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Jim Tinaglia: Candidate Profile

Arlington Heights Village Board (4-year Terms) (Independent)

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: Arlington HeightsWebsite: http://www.facebook.com/TinagliaForTrusteeOffice sought: Arlington Heights Village Board (4-year Terms)Age: 51Family: Married 24 years to Cindy Tinaglia (Solum) Four Children: Stephanie (20), Alex (18), Jimmy (16), Nick (13)Occupation: Architect/Owner - Tinaglia Architects, Inc.Education: Bachelor of Arts in Architecture, Iowa State University, 1985Civic involvement: Design Commission - Member/Chairman Frontier Days - Frontier Stage Chairman Arlington Heights Park District - Soccer Advisory Committee/ChairmanElected offices held: NoneHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Process and Procedures at Village Hall As we emerge from this economic downturn, now is the time to be proactive and creative towards encouraging progress and development for residents and businesses. My 22 years of experience as an Architect, business owner, resident, and Design Commission member gives me the unique experience to help bridge the gap between all groups with a goal of getting projects done and enhancing our village.Key Issue 2 Budget and Expense Control Arlington Heights currently receives approximately 11.6% of our real estate taxes, and it is the responsibility of the Board of Trustees, as leaders, to control expenditures and be efficient in every way possible. These are times that require creative solutions that will help foster economic recovery for our residents and businesses in Arlington Heights.Key Issue 3 Viability of all business corridors within our Village With sales tax being an essential component toward providing the necessary services to residents and businesses, I will work to bring the Chamber of Commerce, village staff, and our elected officials together to improve the health of our entire business community. We can address new and improved issues on taxes, signage, parking, access and transportation , and work toward helping existing businesses and encouraging new development in Arlington Heights.Questions Answers Talk about your position on term limits for municipal elected officials, and explain why you support or do not support them.I have a very unique and personal view toward term limits, and I truly understand both sides of this debate. I have experience on a committee within our village that lasted two terms, which was a maximum of six years. Near the end of my tenure, we faced difficult circumstances where historic knowledge and previous experience were a necessary component toward this organization's future, and term limits were overruled. However, while running my campaign for Village Trustee, I can see difficulty for some individuals to offer a new voice and break through in a race where incumbent candidates of many terms may have a distinct advantage. The support and experience of being a life-long Arlington Heights resident carries certain attributes that make breaking through as a non-incumbent slightly less daunting. I am comfortable supporting either side of this debate, and will follow the preference of our residents.What is your position on housing for the mentally ill in Arlington Heights? Would you ever support it in a residential area, or only in an industrial or commercial area?I believe that all families should be given the chance to live a healthy and productive life here in Arlington Heights. It is up to our leaders, our public services, and our residents to provide care and safety in all respects. Appropriate measures should be taken to choose locations for all types of housing within our village, and proper zoning regulations are necessary for organized growth and prosperity.Given the delicate balance between the need for revenue and over-taxing local businesses, what is your opinion of the village's present level of local sales taxes? Is the tax just right, too low or too high? Explain.Shoppers will avoid spending where higher sales taxes adversely affect their purchase power. Our village leaders are responsible for controlling and properly allocating all generated revenue, and business in Arlington Heights must not be lost due to unusually high sales tax. In my opinion, Arlington Heights' sales tax rate of 1% is reasonable, and is in line with other communities. I would be a staunch critic of a sales tax increase.What are the village's biggest public safety concerns? Explain the concern as you see it, and discuss how you think it should be addressed.Local law enforcement and community watch dog group members have shared their concerns with me regarding distracted drivers, gang activity, and increased theft in homes and automobiles. Cell phone usage while driving, and thieves shattering car windows in search of valuables are recurring threats to our residents. Although our village officials and police department are doing a good job communicating and educating our residents about preventative measures, I wholeheartedly support providing the police department with all necessary tools to continue efforts to eradicate these problems.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 provide for my family of six, have been a homeowner in Arlington Heights for 17 years, have owned a professional service business for 22 years, and own the building that houses my office. In this difficult economy, I have learned to live within my means and understand that financial prioritization is imperative to survival. If elected, I will study the budget carefully, and will ensure that each expenditure is warranted and that the benefit justifies the cost. I will review existing policies and procedures, and lead discussion necessary to make decisions that will ensure our village's health, safety, and welfare.