Name: Eric Hoffmeyer

Age: 46

Family: Son Ethan, 15; Fiancee Jodie, 46; her children Regan, 19, and Chloe, 17

Years of residency in district: 46

Occupation: City of Streator firefighters

Previously elected positions: None

Contact information for voters: erichoffmeyer@streatorfd.org

Q. Why have you decided to run for the high school board and what major goals do you have plan to work toward?

A. The students first and foremost. Each individual at SHS should be treated fairly, honestly, and without prejudice. My major goal is to keep SHS running in the black, while giving each student the best chance for success.

Q. What experience or skill sets do you offer the school board?

A. Illinois Association of School Boards orientation, trustee for the Streator firefighters, Local 56 negotiating team member.

Q. What is the role of a school board member?

A. Take responsibility for itself, delegate authority, monitor performance, connects with the community.

Q. How will you make yourself accessible to the public?

A. At the very least, I would be at SHS once a week to answer questions from students, faculty or parents.

Q. Do you agree with the $7 million auditorium renovation? Why or why not?

A. I do. I think it will be an asset to the school as well as the community as a whole.

Q. Under the new funding formula, do you foresee voting in favor of a property tax increase? Under what circumstances would you vote in favor of one?

A. I do not foresee voting in favor of a property tax increase. I believe the taxes are too high already.

Q. How would you handle an issue when you are in the minority of the board?

A. Through respectable open dialogue with the other board members and respectfully accept the majority decision.

Q. Do you foresee any conflicts of interest, and how would you handle them?

A. I do not foresee any conflicts of interest.

Q. Are you in favor of the district's agreement with a Chinese student exchange program? Why or why not?

A. I'm cautiously optimistic that it will have a positive result at Streator High School.

How many board meetings have you attended since declaring your candidacy?

A. 1