Clare Barry: 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: WarrenvilleWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Warrenville City Council Ward 4 (4-year Term)Age: 62Family: WidowOccupation: Office/ClericalEducation: Bachelor of Arts in Art History, Barat College, 1973Civic involvement: Alderman, Ward 4, City of Warrenville Board Member of the Warrenville Library Foundation St Irene Council of Catholic Women 2012 St Irene Council of Catholic Women, Woman of the Year Past Co-Chair of the St Irene Building Committee Past President of the Emerald Green Condominium Association Route 56 Streetscape Workgroup Council Liason Tourism and Arts Commission Vice Chairman of Community Development Committee Council Liason for the Rental Inspection/Crime Free Housing IniativeElected offices held: City Council, Alderman, Ward 4, City of WarrenvilleHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Maintain our status as having no debt against the General Fund and providing services as a level we can afford.Key Issue 2 Implement our SubArea Plan for redevelopment. We spent 2 years engaging in a community imput process to plan for the future of Warrenville. I would like to continue working on preparations for redevelopment that will being positive changes that are consistent with our citizens wishes.Key Issue 3 Continue to keep pressure on CommEd regarding citizens upgrades to their services so ther outages are reduced in number and duration.Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?I have alot of experience in responsible leadership positions at my Church, for my Homeowner Association and the City of Warrenville. I also have a strong desire to serve the community. I have shown that I am willing to invest considerable engery in working to make Warrenville a better place. I would like to continue activly contributing.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 taxes are inline with our neighboring communities and our service levels are consistent with community expectations. I would continue with our present course unless the community indicated the need for changes in service levels, always keeping in mind that we pay as we go and do not incurr debt.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.I want to continue a strong Police presence in our neighborhoods and support our proactive community policing practices. I support vigirous Code Enforcement as it plays a very important part in public safety as well as supporting strong property values.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?The past few years of economic downturn have helped us trim the budget and concentrate on our core responsibilities. We have done a good job in this respect, and I don't see further cuts without community imput. I also think that it is important in going forward that we make sure we provide the resources necessary to encourge economic development.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?I am looking forward to redevelopment along Route 59 from north of Route 56 to Ferry Road where we have significant redevelopment opportunities because of infrastructure issues and destressed properties. I see a huge opportunity here, if handeled correctly, for community benefit and increased revenue.