1. Why are you running for this office, whether for re-election or election the first time?  Is there a particular issue that motivates you, and if so, what?  What will be your main priority? 

The Village is at a critical point in its development.  The decisions that are being made now that are going to affect all residents forever.  I bring to the position of Village President an atmosphere where participation at the Village board, the various committees, plan commission, village staff, as well as, residents can provide input to make our village the best place it can be.  Growth and Transportation issues are both challenges and opportunities that are high on the list of priorities.  The energy and dedication I have shown, as a trustee will continue into the leadership role of President of the Village, as I am committed to doing the right thing, at the right time and for the right reason.  I bring to the table years of commitment to the community and look forward to expanding the spirit of cooperation and where teamwork can exist as we grow.

2.  For incumbents and non-incumbents.
If you are an incumbent, describe your main contributions. 
Tell us of important initiatives you’ve led.
If you are not an incumbent, tell us what contributions you would make.

During the last seven years I have been on every Village committee and have chaired   Public Works, Finance / License / Ordinance and Homeland Security committees.  I have also volunteered time to handle community service activities, which have completed several projects throughout the village.  I have been instrumental in authoring countless Village ordinances, two annexation agreements, several Special Service Assessments, negotiating impact fees, donations and contributions from developers.  Additionally I have spearheaded the acquisition of the emergency alert siren system and have chaired the committees that have selected the village engineer, village auditing firm and water system operator. 

Looking forward, I plan on expanding the infrastructure, capital equipment, add additional personnel to support needed services while insuring that the new developments pay for these additional needs and not our current residents.  I am currently working with developers to define the commercial opportunities that have recently become available.

3.  Residents have lobbied for all new development to follow Gilbert’s comprehensive plan.  Do you feel developments are being approved in accordance with that plan?  If not, why have the plan at all?  Does it need to be changed or updated?  In what ways?

The comprehensive plan is a guideline and that augments Village ordinances.  This plan defines where the various types of development and zoning are to occur.  On the other hand, our ordinances define the mechanisms that need to be followed as development occurs in the village.  .  Recently, there have been requirements from external governmental agencies that need to be considered.  These include:

All of these affect how the community is developed.  The comprehensive plan as well as village ordinances and codes need to be updated to reflect these mandates.  I believe that working as a team we can come up with solutions that address these constraints.

4. Gilberts’ population is expected to grow quickly over the years.  What can the village do to make that growth less painful for current residents?

like many communities in this area that are facing rapid growth.  To keep the impact of growth under control, I have been extensively involved in making sure that our ordinances are updated to reflect the need for contributions to municipal infrastructure, as well as, the school district.  Additionally, I have made sure that the last two annexation agreements have secured funds, capital equipment and resources to minimize the impact on current residents. 

I have mapped out a 10-year strategic plan that identifies the infrastructure resources and timing requirements to grow responsibly and to provide all the critical services for our expanding community.

The annexation agreement between the developer and the village is the instrument whereby additional funding, capital equipment and resource needs are obtained.  As part of the recent Gilberts Town Center agreement, the village will receive approximately 2 million dollars, which can be used to address these issues.

5.  Transition fees have been a hot topic of late, largely driven by the growing needs of school districts, park districts and emergency service agencies.  Would you support such fees?  Why or why not? 

Transition fees are being challenged in the court system.  In the mean time I have played a key role in negotiating additional financial donations for the fire district, the library district, and for the village.  These additional dollars will go a long way to upgrade the capital equipment, facilities, and personnel that all our residents count on.  These donations are instrumental in insuring that as our village continues to grow, and insure that additional financial burden is not placed on our current residents.  At the same time, I have been working with our representatives in Springfield to secure grants and to find creative ways to continue to provide other sources of revenue for these critically needed services. 

6.  Should Gilberts build a YMCA or a community center for the village?  What other amenities should the village consider as the population grows?  How would these services be funded?

Residents have expressed interest in either a YMCA or a community center.  At the same time we consider needs that are growing critical day by day.   I believe we need to address the following:

I believe as the village continues to grow our highest priority is to address these issues.  This will insure that the village can continue to provide the level of service that all residents expect.

7.   Community District 300 officials say the village has not been responsive to its needs.  Are you satisfied with that relationship?  What obligation does the village have to the school district serving village students?  How should these services be funded?

I have supported the needs of both school districts 158 and 300.  The village has been in discussion with the school districts and continues to have an open exchange of dialog with them.  To help this cause, I have made sure that our ordinances contribute to the school districts in a fair manner. 

Currently, the village is following the Naperville formula for school donations.  This formula has successfully withstood the test of time in court.  I have been investigating other revenue sources such as transition and user fees to assist the school district.  However, we need to realize that this is a problem that is not just unique to Gilberts, but rather an issue that is across our entire state and solutions need to be investigated and developed over a larger geographical area.

8.  What leadership skills would you provide as village president?

As village president, I bring lots of energy and valuable skills.  I have a working knowledge of every committee and all aspects of daily village operations.  More importantly, I have positive contacts with key people in our surrounding municipalities, as well as, at the county and state levels.

In my 25+ years in leadership roles at my job and public service, I have demonstrated an ability to develop a team atmosphere, a spirit of cooperation, a sense of determination and a commitment to a worthy goal.  As village president I will unify the team, challenge ourselves and help grow us into “One Team – One Objective.”  That objective is “Growing with Vision” for the good or our community.  The village is at a critical point in its development and the choices we make now will determine our future.  I have been and will continue to be committed to get use there.