Q&A with one of Chrisman’s Mayoral Candidates Bryan Haddix
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Q: Tell us about yourself. Who are you? What are your hobbies and interests?
A: My name is Bryan Haddix. I have lived in or around Chrisman for most of my fifty-nine years. So Chrisman has always been home. I have been married to Sheryl (St. Clair) Haddix for thirty-six years. We raised our children Kayla and Kaleb here. They are both married and are raising their children here also. We are very fortunate to have all six of our grandchildren here where we can enjoy them.
Q: What civic organization or non-profits have you been an active member of in recent years?
A: I have not been directly involved in civic or non-profit groups which is something I do regret. Sheryl and I do try to support as many activities as we can though.
Q: Have you ever made a run or held elected office? What previous political experience do you have?
A: Several years ago, I made an unsuccessful attempt at running for city office. It was a good time and there were several good candidates on the ballot. Four years ago, there were not enough candidates to fill all offices and I was asked to take appointment to fill an empty seat.
Q: What do you see as the Mayor’s primary role?
A: I see the Mayor’s primary role as that of leading the city board in meetings and making the best possible decisions for the city. The Mayor executes official documents and serves as ceremonial head over government.
Q: What would you say the Mayor’s position entails?
A: I believe the Mayor position entails working with board members and employees to do the very best we can with what we have to work with.
Q: How would you describe your management style?
A: I’m pretty laid back most of the time. I try to take a minute to think and make good decisions.
Q: What’s the number one challenge facing the next Mayor when it comes to working with City Commissioners and employees?
A: No matter who becomes the next Mayor of Chrisman, the number one challenge will be to find four people to fill Commissioner seats as no one has filed to run for those seats. I am saddened deeply by this as we have to have these seats for our city government to run properly.
Q: Describe an ethical dilemma you’ve faced and how did you resolve it?
A: I have had to focus on issues and try to be a better person.
Q: Why are you running for Mayor?
A: I have been on the board for some large scale projects. We have more big projects coming that are mandated by the EPA and I would like to see these through completion.
Q: What are your goals for the office of Mayor?
A: Some goals I have as the next Mayor is one, figure out how to bring new businesses to town. Two, try to bring more revenue to town and three, replace or rebuild failing infrastructure. We currently have one forty foot span of water main with seven splices.
Q: What do you plan to accomplish in the first thirty days?
A: The first thirty days, I would like to find four people to fill Commissioner positions. I think I have some really good prospects and become a team citizens can count on. Otherwise, I need to work on my own public skills and better learning the ins and outs of the Mayor’s job.
Q: Ninety days?
A: I’m not pulling any punches at ninety days, I will still be learning the first thirty days worth.
Q: What distinguishes you from other candidates?
A: As far as what distinguishes me from our other candidate, I believe we come from very different backgrounds. I have always been more hands on. I have been involved in farming, mechanics, industrial maintenance and manufacturing. The other candidate has had a successful career in education and school management. No matter who the people elect, I believe the candidate will have Chrisman’s best interest in mind.
Q: What endorsements have to received?
A: I have received no endorsements to date other than advice and encouragement for some people I consider to be special friends.
Q: How are you funding your campaign?
A: For campaign funds, I an relying on my wife Sheryl for both financial and physical support.
Q: What is your view of the performance of Mayor Danny Owen and, if elected, would you keep Chrisman heading in the same direction or would you change course?
A: I think Dan Owen has done a great job as our Mayor. Otherwise, I do not believe people would have elected him to four terms in that office. I believe that speaks volumes for him. As Mayor, I would hope that we can keep Chrisman heading for improvement.
Q: How do you plan on stretching tax payer dollars with all of the projects the city is currently involved in?
A: In the future, we need to hold tight on spending. With the changes in our economy and the loss of businesses, we have lost quite a bit of revenue. There are two ways to recover some of that revenue and I’m not very fond of either, but we all need to keep these in mind.
Q: What kind of impact will you have on crime and drugs in Chrisman?
A: I will continue to work with city and local police on crime and drugs. I will work with our Police Chief and his officers to the best of my ability. I will be asking the Chief to make a monthly report of department activities so everyone knows what they have going on. I will continue asking the Chief to do training with the schools and fire department. I hope that we have a pro-active stance on crime and drugs.
Q: What do you plan on doing to clean up properties in town?
A: I want to work with property owners and civic leaders and hopefully find ways and money to clean up the delinquent properties around town.
Q: Do you think that Chrisman’s square is healthy and successful? If not, what would you do to change that?
A: I think our community square is teetering on the balance of existence. I hope to find some way to entice new businesses to town and hopefully bring new revenue with that.
Q: If elected, what three steps would you take to put Chrisman on a firmer financial footing?
A: We have some very important projects in the works, they can not be avoided. We have to finish them. As I said before, these are EPA mandates. We are going to have to hold or cut back on spending, find additional sources of income or spend what we have wisely.
Q: Why are you the best person for the job?
A: When I discussed the decision to run for Mayor with my wife, I vowed there would be no slander on my part. I can’t or won’t tell you I am the best person for the job. It is up to the many fine people of Chrisman to make that choice. That being said, I encourage everyone to exercise the right to vote.
Attention Voters, you must be registered thirty days prior to the April 4th election. You can register online at elections.il.gov or you can go to the Circuit Clerks office. There you will need a drivers license or state issued ID and a piece of mail with your name and current address.
Be sure to look for our other Q & A with Chrisman Mayor Candidate Dan Moore in a future edition of the Chrisman Leader.
