macomb Mayoral Debate

Macomb, IL – The candidates for Macomb mayor met in the Tri States Public Radio Performance Studio on February 9 for an hour-long debate. Mike Inman, Ed Lavin, and D'Angelo Taylor answered questions about a wide range of issues.

The questions were asked by the reporters who cover city council meetings every week. They are Tri States Public Radio's Rich Egger (who also served as moderator for the event), Pat Stout of the McDonough County Voice, Mitch Worley of Prestige Communications, and Kelsey Wolfe of the Western Courier.

Among other things, the candidates were asked what their number one priority would be upon taking office.

Inman said the city faces a long list of challenges. Those include infrastructure and jobs, and he said those should be priorities. But Inman said his number one priority is to bring a positive attitude and vision to the office while working to build and strengthen relationships.

Lavin said he hoped the city's half-cent sales tax hike referendum is approved so that work could begin right away on the downtown infrastructure. Lavin also listed job creation, business recruitment, and development a good relationship with the university as top priorities.

Taylor responded by saying that he wants to work on bringing in jobs. He said he would keep an eye on the condition of the city's roads. Taylor said another priority is to build relationships with various organizations throughout the city.

Inman and Lavin support the half-cent sales tax hike referendum. Taylor opposes it. The money generated from the tax would be used to pay for road and bridge projects.

The candidates were also asked about the city's relationship with the park district, the relationship between the city and Western Illinois University, and what they would do to bring businesses to the square and the town in general.

In addition, they answered questions regarding ways to improve pedestrian safety and how they would try to promote WIU student participation in the community.

You can listen to the entire forum by clicking on the audio buttons.