Kevin Wallace: 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: BartlettWebsite: http://www.WallaceforBartlett.comOffice sought: Bartlett Village President (4-year Term)Age: 47Family: Married for 21 years to Deborah. Three children in U-46 schools.Occupation: Senior Mortgage ConsultantEducation: Bachelor of Arts in Business, Northwestern College, 1987Civic involvement: Commissioner on the Bartlett Economic Development Commission, Chairman of the Board for the Bartlett Chamber of Commerce, Treasurer for the Bartlett Chamber of Commerce, Bartlett Rotary Club, Youth Sports Coach for Bartlett Raiders, Bartlett Park District Softball, Bartlett Little League, Bartlett Youth LacrosseElected offices held: Candidate did not respond.Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: About 23 years ago I was arrested for a traffic related incident. I don't recall the exact details and I am currently working on getting them from the county.Candidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Restoring civility to Bartlett's leadershipKey Issue 2 Review all avenues to increase business within Bartlett- ordinance reform; small business forums; commercial business meetings; shop local campaigns; increased participation from the Village in Chamber of Commerce events.Key Issue 3 Monitor fiscal stewardship, review the utility taxQuestions Answers What can the village do to encourage more development into Bartlett, particularly in the Brewster Creek Business Park?I would suggest advanced marketing techniques to attract new development. I know that the Village currently places ads in a few periodicals however, from the samples I have seen during Economic Development Commission meetings I believe they could be enhanced. Bartlett could possibly highlight existing businesses to attract new companies. I believe it would be helpful to hold a Brewster Creek business forum to discuss the top reasons that the current businesses chose that location. Take that information and put it to work and target market some specific industries while keeping a broad approach with the ads.With millions of dollars in budget cuts the last few years, how will you make sure the village continues providing good services to residents?Recently I attended the Village of Bartlett Strategic Planning meeting. It was an all day event and during this session I learned that we have had to cut and reduce the amount of training for village staff. I believe that this training is a very important element in the quality of service the Village provides to us residents. I believe the village should attempt to maintain staff training through webinars and video conferencing. In addition to staff training I believe the Village could do a better job of communicating to residents. I would work to identify opportunities to communicate with more clarity.Weigh the value of late liquor licenses to local businesses (4 a.m. in the case of the Cadillac Ranch) against safety concerns. Should 4 a.m. licenses continuie to be permitted? If so, what can be done to curb the number of incidents?I do not agree that it is a good idea to provide a 4AM liquor license however, I strongly believe in the free market. If these incidents continue with enough regularity their business will suffer and force ownership to make changes. That being said, I believe that we should look at more stringent penalties against the owners who are ultimately responsible for their establishment.Given the delicate balance between the need for revenue and over-taxing local businesses, what is your opinion of Bartlett's present level of local sales taxes? Is the tax just right, too low or too high? Explain.Currently Bartlett does not impose a local sales tax. The fact that we do not charge a local sales tax creates an advantage for business to locate in Bartlett versus other community's that do impose the tax.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.The number of traffic accidents at a few of the intersections on Illinois Route 59 is of great concern. This has been going on far too long and needs to be addressed. I know there are plans to work on improving some of the intersections in the near future. I would also suggest reducing the speed limit which would make the businesses along route 59 more visible to traffic.