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Deena Sherman: Candidate Profile

Aurora City Council Ward 5

Back to Aurora City Council Ward 5

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: AuroraWebsite: www.deenasherman.comOffice sought: Aurora City Council Ward 5 Age: 52Family: Husband: David Mertz 3 adult children: Alex, Kyra, and LanieOccupation: WriterEducation: B.A. Valparaiso University M.A. Lutheran School of Theology at ChicagoCivic involvement: Frequent volunteer in School District 129 since 1995 Election judge for many years President of Cherry Hill Homeowners' Association Active member of Aurora Historical Society Extremely active for many years in area churches, 1995 to present (teaching Sunday School, serving on church council, chairing a call committee, even leading full worship services and preaching) Grace Lutheran Good Shepherd Lutheran currently a member at New England Congregational Past board member of "Hear Us" (advocacy group for the homeless); volunteer at Hesed House; Aurora Area Religious Organized Network; and former President of Aid Association for Lutherans, Branch 10887Elected offices held: No past political officesQuestions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?My life has always been about service. I am not a politician. I am independent and believe in finding common sense solutions through collaboration, creative thinking, and hard work. I have no patience for partisan bickering. I will be available to constituents and eager to hear their concerns and answer their questions. I will hold ward meetings and constantly make information available through a variety of formats, including social media. When I worked at the Beacon News, I listened to diverse voices, did research, and summarized issues in 650 words or less for readers. Those are skills I can use as AldermanWhat is your opinion of your community's present level of local sales and property taxes? Is the tax just right, too low or too high? Explain.It has been hard to see property taxes continue to go up when property fell or were stagnant. I believe our city can live within its means to provide necessary services like plowed roads, excellent police and fire protection, good libraries and schools, etc., and has done so even when rising pension costs--which are handed down from the state--leave less money to do so.Rate the efficiency of your town's police and fire coverage. Are the departments well prepared for the next decade? What, if anything, should be changed? Do you have specific public safety concerns?Our police and fire fighters do an excellent job. Crime is at a 30 year low. For a city this size it was absolutely stunning that in 2012 we had a year with no murders at all! I spoke very recently with some firefighters and with Chief Greg Thomas and all affirmed that Aurora is definitely prepared as we move into the next decade. As changes come, our technology and training keeps pace. Our Community Oriented Policing has been very successful and it might be nice to see even more officers on bikes during warmer months.Where, if anywhere, could the current budget be trimmed, and conversely, are there areas the budget does not give enough money to?I do not always agree with every line item in the budget. For example, I thought the "rebranding" of the city was an unnecessary expense paid to an out-of-state firm. That said, I generally think Aurora does a good job of providing essential services with our tax dollars and reinvesting in the future of our city, while maintaining a balanced budget. As an alderman I would be vocal about all expenditures I consider unnecessary.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?As I meet citizens of the 5th Ward at their doorsteps, I hear some excellent ideas. I eventually hope to take some of those ideas to the city council. It's not about what I want to do--it's about what THEY want to do.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Candidate did not respond.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Nobel Peace Prize winner, Malala YousafzaiWhat's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?I grew up in a family-owned business. I learned that success takes teamwork and dedication, and I leaned to be respectful of all people.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I don't need a do-over. I've learned from every mistake I've ever made and I believe that life should constantly be a process of learning.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?English. Communicating clearly is important in everything I do.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Same as the best advice my mother gave me: ALWAYS THINK FOR YOURSELF. Don't let anyone else try to do it for you.