Ryan Craig Musick, write-in candidate for City Council Ward 1 in Belleville, IL
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More on the election for Belleville City Council Ward 1
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Name: Ryan Craig Musick
Political party (if applicable): Independent
Age as of April 6, 2021: 37
Campaign website or social media page: www.facebook.com/RCM.AldermanWard1
Office seeking: Alderman Ward 1
Are you an incumbent? No
Previous offices sought: State Representative District 113
Occupation: Contractor for Musick House Leveling
Education: Belleville Township High School and B.S. degree SouthWest Baptist University
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: I am involved with various church organizations like Restoration Ranch, Faith Baptist Church of Belleville, Convention of States, Casa Por Cristo Missions, Youth Ministry, and Counseling.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? I am self-funded at this moment.
Why are you running? I was inspired to make a change in the world, and I wanted to lend an ear to those who have a need to be heard. I have a desire to be more connected with others in my local community.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? At the alderman level the issues are centered around the community. I want to focus on a cleaner, safer, healthier environment for those in Ward 1.
Why should people vote for you? My leadership background and life experiences make me very qualified for the position. I am a very good listener, I desire justice, unity, peace and a better quality of life. I am honest, and demonstrate integrity with my relationships and projects. Also, I will persevere until all issues have been resolved for the betterment of the community.
Belleville Tax Increment Finance District 3, or TIF 3, is expiring this year. Do you agree with the proposal to extend the expiration date for another 12 years? Why/why not? There are numerous factors involved with the TIF that more awareness into the details of the issue would be needed. If I get elected, this could be an issue that I investigate.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating effect on parts of Belleville’s economy. How would you grade the city’s response and, if you are elected, what would you do to help businesses and residents? This is a difficult question to answer because I do not have all the facts necessary to make any sound judgments on these matters. Although, if I were elected, I would ask the residents of Ward 1 what their thoughts and feelings are. Only then could I gain a good perspective on how to effectively respond to the issues that COVID has caused.
What is your opinion of how the Belleville Police Department handles public safety in the city? Do you think the city needs more or fewer police officers? If you want additional officers, how would you fund that cost? Honestly, I stand behind the Belleville City Police Department 100%, and believe they are doing an excellent job of serving the residents of Belleville. Should anything change or additional police officers become needed, I would address the issue accordingly.
Belleville has offered various tax incentives to support businesses in recent years. What are your plans to increase economic development in the city and how would you use tax incentives? My goal would be to educate the residents of Belleville so they can make better educated decisions regarding how to apply the laws in their favor to get the best tax advantages possible. This would increase development by allowing businesses to keep more money in their pockets. These tax incentives can be used to draw in new businesses of all kinds. I want Belleville to be a place where people would want to establish their business.
This story was originally published April 1, 2021 at 10:44 AM.