Jake Wyatt: 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: St. CharlesWebsite: http://jakewyattformayor.comOffice sought: St. Charles Mayor (4-year Term)Age: 65Family: Married to Judy (Johnson) Wyatt Sons daughter in-laws : Bradley (Stephanie), Steven (Tammy), Michael (Kristi) Grand children: Madison; Andrew; Christian, Carson; Cooper; Caden; ColtonOccupation: Owner of: Wyatt Consulting LLC - Supply Chain Distribution Management Co-owner President of MAC5 Mortgage LLC., Denver CO Retired Colonel U.S. ARMYEducation: Bachelor of Science in Marketing, University of Tennessee at Martin TN, 1970 Masters of Science in Transportation Management, Florida Institute of Technology, 1976 Masters of Strategic Studies, Industrial College of the Armed Forces, Washington DC, 1989Civic involvement: Life member of VFW Post 5036 and American Legion Post 342 Finance Officer for American Legion Post 342Elected offices held: Finance Officer American Legion Post 342 School Board DOD School system Mannheim Germany President of US Army Aviation Association US Forces EuropeHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NOCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Facing the Facts: Fiscal realities of our cities debt through the misuse of TIF's to encourage new business or developments. Prime example is our 1st street development - planned completion 2008; deferred because of economy; and 8 years later still no development with no alternative plan. We must evaluate and prioritize the " nice to haves must-haves" to balance the budget and pay off debt.Key Issue 2 Preserving Enhancing Our Community: > Taking a collaborative approach to development redevelopment > Fostering sensible growth in our business community. Example; would prefer expanding development of 10 small business with broad diverse opportunities/tax bases verses going after the one big opportunity with limited tax base.Key Issue 3 A Comprehensive Point of View: >Decisions made by keeping an eye on the "big picture". Often decision are made for short term reasons with no regard to a master plan. > Institute a monthly "Residence/Mayor's Forum" that will foster well informed debate. People's voice will be heard and no promise will be made unless it can be kept.Questions Answers Under what circumstances, if any, should financial incentives, including TIF districts, be used to lure residential and commercial development to the city?Use of TIF's can be an excellent tool if properly negotiated with the developer and an understanding this is a business transaction with an expected payback period. TIF payments should not be paid out until that portion of a project is complete. First street is a prime example of paying money out with currently NO return on our investment.What is the future of Charlestowne Mall as you see it? Would you support the use of eminent domain by the city to gain control of the property?Your asking for a crystal ball answer and I do not have one. I am aware of potential investors looking at the Charles-town mall. Caution here is we need to ensure we agree to a sale that the new investor has the means to attract small businesses back into the mall. We have three good anchor stores and movie theater. Success is based on footprints into the mall. New investor will have to devise a plan that will draw the footprints and this may mean the investor will have to lower his charge per retail square foot the first year to attract new business. I'm not a big fan of eminent domain. If used by the city the question remains "what goes in it's place". Could be a big risk. Must have a well thought out plan with investors and developer knocking at the door.Are you comfortable with the mix of taverns and the conduct of their patrons in downtown St. Charles?NO. We have more than our share of Taverns downtown. Do we need more - NO, again. This does not mean I would not support an eatery that serves alcoholic beverages. I believe in a balanced mix of eateries (fine restaurants), Bar's Grills, coffee shops, retail shopping establishments and entertainment (movie house, theater, the Arcada)all have a place downtown. We will need to focus on a re-balance going forward in our short term plan that ties into our long city 2013 planWhat aspects must a redevelopment of the old St. Charles Mall property include? Would you support any level of residential development on that property?First I need to meet the owners of the property and discuss what they envision and how that ties into our City's long term 2013 plan. Anyone can speculate what they think but we must be realistic and look at what the economy will support along with the infrastructure the city can provide. If residential is the best alternative then that's the direction we must go, but, not without concurrence of the residence and merchants that currently reside in the area.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.Speeding vehicles through residential areas is a continuous problem. We put law enforcement in the residential areas and once out, the speeding comes back. Continuous presence of law enforcement is the best deterrent during peak hours around schools and main access routes in residential areas.