Daily Herald 4/3 & 4/6/07: Streamwood Trustee Candidate Questionnaire

Written by: Maureen Stabile on Apr 9, 2007 4:33 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Hanover Township Democrats & Independents (HanDI)

Below is the Daily Herald's questionnaire to the Streamwood Village Trustee candidates, published in two parts on April 3 and April 6. Note that only one HDTV candidate responded (which is one more than attended HanDI's candidate forum on March 24).

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Q&A: Streamwood Village Board

Posted Tuesday, April 03, 2007

Three seats are open on the Streamwood village board April 17, and only one incumbent is running to keep his seat.

• James Cecille, 63, retired union carpenter; U.S. Army veteran; 20-year veteran of board, first elected 1987. On Streamwood ZBA 1985-1987. Current member of AMVETS, Streamwood Moose Club; formerly with Streamwood Lions Club, Little League, Basketball Association.

• Robert T. Eisenmenger, did not return questionnaire.

• Tyler J. Gordon, did not return questionnaire.

• William E. Morris, 41; CPA, director of finance at Slayton Search Partners Inc,, Chicago; volunteers at: St. John Evangelist Church; Willow Creek Community Church; Woodland Heights School; Hilltop School.

• Guy Patterson, 56; president, Web Site Communications Inc., in Streamwood; U.S. Air Force veteran; elected Streamwood park board commissioner, 1999-2007; chamber of commerce member; volunteer for Summer Celebration, Streamwood Stride, PumpkinFest. Campaign manager for Cook County Commissioner Tim Schneider; office manager, Billie Roth for State Senate campaign.

• Jason Speer, 31, vice president, Quality Float Works, of Schaumburg. Appointed to Zoning Board of Appeals in 2004. Member, Lions Club, Best Friends Animal Society.

Candidates were required to keep their answers to 150 words.

Q. Why are you running for this office? Is there a particular issue that motivates you, and if so, what is that? What will be your main priority in office?

Cecille: I am running for my sixth term because I have been a big part of the growth and development in this village, both economically along with infrastructures and redevelopment. The quality of services that we are able to offer to our residents is an accomplishment that I am proud of. Now that I am retired I am able to attend more of the daytime functions and have been delighted to be part of our DARE program graduations, dedicating new businesses to our community and serving on any committees that are appointed to me.

Morris: I am running because I feel the board is disconnected from the needs and wants of the community. Decisions made by the board are made in a vacuum. The community is rarely solicited for its input on important issues. This is a byproduct of too many years with the same group in office. Naturally things become repetitious and I think they have forgotten who they have been elected to serve. There is no significant effort made to draw people into the governance of Streamwood.

Patterson: I have served as a commissioner on the Streamwood Park District board for the past eight years. During that time, I have enjoyed working with the community and feel that I have played a role in making Streamwood a better, stronger place to live, work and play. I want to continue to make that kind of contribution, and I feel that I have the experience and skill to serve our village in a larger role as a trustee.

Speer: I have been very active in our community on a professional and personal level and have seen first-hand the ability to make a difference in people’s lives. For that reason, I have chose to run for trustee in the village of Streamwood, to continue making a positive impact on the families and residents who live and work in this community. I am committed to maintaining fiscal disciple with your tax dollars, implement an economic development plan that makes “smart developments” of our existing properties and create open space for families and children to enjoy our neighborhoods.

Q. Mr. Cecille, as the incumbent, describe your main contributions and important initiatives you’ve led. Challengers: Please tell us what contributions you would make.

Cecille: Elected in 1987, I have been a contributor to: Westview Shopping Center being built on Barrington Road and all the related jobs and tax dollars brought to our community; the building of the new village hall; re-development of the Jewel Shopping Center; the study for the larger enhanced police facility; working with other local agencies to form our annual summer fest and more recently the Route 59 corridor with Super Target, CVS Drugs, Chili’s Steak & Shake etc. - all businesses that have brought sales tax dollars to our community, enabling us to keep taxes to a minimum and supporting our infrastructure.

Morris: I will bring additional financial expertise and an educated set of eyes. Additionally, I am a good representative of what the “new” Streamwood is becoming: newer, single family homes with younger families. There is no one on the board who represents that demographic and deals with the issues that that segment of the community deals with.

Patterson: I believe that my experience with managing a budget will be invaluable on the village board. My record clearly demonstrates that I respect each hard-earned tax dollar that our residents provide and that I know how to squeeze the most services out of each tax-dollar. Finally, I believe my particular technological skills and my experience in information management will be a particular asset to the board.

Speer: As a vice president of a manufacturing company, I know a strong business contributes to the local economy. I have also seen how government can play a positive role with businesses and, in some cases, overburden small businesses with unnecessary paperwork, fees and taxes.

I will be an advocate for creating an atmosphere where local businesses can continue to flourish while encouraging new businesses to choose our community over our neighbors. Another area I will take action on is enhancing our open space to improve the quality of life for families, children, residents and our natural habitat.

Q. The Streamwood village board finds consensus on most issues. Considering two long-serving trustees are retiring, how would you maintain or break with that consensus?

Cecille: A lot of the issues brought before a village board deal with local ordinances, financial issues such as pension plans, contracts, purchasing of new equipment and invoices that come before the board for approval. Votes are determined by committee recommendations, surveys of residents, staff input and legal counsel advice. A packet that is given to the board for review and research prior to meetings gives us the opportunity to ask the questions we need answered prior to voting.

Morris: The consensus is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it is a positive in that a board can work so harmoniously and get things done with little or no dissent. On the other, this board has now become nothing more than a rubber stamp, “go along, get along” board.

In over 700 individual trustee votes in 2006, there were only two (2) “nay” votes. That says one of two things: (1) the Board is now simply a rubber stamp board, or (2) they are not dealing with significant issues.

The truth is, it’s both. My goal is not to come in and create dissension for the sake of creating dissension, but rather to provide a fresh set of eyes on issues that have not been dealt with or have been glossed over in the past.

Patterson: Streamwood is a well run village. The responsible growth we have seen, along with the diversification of the tax base and improvements in our residents’ quality of life are all testament to this fact.

As a member of the village board, I would strive to continue and build upon the exemplary records of trustees Stoves and Rybicki, who have always worked to find the common ground that is best for the village, while providing valuable perspectives of their own.

Speer: Over the years, I have served in numerous leadership positions with business associations on a local and state level. In addition, I have also been active with community organizations.

In both cases, these organizations bring together a diverse set of opinions and emotions. I believe that success is achieved by bringing people together from all walks and life and find common areas of agreement.

It is that type of experience that I will bring to the village by rolling up my sleeves, listening to viewpoints from all sides of the issue and find areas where parties can find ways to accomplish items in hopes of moving Streamwood forward.

Q. How will partisan politics play a role in this election, and should this be a concern?

Cecille: We had partisan politics in the early 1980’s. Streamwood went through a period of embarrassing and unfortunate incidents. I ran for village trustee on a campaign against all this and vowed that I would keep partisan politics out of Streamwood.

I don’t belong to any political organization and have always been able to work as an independent and vote whatever way I thought was best for our community.

Morris: Partisan politics play no role. This is a town of 39,000 residents dealing with local issues. There is no place for partisan politics. I vote my head, my heart, my gut, and those of my constituents.

Patterson: I can only speak for myself. I believe that the residents of Streamwood should continue to do what they have always done: vote for the candidates they believe will represent them best - period.

Speer: I have been disappointed with the harsh political rhetoric that has emanated from the Democratic Party so early in this campaign. I believe that politics has become too divisive, too personal and has focused less on issues and more on personal attacks.

It is my hope to support policies in a bi-partisan fashion that focuses more on what’s good for Streamwood families and taxpayer than leveling political attacks.

Q. Considering Streamwood’s limited space for continued development, how would you plan and direct redevelopment of existing property?

Cecille: We are currently working with owners of older buildings on rehab and encouraging them to invest to attract new business entrepreneurs. I would like to continue the pace that we are on enhancing our community image.

Morris: Streamwood is at an interesting point in its history. Original housing and old commercial developments are becoming run-down. Yet the investment by this board has been in new, big business.

It’s time to tackle the issue of re-development and proactively work with the owners and community stakeholders to develop a comprehensive re-development plan for the village. We’re virtually out of open land so the time to plan for re-development is now.

Patterson: It is important that we plan for redevelopment of Streamwood’s older neighborhoods. As trustee, my priorities would be to ensure that redevelopment includes the acquisition of more open space in those neighborhoods, that there is adequate buffers between homes and that Streamwood continues to maintain a healthy mix of affordable housing in our residential sections.

Speer: We must approach our remaining economic development opportunities with a forward-looking vision that brings more revenue into our community and enhances our quality of life. I also believe that vision must balance areas of our community that may need to be developed.

I support a comprehensive, village-wide economic development plan that balances upcoming opportunities and revitalizing existing parcels of property.

Q. How has the Streamwood village board handled its finances in the past? Is a change necessary, and if so, how would you bring that about?

Cecille: The current financial condition of the village is excellent. Our finance director and his professional staff have enabled Streamwood to have a AA+ bond rating. The village has received many government awards for doing business in a sound financial manner.

Debts were paid prior to engaging in the new, needed police facility. We operate in the black, which is the positive in our financial future. Numerous other communities have inquired how we operate as a sound financial institution.

Morris: Clearly Streamwood is a very financially conservative town.

Generally speaking, that’s a good thing. But the board needs to be open to opportunities that might involve some risk for a potentially positive return. Perhaps there are some public-private partnerships we can enter into to spur re-development and economic investment in Streamwood that are not the standard “big business” tax breaks of property tax abatements and sales tax refunds.

We go overboard to give big business incentives to come to Streamwood. Not necessarily a bad idea, but let’s not forget the little guys who need some help too. Let’s use some of the benefits of our fiscal conservatism to go out a on a small limb for the other side of Streamwood business.

Patterson: Streamwood has one of the lowest property tax rates in the suburbs, a balanced budget, strong financial reserves and it pays for infrastructure and capital improvements without tax increases. I don’t believe any change in the financial management of the village is necessary.

Speer: The village’s finances have been an utmost concern for the board and its department heads. They have instituted an equipment replacement fund, enabling new vehicles to be budgeted and purchased in a timely way, still keeping a balanced budget, or even a surplus.

The mere idea that the village was able to pay for fire stations and large vehicles with cash speaks volumes about its management of finances.

Managing a small business I understand how to handle budgets, and will bring that knowledge to the board. Although we have had a strong record in the past, I will continue to be an advocate for protecting the taxpayers of Streamwood.

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dailyherald.com  

 

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Streamwood hopefuls discuss politics, budgets

Posted Friday, April 06, 2007

Jason W. Speer, Guy A. Patterson, James P. Cecille, Tyler J. Gordon , Robert T. Eisenmenger , William E. Morris

Three seats are open on the Streamwood village board on April 17, and only one incumbent is running to keep his seat. James Cecille, a 20-year veteran of the board, is back, and is joined in the race by five newcomers. They are Streamwood Park District Commissioner Guy Patterson, Zoning Board of Appeals member Jason Speer and a slate organized by the Hanover Democratic Township Voters consisting of Robert T. Eisenmenger, Tyler J. Gordon, and William E. Morris.

Eisenmenger and Gordon have so far not responded to the questionnaire.

Candidates were asked to keep their answers to 150 words.

Q. How will partisan politics play a role in this election, and should this be a concern?

Cecille: We had partisan politics in the early 1980s. Streamwood went through a period of embarrassing and unfortunate incidents. I ran for village trustee on a campaign against all this and vowed that I would keep partisan politics out of Streamwood.

I don’t belong to any political organization and have always been able to work as an independent and vote whatever way I thought was best for our community.

Morris: Partisan politics play no role. This is a town of 39,000 residents dealing with local issues. There is no place for partisan politics. I vote my head, my heart, my gut, and those of my constituents.

Patterson: I can only speak for myself. I believe that the residents of Streamwood should continue to do what they have always done: vote for the candidates they believe will represent them best — period.

Speer: I have been disappointed with the harsh political rhetoric that has emanated from the Democratic Party so early in this campaign. I believe that politics has become too divisive, too personal and has focused less on issues and more on personal attacks.

It is my hope to support policies in a bi-partisan fashion that focuses more on what’s good for Streamwood families and taxpayer than leveling political attacks.

Q. How has the Streamwood village board handled its finances in the past? Is a change necessary, and if so, how would you bring that about?

Cecille: The current financial condition of the village is excellent. Our finance director and his professional staff have enabled Streamwood to have a AA+ bond rating. The village has received many government awards for doing business in a sound financial manner.

Debts were paid prior to engaging in the new, needed police facility. We operate in the black, which is the positive in our financial future. Numerous other communities have inquired how we operate as a sound financial institution.

Morris: Clearly Streamwood is a very financially conservative town.

Generally speaking, that’s a good thing. But the board needs to be open to opportunities that might involve some risk for a potentially positive return. Perhaps there are some public-private partnerships we can enter into to spur re-development and economic investment in Streamwood that are not the standard “big business” tax breaks of property tax abatements and sales tax refunds.

We go overboard to give big business incentives to come to Streamwood. Not necessarily a bad idea, but let’s not forget the little guys who need some help too. Let’s use some of the benefits of our fiscal conservatism to go out a on a small limb for the other side of Streamwood business.

Patterson: Streamwood has one of the lowest property tax rates in the suburbs, a balanced budget, strong financial reserves and it pays for infrastructure and capital improvements without tax increases. I don’t believe any change in the financial management of the village is necessary.

Speer: The village’s finances have been an utmost concern for the board and its department heads. They have instituted an equipment replacement fund, enabling new vehicles to be budgeted and purchased in a timely way, still keeping a balanced budget, or even a surplus.

The mere idea that the village was able to pay for fire stations and large vehicles with cash speaks volumes about its management of finances.

Managing a small business I understand how to handle budgets, and will bring that knowledge to the board. Although we have had a strong record in the past, I will continue to be an advocate for protecting the taxpayers of Streamwood.

Q. Considering Streamwood’s limited space for continued development, how would you plan and direct redevelopment of existing property?

Cecille: We are currently working with owners of older buildings on rehab and encouraging them to invest to attract new business entrepreneurs. I would like to continue the pace that we are on enhancing our community image.

Morris: Streamwood is at an interesting point in its history. Original housing and old commercial developments are becoming run-down. Yet the investment by this board has been in new, big business.

It’s time to tackle the issue of re-development and proactively work with the owners and community stakeholders to develop a comprehensive re-development plan for the village. We’re virtually out of open land so the time to plan for re-development is now.

Patterson: It is important that we plan for redevelopment of Streamwood’s older neighborhoods. As trustee, my priorities would be to ensure that redevelopment includes the acquisition of more open space in those neighborhoods, that there is adequate buffers between homes and that Streamwood continues to maintain a healthy mix of affordable housing in our residential sections.

Speer: We must approach our remaining economic development opportunities with a forward-looking vision that brings more revenue into our community and enhances our quality of life. I also believe that vision must balance areas of our community that may need to be developed.

I support a comprehensive, village-wide economic development plan that balances upcoming opportunities and revitalizing existing parcels of property.

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dailyherald.com  

 

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Location: Streamwood, IL 60107