Fox River Grove Village Board of Trustees
I am proud to boast about my 27 years of full-time service with the United States Post Office. I have also served on the executive board of the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) which has a large focus in negotiation between parties. Bringing this experience, longevity and commitment forward as a trustee and possessing many characteristics of a successful leader, a visionary, an active partner, a strong community member and a willingness to improve our community is a successful combination I bring to you. New leaders of tomorrow are visionary; I bring fresh insight and add judgment capability as a function of my experience.
The secret to community involvement is convincing people that something good might happen if they contribute. One of my priorities is to appeal to our community members to encourage their participation. Our village board members must reach out to the community; the offer to attend a meeting is no longer good enough especially in our already busy enough lives. Using a mix of social media, tele-presence and establishing a “Voice of the Voter” open forum are a few of the ideas I have to increase interest in the happenings of our Village. Only an informed community will lead to sustainable changes and building of trust among the various stakeholders.
2. Another one of my priorities is encouraging businesses to establish themselves in our village. I believe we need to focus on implementing a revitalization effort of our village. Improving our Village will help attract new jobs, build/improve public facilities and stimulate consumer interest. We need to collectively assess the pluses of our village, develop strategies to attract businesses and repackage our place as a destination for consumers. We have beautiful parks; we should focus on improvements and holding additional special events that would benefit the village. Increasing people traffic through our village would also bring money to the already established restaurants and businesses.
Yes, I support freezing taxing district’s levy until housing prices rebound. Many of our residents are facing financial challenges in this recovering economy. Freezing the tax levy going forward will be challenging; we know that operational expenses and capital equipment needs will require the Village leaders to work smarter and harder to create a responsible budget in a very difficult economic environment.
The decision I disagree with the most was the purchase of the vacant property located near Route 22 and County Line Road in unincorporated Fox River Grove. The purpose for its purchase was to incorporate the land into our village; since the Village administrators were unsuccessful in the endeavor, it remains costing the tax payers significant dollars. The land remains vacant yet the village must continue to pay property taxes and interest on the loan for vacant property.
No comment.
Simply, I believe in our community and I have heard your voices. I believe that the village board has an obligation to properly plan for our future; I want to help define a vision that unites and captivates our community. I have had many opportunities to talk with community members about their visions, ideas for growth and strategic planning and need for transparency. I will work for you and with you building a partnership that provides an avenue for your voice to be heard. Through this partnership, the betterment of our village will be realized within the power and the resources of our village.
As a taxpayer, resident, and parent I share the same financial struggles and concerns as others in our community. I will bring that perspective to all my decisions. I am committed to continuing initiatives that balance revenues and expenditures, while providing quality services for our residents.
My previous experiences as a Trustee, Finance Committee Chairperson and Budget Officer (1997-2003) have demonstrated my capabilities. During my current tenure (2010-present), I have shown my commitment to our residents by rebating property taxes in the form of one free vehicle sticker in 2012 and abating taxes in 2013.
My number one priority is to enhance the quality of life for our residents through economic development. We need to focus our efforts on maintaining our current businesses and attracting new businesses. Our new train station and the creation of a TIF district are great first steps to accomplish these goals. I believe we need to invest in our downtown area “streetscape” (sidewalks, lighting, green space, etc). We may not recoup this investment in a strictly financial sense, but it will make Fox River Grove welcoming and a community we can be proud of.
My number two priority is long-term financial planning for the Village. Fox River Grove has always operated under tight budgetary constraints and has been diligent about keeping expenditures low while providing quality services to our residents. We have done an excellent job of balancing the budget on a yearly basis while also building reserves. We now need to concentrate on long-term planning that invests our reserves back into the community.
Yes, I do support freezing property taxes. In 2012, I voted to rebate property taxes in the form of a free vehicle sticker and in 2013, I voted to abate property taxes. I believe that we can abate taxes for another 2-3 years and still improve upon our current level of services to our residents. We will also be able to invest in improvements in our downtown, our parks, and our roads.
I believe that overall the Board has done an excellent job for our Village. I believe there are three areas we could improve upon. One, we need to concentrate our efforts on economic development by creating specific marketing plans for the Village as well as providing existing businesses with redevelopment assistance, in the newly created TIF district. Two, we need to expand our long-term fiscal planning strategies to ensure we are able to not only maintain but improve our current level of service as well as provide much needed infrastructure improvements. Third, we should re-evaluate the current plans for the Public Works facility and consider all alternatives.
During my current tenure as a Trustee, my biggest accomplishments have been to rebate/abate property taxes for two years while maintaining quality services to the residents and investing in our parks. The creation of the downtown TIF district is a big step towards realizing redevelopment of our downtown. I am committed to continuing to freeze property taxes, invest in our downtown, our parks, and our roads.
As I stated previously, I am a taxpayer, resident, and parent and I share the same financial struggles and concerns as others in our community. I will bring that perspective to all my decisions. I have proven I have the best interests of the residents in mind when I rebated property taxes in 2012 and abated property taxes in 2013. I am committed to continuing to freeze property taxes, invest in our downtown, our parks, and our roads. It has been a privilege to serve as a Trustee and I would be truly honored to continue to do so.
My service to community and country includes 20 years as a volunteer firefighter (11 years at FRG), member of the FRG zoning board of appeals and a veteran of the US Coast Guard (10 years). As an EMT/firefighter one gets to intimately know the community and the people. As a Coast Guard officer I was responsible for day today safety and security operations including an overseas tour during Desert Storm. Both my fire service and Coast Guard service have taught me to function under stressful conditions and the importance of seeing things through and getting the job done. My experience on the zoning board has given me solid background and a working knowledge of the village government. My entire professional career of 34 years has been spent in the maritime shipping industry as a Coast Guard marine inspector, ship’s officer and, currently, a senior manager in the operations group of the largest US flag operator on the Great Lakes. My operations background has taught me the importance of long range planning, working within a diverse team and problem solving skills. I am ready to use my experience and skills to continue serving the community.
My top three priorities if elected will be:
Taxes – The village needs to continue to maintain a balanced budget while holding the line on taxes and expenses. High taxes discourage both home ownership and business retention and development.
Business Growth – Do what can be done to keep the businesses we have and recruit new businesses. Find out what other towns are doing along these lines and learn from their success stories. It is time to move ahead on the downtown Route 14 business corridor. Fox River Grove is a little gem of a town and there is no reason we should not be able to attract businesses given our assets including the river, train line and great schools.
Fiscal Accountability – Put emphasis on fiscal planning beyond the current budget year. Traditionally the village has looked at a one year budget which is really just a snapshot. We need to look down the road five and ten years to assure that revenues can meet the commitments being made today.
In today’s economy, yes, I would support freezing the tax levy. The village board was right in doing so this year especially considering that the average taxpayer’s earning power is still on the decline. Everyone is watching the pennies very closely these days, particularly those on a fixed income, and local government must follow suit. Being mindful that the village portion of property tax pie is a very small slice, the village board has a responsibility to ensure that revenues are sufficient to satisfy outlays. It’s a very tough balancing act that the village board must handle responsibly. If elected, I intend to work with the other trustees to ensure this responsibility is a priority. I will approach spending tax dollars or raising taxes as I approach my family budget, in that we don’t spend money we don’t have. Further, it’s always a good idea to sock something away for a rainy day. Unfunded state mandates and unanticipated employee pension costs fall in the category of financial “rainy days” for the village.
The one decision or issue I disagree with is the winter parking ordinance (no parking on village streets from 2am to 6am November through March) passed at the September 2012 board meeting. I understand the need to keep the streets clear of vehicles when the snow flies but a blanket prohibition on all overnight parking for five months is excessive. As of the date I am writing this, February 21, 2013,the plows have only been out a couple times and yet residents are ticketed for being on the street when it is clean and dry. Again, I get the intent but the issue could have been handled in a more thoughtful reasonable way. I do not believe in churning out an ordinance to solve all problems, real or perceived, is the right thing to do. The village should stay off of peoples’ backs as much as possible. In other words, whenever contemplating an ordinance, the village board should keep in the village mission statement, which states in part, “Maintain and enhance Fox River Grove’s friendly small town atmosphere…”
The biggest accomplishment of the village board this year was freezing the tax levy. The discussion and debate on this issue at the special board meeting in December was thoughtful and reasoned. Trustees presented good arguments on both sides of the issue and in the end voted to not to take the allowable 3% increase. I commend the Board for that decision.
The residents of Fox River Grove should elect me to the office of Trustee because I will work toward solving the problems that affect them. I will listen to the residents and work with the other village board members to this end. That being said, I am an independent candidate and not a follower. I look forward to engaging other Trustees on the issues. I believe in financial planning beyond the current budget year so that any necessary course corrections can be made before we are on the rocks. I will work toward retaining the businesses we have and to recruit new businesses to the village. I will be thoughtful and practice restraint when it comes to enacting ordinances. I will use my business operations experience to help ensure the delivery of quality, cost effective village services to residents and businesses. I will be a Trustee who will not spend your tax money unless it is for a very good reason and in the best interests of the residents of the village.
Above all, I believe Fox River Grove is a great place to live, raise a family and run a business. I’m running to keep it that way.
The answer to this question would be my life experiences; growing up, serving in the U.S. Army, attending college, becoming a parent, my career as a sales/marketing executive and lastly, the experience and knowledge I have gained while serving as your elected official. I have a strong business background and believe government should be conducted the same. My approach in making decisions for our community is gaining a complete understanding of the issue, concern or opportunity. In doing so, I attend additional meetings, seek the perspective of others, conduct research and ask questions. After I have completed this process, unless my findings are in the best interest of our residents and will improve the quality of life for our community, I vote no. Unlike many who serve in politics today, I will not tell you what you want to hear; I will tell you the truth. As I do in my personal and professional life, and as your elected official, I will continue to represent you with honesty, integrity and provide the leadership that you desire and deserve.
One of my priorities is our downtown redevelopment. Proactive steps have been taken in developing a TIF district to address the blighted downtown area near the Metra train station. We still need to address creating additional parking, developing a village façade improvement program, improving the water/sewer infrastructure, and finally begin marketing to retail/commercial businesses. This summer we should have a new, modern Metra station which is a significant element of this revitalization process. I would like to continue working with others crafting this framework that will put us in a position of implementation as the economy continues improve.
Another priority of mine is ensuring the village is fiscally responsible. One of my concerns both long and short term are expenditures vs. revenues. Our village is responsible for providing police services, maintaining streets, parks, and infrastructure, plus additional services needed to make our village the quality community we all desire and deserve. In a time when revenue sources are at risk, we must take steps to reduce expenditures without compromising services. I believe it is important to continue to identify opportunities for process improvements and other cost savings in an effort to reduce expenditures.
The answer to this question is YES! I do support a freeze at this time. I voted in 2012 against any levy increase, in 2013 with the exception that I voted yes to capture property tax dollars that are a result of new retail development, on RT.14 between Walgreen’s and Dunkin Donuts.
The Property Tax Extension Law (PTEL) is somewhat doubled edged. On one side, when the economy was good, property values were increasing (PTEL) provided some protection as it was caped as to what public taxing bodies could levy annually. On the other edge, when our economy, along with property values began to decrease this same law (PTEL) became a negative, as taxing bodies continue to submit their annual levy, as this is allowed under the current state law. I do understand that taxing bodies need revenue to cover operational costs and those services they provide. I also understand that the same property owners/tax payers for different reasons have had to make changes, tighten their belt. With that said, I believe that action should be taken to address this current law and that changes must be addressed in the public sector that will provide for a sustaining future economy.
I would have to say the approval of the new Public Works Facility. Our existing Public Works Department shares the same space with our Wastewater Treatment Plant. For years, the village has understood that needed modernization to meet potential IEPA requirements would require relocation of the Public Works Department.
The initial objective was to relocate our Public Works Department. The initial conceptual design of this building, as presented, was for only vehicle and equipment storage at an estimated cost between 2.8M and 3.5M. It was approved by the board that we do this in phases, with office and repair facility to be constructed at a later date. I voted no.
Bonds were issued to fund the initial project; additional funding for phase 2 would then be required. I believe the total cost of the approved project exceeds what is realistic and affordable. The potential to burden residents with significant water and sewer rate increases is very realistic with this plan as approved. Relocation of the Public Works Department is needed; however, it should be the entire Public Works Department to include the office space and repair area with only the initial funding we have secured to date.
Establishing the redevelopment project of our downtown area was our biggest accomplishment. One of the ongoing comments that are made by residents and those that drive through our village is that something has to be done with our downtown area. The Village Board started by reviewing past studies, then selected a consulting company that specializes in downtown redevelopment. Their study provided detailed information of our strengths, weaknesses and opportunities. The village also reached out to residents, businesses and taxing bodies for comments and suggestions. After this process and many long conversations, a decision was made to begin redevelopment of our blighted downtown area. A Tax Increment Financing District (TIF) was established. This is the same process that the village had utilized for the Dominick’s/Stone Hill Shopping Center and where Walgreen’s and several other commercial buildings are now located. Today, there are a number of projects that the village is working on, such as additional parking, façade improvement programs and upgrading infrastructure for future development. Additionally, this summer a new, modern Metra station will be completed which is a significant element of this entire redevelopment project. I’m confident that this will come to fruition but it will also take time.
I am a homeowner, taxpayer and parent, and I face many of the same day-to-day issues and concerns as you. I have served our village as a trustee starting 2000 – 2004 and 2008 to present. I study all information that is provided, conduct research and stay current with the affairs of other municipalities, our state, county and federal governments. I welcome comments, opinions and the perspectives of others. I ask myself two specific questions before I ever cast a vote. 1) Is this in the best interest of the residents; 2) Will this improve the quality of life of our community? If I can’t say yes to both, I vote no. I have and will continue to ask the difficult questions that many would like to ask, yet are reluctant. My objective remains the same; to represent all residents and local businesses with integrity and commitment, while working collaboratively to improve the quality of life for our community. It would be an honor to continue as your elected official.
I have never run for political office before. As a resident of Fox River Grove for 25 years, I am interested in how local politics operate. I have no personal agenda.
I would like to keep tax rates affordable for average income village residence.
Yes I would support a tax freeze. The burden on average families is greater due to the recent down turn in the economy, therefore governments must be able to do with less.
The decision I disagree with most is the proposal for a new village garage. I feel it is to costly.
I think replacing the village administrator was a step in the right direction.
I believe I represent the views of the average hard working citizens of Fox River Grove. As a long time resident, I care about the future of our community.
All I am bringing to this job is what I consider to be a great work ethic. My family owns a small business, and for as long as I can remember I have always worked six and sometimes seven days a week. I did not need a college degree, because I knew that I was going to run the family business someday, but I wanted a college degree. In my mid-twenties I enrolled at McHenry County College where I received an Associate’s Degree. I then continued on to Northwestern University where I received my Bachelor of Arts with a major in Economics. Therefore, while I do not have a list of organizations that I have volunteered at over the years, I do feel that I have the aptitude to be a good village trustee.
My three priorities if elected would be improving the parking in the downtown business district, helping attract new retail business into town, and improving our parks to help increase the foot traffic in town to support our new small businesses.
Without knowing the entire budget for the year, I could not blindly support freezing the tax levy. If more retail businesses opened up in town, and we could count on new revenue to pay the operating expenses then I could support freezing the tax levy. However, the village’s expenses tend to increase from year to year, and if the minimum amount of money to run the village requires an increase in the tax levy, then I would support that increase.
While it has not passed yet, I do not agree with the village replacing the vehicle stickers with a road maintenance fee on the water bills. I think that people with five vehicles should be able to afford five vehicle stickers. The new system subsidizes people with more than three vehicles by charging seniors more money, which I do not favor.
I think the board’s biggest accomplishment last year was finally hiring a new village administrator. The village had operated for several months before hiring Karl Warwick.
I think that voters should elect me to the office of village trustee, because not only have I lived here for the last fourteen years, this is where I spend my days working. My family has owned AD Specialty Sewing in the downtown business district for thirty-five years. I have a vested interest in seeing improvements made in the downtown area. It is easy to complain about how the area looks, but I am willing to invest my time and efforts into helping revive the downtown before it is turned into a pretty new strip mall. I love Fox River Grove’s small town feel, and small town look. I would love to stay in town another thirty-five years. I do not know if I will be able to accomplish the vision I have in my head, but I would like the opportunity to try.
