Phil Lonigro: 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: LakemoorWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Lakemoor Village Board (4-year Terms)Age: 35Family: Married, 3 childrenOccupation: Vice President of ConstructionEducation: Candidate did not respond.Civic involvement: Candidate did not respond.Elected offices held: Village of Lakemoor Trustee 2009-PresentHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Fiscal Responsibility - As the current Chairman of the finance committee we need to continue to maintain the village's financial position as debt free.Key Issue 2 Economic Development- As a current member of the economic development committee we need to focus on providing the necessary infrastructure in certain areas of the village to ensure we do not delay any potential development.Key Issue 3 New Village Hall- We need to continue to find ways to finance a new village hall without even entertaining the idea of tax increases.Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?The accomplishments I've made over the last 4 years serving as a Trustee in the Village of Lakemoor, makes me the best candidate for serving another term. As Chairman of the Finance Committee the last 3 years, I along with the other members of the committee have passed 3 consecutive balanced budgets that has left the Village debt free and in good financial condition. In 2011 I proposed legislation to give the people a choice to impose Term Limits on elected officials, which passed by a significant margin. Getting Four Seasons Blvd repaved and the lights in operating condition was one of my first accomplishments when I was elected in 2009. Four Seasons Blvd was basically undrivable for many years before I came onto the board. Currently I proposed and passed the first ever ethics policy for elected officials that will hold them accountable and responsible for any misconduct. I fought red light cameras going in at Rt 12 120 and will continue to fight to get them removed. I've proposed legislation to use the revenues from the red light cameras to be put back into the community and not be used in the operating budget. My belief that the village of Lakemoor belongs to the people and not the government helps me make decisions based on representing what the people want and not what's going to make me popular with other board members. It would be an honor to continue to be a voice for the people of Lakemoor.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.Revenue and taxes seems to be the hot topic in all forms of government but it's spending that needs to be the top focus. The village's current sales tax rate is one percent, which seems to be fair. Ultimately the goal is to elect officials in this state that will take the remainder of the sales tax and be more fiscally responsible. We should always be talking about how to lower taxes not how to make up for irresponsible spending.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.Having a consistant police presence in the commnity has been the most talked about concern with many residents. If the police maintain a consistant presence we can deter disorderly conduct such as speeding through neighborhoods where children are at play. We need to continue to work with the chief and the police commission to assure the police department is properly staffed to maintain a certain amount of officers per shift.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 have been able to maintain a balanced budget by controlling our spending. By letting our revenues dictate our spending, we simply just do not spend money we do not have. Government should be no different maintaing their budgets as those who pay taxes must maintain their household budgets.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?Instead of waiting for developers to come to Lakemoor to discuss potential developments, we need to be more proactive and reach out to developers. We as a Village need to sell them on why they should develop in our community. Due to Lakemoor being such a small town, it is going to take more outside of the box thinking. We need to plant seeds so that when the economy turns, developers know who and where Lakemoor is as well as what we have to offer.