Tom Weber: 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: Lake VillaWebsite: http://www.weberforcountyboard.com/Who_is_Tom.htmlOffice sought: Lake County board District 3Age: 45Family: Married to Rebecca (Argomanez) Weber, 2 Children TJ 22 and Joshua 20. Parents William "Duke" and Irene Weber. I have 6 sisters and 2 brothers. 10 nephews and nieces and 5 great nephews and nieces.Occupation: Self employed, Contractor 19 yrs, Owner/Employer @ Weber Sons Inc.Education: St. John's Military AcademyCivic involvement: Lindenhurst/Lake Villa Chamber of Commerce, Lake Villa Historical Society, Lake Villa Township Lions Club, The Patriot Foundation, Boy Scouts of America, Lake Villa Republican Club, Lake County Republican Federation, Republican Assembly of Lake County, Love Inc., Grace Community Bible Church, coached iceless hockeyElected offices held: Class President 1985 St. Johns Military AcademyHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Taxes - We need to perform a detailed analysis of the services being provided by the county and determine if these services can be better provided by the private sector at a cheaper cost. I do not think the county should be in the entertainment or restaurant business. Why is Lake County in the golf course and marina business using taxpayer funds? I am opposed to the county building more recreational facilities that cost taxpayers money. The property taxes paid by private business owners would dramatically exceed any marginal profit the county claims they are making with these facilities.Key Issue 2 Job Environment - I am a small business owner and we are dramatically under represented on the current County Board. I will do everything I can to ensure that the county does not damage the business environment in Lake County. I have heard from many business owners that the County Board does not fully understand the impact their actions have on the business environment and how that costs jobs. My experience as a small business owner is a life-experience that is crucial to good government at the county level. For years I have had the joy of being able to provide good wages to many employees but I have also experienced the sadness of having to lay off workers when the economy deteriorated. The Democrats in Springfield have caused many businesses to flee Illinois and it is critical that we maintain a business-friendly environment here in Lake County. I was born and raised here and my family has a long history of being involved within our community. I have also personally been very active in many civic, community and religious organizations and it is my broad coummunity and business background that is unique. I have the experience to be a positive influence on issues that come before the County Board and ensure that we improve the business environment in Lake County.Key Issue 3 Representation - Over the past year and a half I have been out talking with constituents and have spoken with many business owners. Since I announced I was running for County Board I have attended dozens of Village Board and Township meetings and I have a keen perception of the needs and desires of the local governments and their residents within County Board District 3. I have visited thousands of homes and am going door-to-door and asking each voter about their concerns and problems because I feel that my primary obligation is to the people living in district 3.Questions Answers Now that golf at Fort Sheridan is a dead issue, what types of amenities should be added to the site?Since it is public property than give the public access to it. Picnic areas, walking trails, bike paths and especially an area for kids. Otherwise we need to exchange it or sell it for a more suitable use, such as a business center that would create jobs.What, if any, new ethics-related rules are needed for the county board and county staff?Every elected official, appointed representative and management should be required to file a disclosure document and undergo regular ethics training. All employees should be given a set of rules on what would be considered a breach of ethics, and each should be required to disclose potential ethics problems.Government transparency has been an important issue in recent years. Name one thing the county government or forest preserve district should do to improve transparency.I have been a strong advocate of government transparency for years. I have made information available on the internet that was not available, especially in regards to government employment contracts. Exercising your right under the Freedom of Information Act is an excellent safeguard for the average citizen but much more information should be readily available online. In regards to construction contracts, etc., the County should put every contract document of more than $25,000.00 value on theie website.Should the forest district use eminent domain to acquire the land needed for the final link in the Des Plaines River Trail? Why or why not? If your answer is no, how should officials go about acquiring that land sooner than later?The most important thing an elected official can do is protecting individual rights which is what this nation was founded on. The Forest Preserve should never use eminent domain. It should buy the land from willing sellers or lease what it needs to do trails or parks. Encourage landowners to give easements across their properties or donate small strips for trail purposes.What will be the biggest issue facing the county over the next decade, and how do you propose dealing with it?Transportation - The solution proposed by Illinois to solve the ?Millburn Strangler? was handled poorly. With acres and acres of open farmland to the east they want to move the road to the west through McDonald Woods and several housing developments. PACE bus services should be expanded for our handicapped and elderly residents. I think this is a great program and should be expanded. I favor the Rte 53 extension. I do not like how this major thruway comes to an abrupt end and simply dump thousands of cars on to a road system that is incapable of handling the traffic. The residents of County Board District 3 overwhelming support this project. This is an excellent way to allow the residents and businesses to expand and move easily.