Paul Fichtner: Candidate Profile

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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:BioQA Bio City: ElmhurstWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: DuPage County board District 1 Age: 52Family: Married to Monica. 2 Children, Megan (age 19) and Tom (age 17)Occupation: Financial IndustryEducation: U of Illinois B.S. Finance DePaul University MBA FinanceCivic involvement: Former Alderman, City of Elmhurst Current Member, DuPage Board of Health Parent Leader, Boy Scouts Elmhurst College Business Mentor ProgramElected offices held: Former Alderman, City of ElmhurstQuestions Answers Outline two initiatives you have for the county and/or your specific district.1) Low Taxes: As Finance Chairman of the County Board, I honored my commitment to keep your property taxes low. During EACH of the past 4 years, the county portion of your property tax bill (the only part of the tax bill board members are responsible for) had a ZERO increase. I will continue advocating for low taxes. 2) Consolidation: Last year, I endorsed action to successfully pass legislation authorizing the county board to examine and pursue consolidation of governmental bodies. To date, over $2 million in cost savings have been realized. My goal is to double those savings.Do you think county board members should receive pensions? Why or why not? If elected, will you accept a pension?Candidate did not respond.What specifically should the county do to address flooding issues and how should such improvements be funded?During this past term, as a member of the Stormwater Committee, I approved approximately 12 projects totaling $27 million for stormwater/flood mitigation. Some past projects within district 1 include Wood Dale-Itasca Reservoir, Meacham Grove Weir Modification in Bloomingdale and the Westwood Creek Dam and Pump Station and Louis' Reservoir in Addison. We will be doing more. As a start, $26 Million has recently been allocated from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development for additional watershed planning efforts, flood remediation and other strategic flood control projects.What would you like to see happen to the county fairgrounds in Wheaton? Should the DuPage County Fair be moved? Why or why not?I would like to see the 30 acre fairgrounds property used for its highest and best use. The county has different needs than in years past. Could the fair be moved and this property freed up uses such as senior housing? For other important county needs? I voted in favor of a public committee to help study the issue that will take input from anybody and everybody during open meetings held on a regular basis. The committee will prepare a report that will help in my decision making process.What should the county do to improve transportation throughout DuPage and specifically in your district?The Elgin O'Hare Western Access project is in my County Board District. The project is a product of county board coordination and advocacy during my past term. Over the past few years, I have worked with the board at state and national levels to see the project finally break ground this year. It will relieve traffic congestion and boost the area's global economic competitiveness. Local tax revenues are expected to increase by $29 million annually and 13,450 jobs created during construction. Additionally, travel delays will be reduced benefiting district 1 and the entire county.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Airplane noise. I pledge ready to work with communities in district 1 to coordinate whatever means they feel are necessary to combat the high level of noise due to Chicago's O'Hare runway expansion. Noise monitoring for the affected communities would be the first important step. Advocacy for federal and state funds for noise mitigation is also important. As a current member of the Public Works Committee, I can develop procedures where the county can help with grant writing to help pay some of the costs as well as influence at the state and federal level.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Elon Musk: TESLA car inventor, founder of PayPal and SpaceX. Leading the country into the future with technology and providing much needed jobs through entrepreneurship.What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Push yourself to achieve past the limits you think you have.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I would give my do-over to someone else who needs it. No regrets so far.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Music/Band. Taught working together with others, importance of being on time, setting goals, inspired confidence. Beauty of music stays with you for life.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Stay curious about all things.