Eugene Wesley: 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: Wood DaleWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Wood Dale City Council Ward 4 (4-year Term)Age: 50Family: Married with one Daughter and one SonOccupation: Manager, Jewel Food StoresEducation: Candidate did not respond.Civic involvement: Alderman, Ward 4, City of Wood Dale Member, Holy Ghost Church Member, Prairie Fest City of Wood Dale Chairman, Public Works City of Wood Dale Former Chairman, Finance City of Wood Dale Former Chairman, Public Health SafetyElected offices held: Alderman, Ward 4, City of Wood DaleHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 My number one priority is to complete the upgrade of Wood Dale's Wastewater Treatment Plant on time and under budget. As Public Works Chairman I have traveled to Springfield in an attempt to obtain grant money, met with engineers and contractors and guided this project through City Council approval. I want to see this project through a successful conclusion. The further development of the Elgin-O'Hare corridor depends on it.Key Issue 2 Finish sound proofing on those homes in my ward adversely affected by airport noise.Key Issue 3 Continue to communicate with my residents through regular ward meetings.Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?My experience in serving as Public Works Chairman and Finance Chairman. As one of the Senior Alderman I can bring my knowledge to the table and Council and City staff which is relatively young and inexperienced.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.Our local sales tax was approved by the residents by referendum. All money collected goes to infrastructure. As Public Works Chairman I can tell you how important it is to maintain and repair roads, sewer lines and water lines on a yearly basis. The sales tax rate approved by the residents is correct.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.Ward 4 residents are concerned about the noise that comes from being directly under the O'Hare flight path. I serve on the O'Hare Noise Compatibility Commission and lobby for funds to complete Wood Dale sound proofing.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 must continue to fully fund our award winning-certified Wood Dale Police Department. I am concerned Wood Dale spends too much money on reports that never get implemented.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?Once the Elgin-O'Hare Expressway gets built Wood Dale is in a prime location to maximize the economic benefit that will come. We must fully support our existing industrial base but maximize the benefits that can come from new hotels, restaurants, entertainment and office complexes to raise additional revenue from developers and not from overburdened tax payers.