Rodney Blane: 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 3Age: 60Family: Married, two grown children, 3 grandchildrenOccupation: Retired municipal department headEducation: Bachelor of Business degree, Western Illinois UniversityCivic involvement: Past president and member of the Rolling Meadows Rotary ClubFormer Rolling Meadows Youth Baseball managerCo-chaired the fund-raiser for Bryan Anderson, disabled Iraqi War veteranElected offices held: NoneHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Finances and their relationship to quality programs and services will remain a chellenge as the economic climate struggles to improve. While budget cuts and improved efficiencies and productivity are expected sometimes is is not enough. It is the city council's responsibility to establish priorities and determine what programs and services are to be maintained and at what level and then provide the resources to accomplish the tasks. Unfortunately, because the demands placed on our residents by a multitude of other gevernmental taxing entities they are not inclined to give more to their local government (the provider of the most tangible services). If they are satisfied with the operation of the organization perhaps alternate sources of revenue would be acceptable if necessary to maintain core services.Key Issue 2 Infrastucture maintenance and improvements will continue to be a source of concern. They consume significant funds and problems are compounded if they are neglected. It is imparative we have a plan to address the short and long term requirements for the various assets (sewers, water system, buildings and streets and transportation). The plan must address the financial implications and outline funding sources and alternatives.Key Issue 3 Negotiating collective bargaining agreements with police and fire unions and a search for a city manager are high priority personnel issues to be addressed in the immediate future. Also of concern is the organizations overall morale. The city council must lead by example, be profesional, informed, efficient and respectful and provide clear leadership and motivation. Staff looks to council for guidance, prioritization, regulations, support and the tools and resources to do the work expected of them. Council should fulfill that expectation.Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?My twenty-eight plus years as a department head for the City of Rolling Meadows gives me significant knowledge and experience which would be utilized in deliberations and decision making. My ability to problem solve and resolve conflict has been demonstrated over the years and I would continue to utilize those skills as a council member. As a long time resident (moved here when I was 5) I have an understanding of the history of the city and the expectations of its' citizens.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.Rolling Meadows' current local sales tax is 1% which is comparable to many of the surrounding municipalities. It is a reasonable rate and should be maintained. An increase may place our businesses at a disadvantage and lowering the rate would have a detrimental affect on the revenue side of the budget.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.I think the residents feel the core public safety needs of the community are satisfied, but in a matter of time certain service reductions will be negatively felt. Things such a comprehensive public education programs, safety inspections, school programs and public relations, to name a few, will be missed. One way to minimize the impact of these cut backs is to provide residents with inforamtion about resources they have access to that allows them to help themselves and their families.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 budget has been scrutinized and cut significantly over the last several years. Further cuts would affect the level of service and while not out of the question this would be undesirable. A balanced budget is imperative so any increase in expenses must be offset by an increase on the revenue side, ideally from cost saving techniques and innovative methods and without additional property taxes.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?We should promote some ways that each of us can make our community more sociable, resilient and sustainable. Perhaps we can get to know our neighbors, volunteer to help, grow a vegetable garden and advocate courtesy and tolerance. These are just a few of the things that come to mind. Simple efforts by all can result in significant improvements.