Jim Martin: 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: St. CharlesWebsite: Candidate did not respondOffice sought: St. Charles aldermanAge: Candidate did not respondFamily: Candidate did not respondOccupation: Candidate did not respondEducation:Candidate did not respondCivic involvement: Candidate did not respondElected offices held: Candidate did not respondHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: Candidate did not respondCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Continue to listen to my constituents and represent the Fourth Ward first. Key Issue 2 Work for a balanced budget with continued high standard of service and no employee layoffs. Key Issue 3 No new fees or other increase in user fees.Questions AnswersExplain whether you or do you not support the construction of the Red Gate Bridge project and the funding mechanism the city has established for its construction?I support the Red Gate Bridge project. I was an advocate for a northern river crossing long before the Stearns Road Bridge was even considered. The Stearns Rd. Bridge is a regional bridge that benefits South Elgin far more than it will ever benefit St. Charles. The Red Gate Bridge, as a local bridge and closer to downtown St. Charles is the better location for St. Charles residents.The basic funding for the bridge has been in place for several years. How should the old St. Charles Mall property be redeveloped, if at all?I have steadfastly maintained that the St. Charles Mall property should be developed as retail, commercial only, with no additional residential units. Perhaps a different developer, who would take the time to listen to the area neighbors, and plan accordingly. could be successful in developing the property.Do you support the current vision new ownership has for Charlestowne Mall? What should the city do to help the vitality of the mall and the attractiveness of the Oliver-Hoffman property?I don't think an ice skating rink is going to enhance the mall to the point where retailers will get in line to lease shops. The new owners should sit down with the City staff and elected officials to work out a viable and sustainable plan. Had Sears and the owners met with the City, to discuss opportunities available, they may have been able to come to a workable arrangement, benefiting all three parties. The City wasn't consulted, nor invited to participate.Once again, the developer should pay attention to the neighbors, and develop the property in the best interest of the community.The city is projected to finish the fiscal year with a small budget deficit. What, specifically, must the city do in the next fiscal year to avoid a deficit? Would you support the creation of new taxes to shore up the budget?St. Charles, through its' careful planning, by staff and elected officials, has been far more successful in controlling these difficult economic times, than most communities. We have cut expenses, worked with our employees, avoided layoffs, and succeeded in preventing financial chaos. I anticipate next years budget to be balanced.I have been a strong opponent to the creation of new taxes and increased user fees.Explain your reasons for whether you do or do not support the creation of a stormwater management fee or tax in St. Charles to create funds to address flooding problems?I believe that some sort of storm water management is needed, because of ongoing flooding problems. However, I cannot support the creation of a new utility, at this time. As a senior citizen, I, along with several thousand other seniors, cannot afford new taxes. The Public Works Dept. should work a plan compatible with resources we have on hand.