Name: Edwin M. Langdon, Jr.

Party: Democrat

Address: 1433 31st St, Rock Island

Age: 60

Education: Rock Island High School and attended Black Hawk College

Occupation: Machine operator at Tri-City Heat Treat for 33 years

Previous elected offices: Democratic precinct committeeman, appointed to the Rock Island County Board in 2011

Which approach to modernizing county offices do you support: Consolidation at the Quad Cities Industrial Center, new construction or some other plan?

The voices of the people of Rock Island County need to be heard. My approach would be to hold town hall meetings throughout Rock Island County and let the public have their input. After the town hall meetings, I would then propose that the issue be put to a referendum.

Should the county hire a professional administrator?

Before considering this, a committee should be formed to research the issues of the salary, pension, health insurance, benefits, and duties of an administrator's position. Also, the committee should research other counties of comparable size, and see if it would be economically feasible for Rock Island County.

Do you support reducing the size of the county board?

I don't support the proposal in the referendum to reduce the board to 15 members and create five "at large" county board representatives in three districts. All five could come from the same area, and rural area citizens would not have equal representation. By having one representative for each one of the 15 districts, all citizens would have equal representation.

What are your goals for the county, if you're elected?

To provide a safe community and to improve the standard of living for Rock Island County citizens through business opportunities and economic development. Also, I would like to see the county's budget balanced without raising taxes. This would mean budget cuts and reigning in on spending.

Name: Brian Westin

Party: Republican

Address: 1410 44th St., Rock Island

Age: 64

Education: B.A. from Augustana College, M.A. from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville

Occupation: Self-employed photographer, owner Brian Westin Studio

Previous elected office: None

Which approach to modernizing county offices do you support: Consolidation at the Quad Cities Industrial Center, new construction or some other plan?

If elected I would visit all county buildings to see their condition and survey employees opinions on what to do. The current board has ignored the condition of the county offices. I need more information on how spending $30 to $50 million on a new building will save the taxpayers money.

Should the county hire a professional administrator?

I am open to discussion about hiring a professional administrator. What are the duties of the board chairman?Our chairman is paid $92,000 per year and $32,000 per year is put into his pension fund. When he retires, his pension will be $80,000 per year after just ten years as chairman. A professional may cost the taxpayers less.

Do you support reducing the size of the county board?

Yes. My experience attending board meetings is that only four or five members actually participate. The rest just vote with the controlling party.

What are your goals for the county, if you're elected?

Reduce the size of the board. Eliminate nepotism and cronyism. Balance the budget without raising taxes. Be transparent with all decisions. Include public input at meetings.