Richard (Rich) Eckert: 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: Pingree GroveWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Pingree Grove Village Board (4-year Terms)Age: 68Family: Married, two children, three grandchildrenOccupation: Computer Consultant and President of Ngnious Computer SolutionsEducation: Bachelor of Science in Education, Chicago State University, 1968 MBA Systems and Management, De Paul University, 1974Civic involvement: Commissioner, Pingree Grove Planning and Zoning CommissionElected offices held: Candidate did not respond.Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: No.Candidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Bringing new businesses to the Village.Key Issue 2 Maintaining a balanced budget.Key Issue 3 Maintaining adequate funds for infrastructure needs.Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?I believe I am well versed in the Village's issues and needs. Since moving here over two years ago, I have attended most of the Village Board of Trustee meetings. I have been a Planning and Zoning Commissioner for nearly two years and served as the chair of the Village's Financial Task Force.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 taxes are about right where they should be so as not to overburden our local businesses.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.On the whole, Pingree Grove has more than adequate policing for a village of our size. Residents that I've talked with feel that the Village is safe.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?I served as the Chair of the Village's Financial Task Force which reviewed the Village's budget. We presented the Village Board with over 30 items that the Board could use to make budget adjustments in order to balance the budget without reducing services to the community. The Village did implement a number of them for the 2012-13 fiscal year.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?Review potential of expanding the play lots to provide more and varied equipment.