Get to Know the Candidates: Peoria mayoral contenders on civility

In this installment of Peoria Independent's candidate Q&Z series, we ask the two mayoral candidates about the divisive nature our culture has taken on.

Part of being an elected official is considering all residents' perspectives and each person's view of the city they live in, including what they view the city needs most.

Former council member Bidget Binsbacher and newcomer Jason Beck are squaring off for a campaign to become the new mayor. The top leadership position in the city should be particulalry keen to the nuances of their residents.

This Q&A series will allow residents can gain some insight as to who the mayoral candidates are through a questionnaire the Independent sent out to those in competitive council races.

Learn more on their thoughts about civility here.

Jason  Beck

Things can be divisive these days. What can you do to help bring people together rather than divide?

I will be a mayor for everyone. As far as bringing people together, I already do this and I want every citizen in Peoria to have a voice. I not only run one of the largest private sector companies in Peoria, it is also highly diverse with nine different languages spoken at TYR Tactical.

With my history of being a consensus builder, it is no accident that I’m endorsed by over 70 organizations, leaders, and citizens coming from the entire political spectrum.

Bridget Binsbacher

Things can be divisive these days. What can you do to help bring people together rather than divide?

My motto for this campaign is “One Peoria.” My vision as mayor is to see our city as a single community who can come together to build a stronger place to live, work, and enjoy an active lifestyle.

We cannot and should not be pitting parts of the city against one another or creating divisions along regional, economic, social, or other lines. We have come too far and worked too hard to erase our good work by those who want to foster discord and division.