Jon P. Bisesi: Candidate Profile

Note: Answers provided have not been edited for grammar, misspellings or typos. In some instances, candidate claims that could not be immediately verified have been omitted. Jump to:BioKey IssuesQA Bio City: Rolling MeadowsWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Rolling Meadows Alderman, Ward 5Age: 47Family: Married with 2 children who attend Willow BendOccupation: Supply Chain ManagementEducation: BS Business Administration - Roosevelt UniversityAS Science - HarperCertified Purchasing ManagerCertified in production Inventory ManagementCertificate in Technical Data processing - HarperCivic involvement: *Almost 8 years on the Rolling Meadows Plan Commission*Chairman of several 4th of July Parades, last one was for the 50th Anniversary*Former President of the Rolling Meadows Jaycees*Former Region and District Director with the Illinois Jaycees*Member of the Junior Chamber International Senate* January 15, 2001 declared Jon Bisesi day in Rolling MeadowsElected offices held: Candidate did not respond.Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 I am concerned about the roads, bridges and other infrastructure in the city. I feel the majority of the money that is put into the road fund should be used for roads and bridges. If a pool of money needs to be budgeted for the other things the road fund has been used for in the past then there should be a separate line in the budget for those things.Key Issue 2 The impact on the families in 5th Ward and the rest of the city concerning the various recent tax increases.Key Issue 3 I am concerned about the eroding spirit of community within the city. I would strongly support a community events foundation that would both raise funds and coordinate volunteer organizations in an effort to bring back some of the community events that many residents used to look forward to each year.Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?I have lived in this city the 20 years and in the 5th Ward for almost 12 years. I have a business degree from Roosevelt University and 25 years of business experience. I have been a member of the City of Rolling Meadows Plan Commission for almost 8 years. While in the Jaycees I chaired several projects that required coordinating activities between Public Works, the Police Department, and the Park District. I believe strongly in communicating with the residents and would actively seek input. I also care deeply about this city and want to help preserve the traits that make this city unique.Given the delicate balance between the need for revenue and over-taxing local businesses, what is your opinion of your community's present level of local sales taxes? Is the tax just right, too low or too high? Explain.I feel some of the taxes are a little high. I believe the mentality that we should tax the businesses and people of this community at the same level as the larger neighboring communities is short sighted and contributes to a decline in businesses and residents wanting to be in our city. At one time businesses saw the slightly lower taxes as an incentive to locate their establishments and offices in our city.Talking with your friends and neighbors, what seems to be their biggest public safety concern? Explain the concern as you see it, and discuss how you think it should be addressed.There are 2 main concerns I hear, First is preserving the city services and roads. I feel with proper long term planning and use of the various funds these concerns can be fairly addressed, even in tough times. Second, there is concern regarding crime and other issues in the area in and around the apartments since the PNRC was removed. This is a difficult issue that does not have an easy answer given the budget constraints the city faces. However, if possible a greater police presence in the apartment area would be a good start.In these tight economic times, municipal budgets have to be prioritized. Where, if anywhere, could the current budget be trimmed, and conversely, are there areas the budget does not give enough money to?It seems to me there are a lot of studies being performed. While some of them are necessary, I think we should be more conservative on spending money on these studies. I would like to see the money allocated to the roads be used on the roads. I also feel we may need to allocate more the police department.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?I have long believed there should be a greater effort to organize the various volunteer organizations in an effort to raise the money and provide the workers to bring back an annual event such as Meadows Fest.