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Casey Urlacher: Candidate Profile

Mettawa Mayor (4-year Term) (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: MettawaWebsite: http://www.caseyurlacher.netOffice sought: Mettawa Mayor (4-year Term)Age: 33Family: Not married... 4 nieces and a nephew.Occupation: Self-employedEducation: New Mexico Military Institute (NMMI) 97-99 Bachelor Degree in Business Lake Forest College 03'Civic involvement: Candidate did not respond.Elected offices held: Candidate did not respond.Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: Candidate did not respond.Candidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 1. 'transparency? 'transparency will be the cornerstone of my administration as Mayor. I am committed to keeping residents of our community fully informed. Using a variety of communication vehicles to provide information, I will seek public input on all issues of critical importance to our community. 2. Maintaining our sound financial position doing more with less whenever possible being fiscally responsible and accountable, so we can maximize the current property tax rebate program. 3. Maintain and enhance the unique character and integrity of our community through open land acquisition, sustainable land management andlow density? policies.Key Issue 2 Candidate did not respond.Key Issue 3 As I outlined above, keeping residents fully informed and involved; maintaining our strong, efficient financial standing and protecting the character and integrity of this unique community these are the critical issues that will, in no small way, affect the future of this Village and all who live here.Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?I am deeply, passionately committed to maintaining the quality of life here and that relates not only to our environment, but also to our financial position. I want to see this village move into the future - yes, but with sound policies that achieve a quality, vibrant and green? future. 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.The current tax base allows the Village Board to support a variety of resident programs while supporting the Village administration. My approach would be to continue to keep most expenses as variable thereby giving the Village great flexibility should the economy reduce sales taxes. I don't see the need currently to expand taxes on business. My focus will be to ensure the businesses in the Village enjoy our Board's support to provide a Village environment that stimulates our business revenue. I think the past Mayor made great strides helping support the needs of the Village business by maintaining a close working relationship with the leaders of business in the Village. Our Village environment and maintenance makes Mettawa a desirable place for business to attract employees and customers. I will continue the last administration's efforts to maintain a supporting relationship. Village Business as neighbors and friends?we should treat them that way.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.The more people you talk to, the more you hear about a variety of issues and concerns. However, if there is one issue that is pretty much on everyone's list, it is again protecting our way of life, our quality of life. When it comes to planning for and guaranteeing the character and integrity of this community, there are and will be no final victories it will be a continuous effort from one generation to the next. But I?m ready and committed to meet that challenge and do my part now.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?Government spending is the single largest cause of increased property taxes, and the problem with government spending is that sooner or later, it runs out of other people's money. The current Mayor and administration have done a remarkable job as financial watchdogs. No deficit spending, a rainy day fund, increasing the bond rating, not to mention refunding property taxes ten times. I intend to continue those policies. The one area that I think we need to consider is to re-establish aVillage Manager? consultant. There are plenty of retiring Village Managers who still would like to work a few hours a week and have excellent experience. This position could help our Volunteer Board and Clerk with the volume of work I understand takes place weekly.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?1. Real Estate Values?it seems to me that setting up a RE round table with agents working in Mettawa could give us advice on the perception of our Village to new buyers?.whether this is more information on the Village Website or the appearance of the Village. 2. Subsidizing the planting of trees to ensure the canopy of our Village is not wiped out by disease or bug infestation