I’ve been involved in North Aurora for the past seven years, serving three years on the Plan Commission and the past four years on the Village Board.
It takes some time to learn the ropes and I’ve got that learning curve under my belt. My 12 years of business experience mean that I know how to create a budget and stay within it and I think that my strategic planning skills are an asset to the Village.
1. Economic Development. This may sound like a broken record in North Aurora, but Economic Development is still a very important issue in our village. Our Rt. 31 corridor is one of the most visible parts of our community, and we need to continue to work to improve it. Burying the power lines along Rt. 31 is important. That process is long and expensive, but we can get there by continuing to work together with the business owners, utility companies, and our state legislators.
2. Job creation, bringing new businesses to North Aurora. We have some great industrial real estate available in our village. Our geographic location and I-88 access makes North Aurora an attractive location to many types of business. The effect of bringing in a major employer and creating a large number of jobs will be felt throughout the community, from housing to restaurants and retail.
3. Taxes. I’m proud of the way North Aurora has handled the economic downturn. We’ve called upon our excellent staff to push their capabilities to the fullest extent, as we’ve tried to run as lean as possible to keep costs down. As economic conditions improve, we need to continue to provide the services that we are responsible for in the most efficient way possible. We have to continue to fund our road program, plan for future increased water demand and continue our expensive battle with the Emerald Ash Borer.
You can’t freeze the tax levy. We are not a Home Rule community, if we don’t take our full tax levy, we don’t ever get it back. This is the way it works in Illinois, and for that reason, we can’t stop the levy. The funds from that levy are used to keep North Aurora running, and losing it forever could cause us to have to make serious cuts to the services we provide.
I’ve certainly voted against a number of issues in the past four years. A big concern for me is the way we develop. We all want to see more rooftops and more businesses in town, but that doesn’t mean we should give every developer whatever they ask for. We have an obligation to the businesses and over 16,000 residents who are currently here to maintain the community standards that they’re accustomed to. You do have to get more creative in bad economic times, but the decisions we make are going to impact the village for many years and we have to remember that and think long term when we\\\'re dealing with potential developers.
It’s been a year or significant changes. We completed some much needed road and water projects on the East side of town that will be a big benefit to residents.
We completed a remodel of Village Hall that allows our staff to work much more efficiently and comfortably. The building hadn’t been updated since the 70’s, some major changes to the HVAC system were necessary, and half of the building was set up as a police department. The former police area wasn’t really useable for any village functions under the previous layout, so the renovation now allows us to fully utilize all of our square feet, rather than having half of the building untouched.
We also had a couple of significant staffing changes. We have a new Economic Development Director, who will be a big asset as the economy improves and development picks back up, and we are also beginning the search for a new Village Administrator.
I think my experience and past involvement in North Aurora is a big asset. I also believe my financial and business background and budget experience are a valuable contribution.
Just finishing my 2nd term, I bring Village knowledge of the business we are currently involved in. Prior to Being a Trustee , I was Chairman of the Police Commission and Also a former member of the Planning commission. Operating my own Landscaping business , I bring a common sense business approach to issues. I am involved in the Lions Club, coach Baseball, work through out the Village. I feel I have a good pulse on Village issues and communicate well to the residents.
My top Priority is to bring in commercial businesses and residential build outs while supporting the Villages existing Business. Work closely with Developers to understand their needs while meeting the needs of the Village residents.
#2. Keep our taxes reasonable while providing outstanding Village services. Supporting the Commercial Development to reduce the tax burden of our Residents.
#3. Keep supporting our infrastructure program... improving our roadways and sidewalks throughout the Village.
I don’t favor raising taxes , however with the Tax Levy if you don’t use it for the year , you cant get it back. Its based off the cost of living, if for instance we assume we are going to have a great sales tax year and cut back on our levy and the year is not what we thought it would be, the next year we cant catch up and get the funding we need or that we lost. And the end result could be to cut back on Village services. So in this instance its the only option.
I am satisfied with the Village Board decisions.
Lots of GREAT accomplishments this year!....Though it may take more than a year to suggest, organize, and get results. We are fortunate to have a Board that works together to get things done. We may disagree , but at the end of the day we want to do what’s best for the Residents. I feel the remodel of the Village hall was a great endeavor. It took a outdated building and turned it into a current , safe , efficient environment for the staff as well as the residents. We also hired a Community Development Director who will do a Outstanding job in that area.
Just finishing my second term I bring experience to the Board also serving on the Planning Commission and former Police commission Chair person. I’m also the Chairperson of the North Aurora Days Event. . I’m a Life long resident to North Aurora have seen it in its infancy to its current state. I’m a local Business person who brings my business skills to the board along with common sense approach to all the various challenges we face. I’m dedicated
to the Villages residents to work hard for them.
I’m involved in many areas within the Village and feel that I stay well connected with the residents and feel that I am approachable to hear their concerns, communication is key. I love North Aurora and would do anything for it as well as the residents. I cant imagine living any place else.
I am a 20 year resident of North Aurora and care deeply about my family’s living community.
And I have supported my community over the years in the following ways:
Volunteer baseball manager/coach Aurora Boys Baseball, 65 E. Downer Pl. Aurora, IL 60507 (2006-present)
Volunteer West Aurora High School Band Boosters, Aurora, IL (2006-2010)
Member/volunteer Schneider Elementary School PTO, North Aurora, IL (1999-2005)
Volunteer basketball/soccer coach Fox Valley Park District, 150 W. Illinois Ave. Aurora, IL 60506 (2002-2003)
Parent Ministry coordinator Ginger Creek Community Church, Aurora, IL (2000-2005)
Board member/Vice-President North-towne Home Owners’ Association, North Aurora, IL C/O Alpha Property Management P.O. Box 4482 Aurora, IL 60507 (1994-2002)
Volunteer baseball manager/coach West Chicago Athletic Association, West Chicago, IL (1988-1993)
1) I have lived in North Aurora for nearly 20 years. There have been times when I have presented issues to elected officials and / or the police department and been told my concerns / complaints were not valid. As a matter of fact the city officials demonstrated no flexibility in dealing with a very difficult neighbor situation. I plan to be a listening ear and willing to see past the letter of the law or ordinance.
2) For the most part the city appears to be fiscally sound. I want to be part of the continuation of a sound fiscal community as well as keeping taxes low and possibly reducing current taxes.
3) As a current state of Illinois employee I am deeply concerned about the pension issues for all levels of public employees. I want to be a voice in support of all the hard working men and women who have done their part in contributing to their communities and their own future livelihoods. We must find a way to fulfill the promises made to all who have put in so many years of faithful service.
I am in support of questioning any and all taxes that seem to be ever increasing. As a matter of fact I was not in support of the utility taxes the village instituted a few years ago. I would vote to have those taxes repealed.
The village has a newer library and police station and a remodeled village hall. But there are a lot of streets throughout the village in considerable need of maintenance and upgrade. I know the village has a list, or master plan, for many of these streets. I would like to see the village put extra resources into speeding the plan along since the major building projects are no longer in need of more funding.
I believe the Village of North Aurora is fiscally sound. The Village works regularly with local civic groups. The Village runs an incredible local festival each August. And the Village has ample volunteer involvement in those endeavors. I hope to contribute a little of that giving spirit as a member of the Village board.
I look forward to the opportunity to be part of North Aurora’s future and to give back to the community.
I have worked for the State of Illinois for more than 36 years and have been observing state and local politics for that length of time. As some one who is directly influenced by decisions of elected officials I have stayed aware of what our elected officials are doing and also aware of the process of how things are accomplished.
I have been a resident of North Aurora for 10 years and because I have kept my ‘ear to the ground’ regarding state and local politics I feel I have a good understanding of what North Aurora needs in terms of infrastructure, investing policies, and job creation for our residents. As a local property tax payer, I am very sensitive to keeping taxes at a reasonable level and will work to bring businesses and more services to our community in an effort to keep some kind of control over spiraling property taxes. I would also like to see Route 31 revamped. It is the closest thing we have to a ‘downtown’ and the overhead power lines limit expansion and beautification.
Although this may look appealing on the surface, it has its hidden issues as well. To freeze revenue for the village is a dangerous prospect. The village is doing well and is keeping spending practices commensurate with revenue generated right now, but what if housing doesn’t rebound and the village is in need of financial resources in the future? If the recession continues for a long time, the village would find itself strained for operating funds. This would limit all important services like fire protection, law enforcement, road maintenance, etc. That said, I am a property owner and believe something has to be done about this apparently never ending upward spiral in property taxes. One thing that will help is realizing we need to continue to bring in business, as well as work with our current businesses while holding the line on taxes.
I feel the board has done an excellent job bringing in new business; and it does appear the board all work well together. However, I would’ve liked to have seen more accomplished developing Route 31. It needs to be redone and something done with the overhead wires. However, I understand the village’s current budget restraints. If elected I would strive to work on developing Route 31.
It was the completion of Pierce and Hettinger Streets on the east side. I understand the village officials and staff and have been working with the state for many years on this long awaited project - and was happy to see it completed.
Electing me to office would provide the Village of North Aurora with another individual who believes that our community is an excellent place to live and raise children. By electing me, it would provide the village board with a vote that is compatible with sound spending, business development and job creation. The board will have an individual who thinks about the needs of the community and its constituents and not his own need to be re-elected - as so many of our elected officials currently do, in my opinion. If elected, I will vote my conscious on what I believe is good for the community and for the residents of North Aurora and not be concerned with what will win my next term.
