Len Prejna: 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 City Council Ward 2 (4-year Term)Age: 62Family: Married to Pat for 31 years. We have three daughters and one granddaughter.Occupation: Educational Support Personnel, Rolling Meadows H.S., High School District 214.Education: Bachelor of Science in Business, Western Michigan University Associate Degree in Applied Science, William Rainey Harper CollegeCivic involvement: 1. Currently President of Rolling Meadows Crime Stoppers, affiliated with Crime Stoppers USA 2. Member of Rolling Meadows Board of Fire Police Commissioners for 12 years. Served as Secretary and as President 3. Coached for Rolling Meadows Park District Girl's Softball League, 6 years 4. Ten years as coach and referee of AYSO Soccer in Rolling Meadows 5. Girl's Jr. High Basketball coach for church league for 3 years 6. Sunday School Teacher for ten yearsElected offices held: Candidate did not respond.Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: noCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 No property tax increases.Key Issue 2 Concentrate on developing the downtown Rolling Meadows area.Key Issue 3 Term limits for aldermen should be limited to two four year terms, to match the current term limits for the mayor. The aldermen should not be entitled to receive pensions or medical insurance.Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?This is my 29th year as a resident in Rolling Meadows. During that time I have grown to love Rolling Meadows as a great place to raise a family and to live. I am a founding member of the Rolling Meadows Crime Stoppers and have been elected as their President. I have been appointed to the Board of Fire Police Commissioners by two mayors, serving for 12 years. This has given me valuable insight into the hiring and promotion of our firefighters and police officers in Rolling Meadows. I have also completed the City of RM Police Academy, Fire Academy, and Public Works Academy, which has given me a clearer understanding of the day-to-day operations and services of the City of Rolling Meadows and the employees that provide these services.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.I think that the taxes are too high for these economic times. I would like to see the Council work on incentives to keep present businesses in town, and to bring new businesses into the city,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.In speaking to residents and neighbors, their biggest concern was that they do not want privatization of our services, They are happy with the level of services that the employees of the city of Rolling Meadows currently provide, as was shown in the recent referendum election where the citizens of RM voted 2 to 1 to keep our present garbage removal in-house.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?I believe it would be difficult to trim the budget any more without affecting the safety, security and services to the city. However, the budget does need to be reviewed every year. We also would look for ways to foster economic development.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?The aldermen should have term limits and not be entitled to receive pensions or medical insurance.