Mark Gaffino: 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: North AuroraWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: North Aurora Village Board (4-year Terms)Age: 52Family: Married/2 childrenOccupation: Landscape ContractorEducation: West Aurora high School Waubonsee College Northern Illinois UniversityCivic involvement: North Aurora Baseball North Aurora LionsElected offices held: Village trustee North Aurora, [2005 to current]Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: noCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Continue to bring in New development while supporting existing business. Being open to new ideas and being fluid with the ability to adapt to different financial climates. we have had several new businesses open this year. Working and Partnering with Business to succeed and prosper.Key Issue 2 Keep Taxes down which is important to attract new homeowners and businesses. While providing them with great Village services. Building our New Police Station and Remodeling of our Village Hall and invest in our roads and infrastructure, which is important when developers come to town and are looking at the Village as they consider investing in our town.Key Issue 3 Control Spending and getting the best value for our dollar when we do. Which I feel we have done over the last four years.Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?Proud Lifelong resident, very involved in the Village.......thru baseball , Lions club , School events.. My Business background also working in town keeps me in touch with residents and with issues. 8 years prior Village Board Exp. ,former Plan commission member and former Police commission Chair. I am very approachable and willing to listen to all concerned residents. I use common sense when approaching all issues.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.I feel its fair and competitive through out the Valley.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.I feel we are very fortunate in town to not really have a major issue. I feel our police dept. does an outstanding job. I serve as the Chair of the Public safety committee and we meet and discuss any issues we may have and address and resolve them . Public safety is very important to me.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 feel our Budget is solid. We are always reviewing our budget as the year moves on and make adjustments were needed. Its just a guideline for us to help maneuver thru the year We have outstanding Staff keeping us up to date on issues or trends.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?Well its been talked about over the years...I feel the Activity center will need to be addressed in the next four years. I would like to see a new facility be built...Maybe with some donated monies, its a widely used site and benefits many Residents. I'm pursing ways to see if this can be done and with donated and grant money and other creative ways.