Dan Leonard, Ward 3: 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: WarrenvilleWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Warrenville Alderman, Ward 3Age: 63Family: Wife, 8 children, 15 grandchildrenOccupation: Builder/ContractorEducation:Associates Degree in BusinessCivic involvement: Current Ward 3 Alderman, Chair of the Warrenville Finance Committee, Member of the VFW Post 8081, Knights of Columbus, Warrenville Fire Department, Retired Aux. Policeman, Founding member of the Warrenville Athletic Association, Started the Warrenville Soccer ProgramElected offices held: Warrenville Alderman Ward 3Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 The completion of the Thorium clean-up project of the DuPage RiverKey Issue 2 The flooding issues in the City of WarrenvilleKey Issue 3 The development of a Capitol Improvements Plan Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?I feel that being a long time resident in Warrenville, and my experience over the last couple of years as Alderman, make me the most qualified for this position.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.For the outstanding services provided by our community, the current tax level is adequate. Today's economy is putting pressures on every community, Money flow is important and necessary. Tax levels need to be reviewed at every annual fiscal budget process. Warrenville citizens are invited to attend the annual budget workshop, held on March 12, to become more informed.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.My neighbors are concerned that the city might follow suit of surrounding communities and cut back on our police force. I believe that we have a very efficient and effective police department and I am in full support of maintaining their current levels.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?We are a community that does not over-extend our spending. We are in need of funding our Capitol Improvements Plan. We have a budget workshop on March 12, and answers to questions like these will be determined from this meeting.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?The Warrenville community is outstanding. It is a place where you can raise your children with all the activities and experiences of a large town, with a small town atmosphere. The schools are excellent, the Park District offers a variety of programs for all ages, and the holidays are celebrated with #8220;hometown#8221; appeal. Warrenville offers many parks, the prairie path, and a variety of churches and public services. I would like to see the economy turn towards the positive so that the development of a #8220;downtown#8221; area with some retail shops, and some social gathering spots. (i.e. coffee shop, ice-cream parlor, etc.) #160;could be developed. In the meantime, we can always #8220;better#8221; what we have. Let's work together to make Warrenville and even #8220;better#8221; place to live.