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NAME: Brandon Yaniz
POSITION FOR WHICH YOU ARE A CANDIDATE:
Elgin City Council
1. Why are you seeking this position?
Elgin is a good city, but it could be a great city. Currently, we are not a destination for shopping, or for business ownership. This is a problem, and it’s the reason I am running. I will work hard to elevate Elgin, so that this wonderful city is able to achieve it’s true potential. To do this, we have to change the cities priorities, address perception problems, and make small business our focus with a results orientated economic development plan. In so doing, we will make Elgin a destination again, a destination for entrepreneurs, a destination for shopping, and a destination for families. Additionally, by growing our economic base will increase the revenue to the city without placing additional hardship on home owners. Less taxes
2. What experience and background do you have which qualifies you for this position?
My family owned/operated Wilson Shoes for generations. I was born and raised in a retail business, in the heart of Downtown Elgin. However, my parents knew a change was coming, and my sister and I were encouraged to find our own paths. I started my first business at age 19. Now, in my professional career I assist companies with planning, marketing, branding, etc. I setup results orientated sales efforts and recruit sales teams. This has prepared me for a position on the City Council. This city has to make results orientated economic development focused on small business it’s top priority. I understand the struggles businesses face, especially when dealing with local government. Results orientated economic development is a sales effo
3. What will be your greatest challenge if elected?
The greatest challenge we all face in our professional lives, whether in retail, an office, or on a committee or council is working with others. Everyone has the best intentions and wants to succeed, but we may disagree on what that means or how to get there. I am proposing new ideas, and changes to how things have been done in the past. I expect there to be challenges in bringing my vision for Elgin into reality, and one of those challenges is convincing the rest of the council, the city staff and our contractors of what needs to be done. I have a plan, but I need first to convince the rest of the council of the need for change. That Elgin is a good city, but we need to challenge ourselves and each other to do more, to think different
Release for publication? YES
I will attend the forum? YES
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