Abby Schuler: 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: AuroraWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Aurora City councilAge: 46Family: Married 22 years with 2 childrenOccupation: Accountant/CPA and small business owner of a construction business with husband.Education: BA in Accounting, Illinois State UniversityCertified Public AccountantCivic involvement: YWCA Board of Director 8 yearsYWCA Chairman of the Board 3 yearsBoy Scout Troop 57 Assitant Leader merit badge educatorCertified in Youth ProtectionElected offices held: Alderman 1st WardMember of the Planning and Development CommitteeMember of the Finance CommitteeHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Focus on improving City efficiencies with reduced resources. Continued resposible government spending and fiscal accountability.Key Issue 2 Continued development and redevelopment in the 1st Ward for the creation of jobs. Two major companies have recently relocated their headquarters to the 1st Ward and have created jobs for the people of Aurora. There is more room for expansion and redelevopment especially along the I88. Work must continue.Key Issue 3 Continued neighborhood improvement plans including community walking path connections including paths in the ""Walk to School"" areas where busses are not an option.Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?I am a life-long resident of the 1st Ward and have served as the 1st Ward alderman for 8 years. I am an Accountant, CPA and small business owner with experience in auditing, banking, construction and property management.I currently serve on the Planning Deleopment Committee and the Finance Committe of City Council.I have worked closely with neighborhood groups, property standards and the police for the improvement and safety of neighborhoods. Every new development receives my due diligence with importance placed on the impact it has on the school districts and the job creation it will bring to the people of Aurora. Experience and results.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.Our local taxes are comparable and in line with surrounding communities. Local sales tax have not caused businesses to relocate nor have they caused adverse consumer patronage. I won't support any tax increases and will insist the City operate within our current tax rate.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 heighted concerns of crime in and around areas of vacant homes and businesses. Bank owned properties sit vacant and dark and are prime targets for theft and vandelism. With the help of the police, I have worked with neighborhood groups and residents to help them undestand the importance of identifying suspicious neighborhood activity, the need to know your neighbors and the need to call police. I have also worked with the City's Property Standards division to identify and safely securing vacant houses.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?The 2011 budget has been trimmed to the leanest amounts possible while still providing for vital City services and public safety. It's too soon to tell as to areas that may have shortfalls of money. Weather conditions and the economy play an important roll. Weather conditions of ice and snow can require more resouces than budgeted if adverse conditions are prolonged. City property issues may increase labor and manpower if economic condition persist. What#146;s one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?I have long been an advocate of improving the walking paths and sidewalks along public streets in the neighborhoods. Every year a portion of my Ward funds are spent on new sidewalk paths near schools and in older developed areas where sidewalks didn't exist. I review all new development in Ward 1 to assure inclusion of sidewalk and paths in developer proposed plans before approving. I have also secured grants for new paths. Sidewalks and paths are a vital necessity not only in these challenged economic times but also for safety concerns and for the green enviornment of the future.