Debby Sosine: 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: AlgonquinWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Algonquin Village Board Age: Candidate did not respond.Family: Candidate did not respond.Occupation: Accounting ManagerEducation: Candidate did not respond.Civic involvement: Candidate did not respond.Elected offices held: Village of Algonquin TrusteeQuestions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?With my background in accounting, extensive community service for the past 25 years and the past almost 8 years as a trustee, I have the knowledge to continue to steer the village in a direction completing the community with a balance of residential, commercial and industrial that is needed to provide a successful future while respecting the past of the village and enriching the present.What 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.We can always use more sales tax, that's why we are continually working hard on business development in the village. The 7 million plus dollars we receive in sales tax each year enables us to keep the village's portion of the property tax bills low. We have been able to keep the property tax levy at the same amount for the past 3 years.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?The Algonquin Village Board does not have jurisdiction over the fire departments in the area. They are a separate taxing body. Saying that, we are in the third year of our community survey. This survey is giving us an excellent polling report of the services and programs provided by the village. Over 85% responded rating overall police services as either good or excellent. Our police department consistently has, in the past, and will continue in the future to ensure they are prepared for any and all emergencies and/or threats that need response not only in Algonquin, but in any areas around us that may need assistance. I also concur with the 97% of Algonquin residents that feel safe their neighborhood.Where, if anywhere, could the current budget be trimmed, and conversely, are there areas the budget does not give enough money to?I am always challenging our village manager staff to get the most out of our tax dollars and provide the best services to the residents. As our infrastructure ages, these challenges have grown. As we are now in the 2015-2016 budget review process, it is my responsibility to make sure all services are provided with a balanced budget. We have to prioritize with known needs of the village and unforeseen surprises to the infrastructure to ensure that tax payer's monies are well spent.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?I would like to see us expand our services and programs for the seniors in the village. I'd like us to look at the costs of leaf pickup curbside without having to bag the leaves, also.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?I have been working on the downtown revitalization project for the past couple years. I believe we need to continue in this area. The possibilities are endless to make our downtown a great destination for the village. I hope to continue working in this area if re-elected.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.I've always admired Judy Baar Topinka. She was a courageous lady who let you know what's what, without sugarcoating things.What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Be proud of who you are- be happy with life. I can't thank my parents enough for helping me be who I am todayIf life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I'd love to be able to raise my kids again with all the knowledge and experience I now have.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Accounting. This gives me great satisfaction daily in my work and if you love your job, it's really easy to be successful at it.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Always do your best and take pride in what you do. Never forget your family - it's your foundation in life.