Dick Sayad: 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: Des PlainesWebsite: http://www.electdicksayad.comOffice sought: Des Plaines Alderman, Ward 4Age: 67Family: Married for 26 years to my wife Patty and have one son, Scott. He attends the University of Wisconsin- Whitewater.Occupation: 42 years in the computer field; Over 32 years as a owner of a successful Computer services company which I'm now retied.Education: Graduate of International Data Processing Institute of Chicago (1964)Civic involvement: Member of the Des Plaines Kiwanis, Des Plaines Health Community Partnership Foundation, Des Plaines Frisbee Senior Center and The Des Plaines Historical Society.Elected offices held: Des Plaines 4th Ward Alderman 1999-2007Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NOCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Hold the line on TAXES.Key Issue 2 Accelerate the Storm Water Master Plan already in place and eliminate any home owner contributions for work done like backyard flooding.Key Issue 3 Stabilizing City spending and review our procedures looking for cost savings.Questions Answers How should Des Plaines use its casino revenues? Name your top three priorities.First, I would like to accelerate the Storm Water Master Plan already in place and eliminate any home owner contributions for work done.Second, I would reduce the City debt, control spending and help improve its bond rating.Thirdly, I would like to provide tax relief for the residents of Des Plaines. When we get a handle on the true amount of income generated from our Casino, I will provide tax relief such as the elimination of the Tele Communications Tax, lower the cost on our water bill or reduce City Sticker to $15.00.How should the city approach developing the land surrounding the casino?While the City itself does not own any land immediately adjacent to the casino, I feel that the City should be pro active in working with developers and businesses interested in bring new business to Des Plaines and increasing our tax base. In the current economic climate, I do not see the City itself directly participating in, or financing any land or development deals with tax dollars. New hotels and an entertainment center would complement the casino area.Should the city address the question of ethics surrounding the casino, as regards public officials?I believe that The State of Illinois, which is responsible for all gaming regulation, already has in place the apparatus to ensure ethical conduct. That said I firmly believe that NO member of the Council or immediate family members should profit from Council decisions. We also have the advantage of being the last casino license issued. This allows us to compare notes on the ethics issues with the prior licensees, and see what extra city legislation, if any, is needed to ensure the integrity of city government and the operation of the casino.What should the city do to improve the performance of its failing tax increment financing districts? Do you see the need for any other TIF districts in the city?As the economy slowly begins to recover, I feel that there may be an opportunity to help encourage new development in the underperforming TIF. To accomplish this goal, I feel that city management has to become pro-active and once again have a Development Director dedicated to recruiting new business and development to Des Plaines. In the current economic climate I do not see the need for any more TIF's, but a need to better utilize the existing ones to draw in investment and development to Des Plaines.What is the most pressing issue for residents in your ward and how would you like to address it?Besides reducing the tax burden on all city residents, after talking with the 4th Ward residents, backyard flooding is the most pressing.. As I stated earlier, I feel that we can use casino revenue to accelerate and enhance an already proven program and eliminate the home owner contribution.