Marengo First Ward Alderman
I have represented my constituents and community diligently during our country’s difficult economic downturn . I serve my community’s best interest as a whole, by actively getting involved with the residents. My belief in my community drives me to educate myself on all issues at hand, and objectively vote on them.
My first priority, is to continue to assist our community with controlled growth. Without growth, our community’s business tax base will never increase to the point that it gives relief to the homeowners in supporting it’s city’s operating expenses. My second priority is to hold the line on unnecessary spending during these difficult times; but still provide safe services to the residents and public. My third priority is to help educate my constituents on their local daily activities and concerns that pertain to our community
Yes, I already support freezing the city’s tax levy, and voted that way on the city’s current tax levy request to the county for our 2013 operating budget. I feel all taxing bodies should hold the line on increasing their tax levy. The residents need to hold all taxing body board members accountable for their voting and stances on controlling expenses and the way they use taxpayer dollars. We as elected officials, have the responsibility to our constituents and community to be diligent stewards. We need to provide the best services possible; but still stay within our operating budget without increasing taxes.
The City of Marengo has a lot of good employees, but I feel that during these difficult economic times that all employees wages and benefits should be froze temporarily like most private sector employees are experiencing. Until those additional expenses can be supported by core revenues without raising taxes, the board shouldn‘t approve any increases voluntarily. The city should take the stance that all organized labor groups request arbitration and force a judge to increase the city’s operating expenses, which in turn is passed on to the taxpayers. The taxpayers should then hold those individuals with the authority to increase the city budget accountable for their decisions to tax burden the public more during these difficult times
Elected officials are part time employees making important decisions for their community. As a board member, you are dependent on quality professional consulting when it comes to the daily needs and requirements effecting your city. We have hired recently the services of individuals and professional groups that are helping Marengo go in the right direction in my opinion. We need to be on a equal playing field with our surrounding communities, and that starts with having the right team composed for our residents. Our staff and consulting firms currently are assisting Marengo position the city for future growth and opportunities.
For the past four years I have been a diligent steward for my constituents and community. I have made difficult decisions which are not always popular to every resident, but are responsible for the best interest of our community as a whole. I always take the time to educate myself so that I can represent my constituents and community fairly and effectively. I will continue to represent my constituents honestly and work to better the quality of life for everyone in our community.
My past history of serving on various Boards and Committees has given me the knowledge and experience to run for this office. As a former member of the Board of Education for Zion Lutheran School – Marengo and as a commissioner for the Marengo Park District, I have dealt with having to operate with a lean budget, cash flow shortages and personnel issues. None of it is easy, and I feel it takes someone who is willing to take the time to gather all of the pertinent information in order to make informed decisions.
If elected, I do not have a personal agenda. My role if elected will be to represent the citizens of Ward 1 to the best of my ability. I believe that the City of Marengo is headed in the right direction and is taking the necessary steps to prepare for growth. Hopefully we can leave the current economic environment behind us and shift our focus in a different direction. If I had to list a priority it would be to attract more businesses to our community. This is important for the citizens of Marengo as it will provide employment opportunities and additional tax revenue.
This is a difficult question. I hate my tax bill just as much as the next person. Unfortunately, each district needs to continue to operate. Over the past three years, the taxing bodies have watched their tax revenues shrink from declining property values. In order to freeze property taxes it would have to be a collaborative effort from all of the taxing bodies. Having watched the revenues decline for the Marengo Park District over the past three years and the cuts that have been made in order to continue to operate has been difficult. The only way I see us being able to achieve property tax relief is to find a different way to fund our schools. If you look at the tax bills for the City of Marengo, 54.22% of the tax payment goes to District 165 and District 154. The City of Marengo only accounts for 8.10% with an additional 3.03% going towards the City of Marengo Pension fund.
I have a tremendous amount of respect for everyone that sits on the city council and it is my belief that a lot of time and effort goes into each decision that is made. With that being said, I would not disagree with any of the decisions that have been made by the current city council.
I believe one of the best decisions the City Council made within the past year was to negotiate and retain the services of Marengo Disposal. Although they are no longer locally owned, they provide several jobs to our residents and are a valued member of our business community.
Having been a lifelong resident of Marengo and representing a 5th generation that has called Marengo its home, I will bring a commitment to the residents of Ward 1 to represent them with dedication and honesty. As a resident and taxpayer, it is important that we continue to see Marengo grow and prosper for future generations.
