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Sandberg latest district seat candidate

By WEEK Producer

Sandberg latest district seat candidate

November 27, 2012 Updated Nov 28, 2012 at 10:44 AM CDT

PEORIA, Ill -- Three candidates have put their names in for the first district Peoria City Council race, stating they want to lead revitalization efforts to improve the warehouse area in downtown Peoria.

At-large city council member Gary Sandberg is the latest person to announce his bid for the first district seat.

Sandberg says the warehouse district has tremendous potential for bringing new residents to the downtown area.

"I don't think it's been attacked in the right way,” said Sandberg. “I've grown frustrated with the way we're approaching the rebirth of the warehouse district and I intend on maybe changing that mode."

Financial planner Denise Moore is also in the race. She disagrees with Sandberg. Moore says that the city's goal of focusing on anchor projects first is a good plan.

"What you don't want is something slapped together that is not sustainable that does not last,” said Moore. “So from my view, I think they're doing it the right way by taking their time and getting it right."

But candidate Randall Emert says the council should focus on making sure the streets are safe for residents.

"It seems to me if you clean up the crime in this town and the streets, it seems to me that investors will want to come back here and want to open businesses," said Emert.

Moore says she would like to see more redevelopment along Western Avenue.

The three candidates will face off in the February 26 primary election.

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