Luis M. Tellez: 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: BensenvilleWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Bensenville Village Board Age: 46Family: Wife and 2 daughters. We have been proud residents of Bensenville since 2001. My youngest daughter attends Blackhawk Middle School and the oldest is currently in 9th grade at Fenton H.S.Occupation: Assistant Principal at a Chicago Public SchoolEducation: Governor's State University master of Arts in Educational Administration- Type 75 Certificate University of Illinois at Chicago Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences Teaching of HistoryCivic involvement: Candidate did not respond.Elected offices held: Candidate did not respond.Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?Bensenville is privileged to have dedicated and committed Trustees and I hope to become part of this team. I believe my experiences during the past 24 years as an educator and Assistant Principal have prepared me to serve my community. My position, as an Assistant Principal over the last 11 years, has allowed me to work with all segments of a community. I think that one of the biggest challenges that a public servant faces is building a trusting relationship with the residents. For me, building that trust is big a priority. Working in the public school system has allowed me to build trusting relationships with community members, parents, students, staff and school officials. My vision is to make sure that all voices and concerns of our residents are heard. I have been involved in budget planning and analysis in addition to real estate experience. My leadership skills, experiences, diverse background, and vision define me as the best candidate for the position of Trustee.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.No one enjoys paying high taxes. Over the last few years, we have seen a fluctuation on property taxes. The property tax increase for the Village will be less than 1.5% this coming year. If the portion for the Village stays within those margins, then, in my opinion, taxes are suitable. I think this is reasonable because of increased costs for labor, materials and utilities. The current sales tax generates over 8 million dollars in revenues to be invested in our community. The two taxable revenues complement each other. When either tax becomes a burden to the many, then I will say that it is too high. For now, in my opinion, I believe that the taxes are just right.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 Police and Fire District are two vital bodies to our public safety. As a resident, I have seen their commitment to the community, both in responding to emergencies and getting involved with the community members. The Village is almost at the final stages of constructing a new Police Station and Public Safety building. This facility will allow our Police to access the best technology, equipment and will help them serve better the community. Our Fire District, which is a separate taxing body and has its own Board of Trustees and works in collaboration with our Police Department to bring safety to our residents. The I.S.O. has recently upgraded the Fire District's rating, ranking them 792 out of 49,000, which puts them in the top 2 percentile. This is an indication of their commitment, collaboration and hard work in serving our community. In my opinion, both departments are effective and efficient, allowing residents to feel safe with no public safety concerns.Where, if anywhere, could the current budget be trimmed, and conversely, are there areas the budget does not give enough money to?Currently the Village has been able to generate reserves and post a surplus, according to Moody's rating service. Balancing the budget and being able to create a surplus have allowed the Village to fund new constructions such as the Police Station and Public Safety building, the Wastewater Treatment Plant, and Parks. I will diligently examine all areas of spending and lobby to trim if dollars are not being spent for the benefit of the residents of BensenvilleWhat's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?I have been a resident of Bensenville for the last 14 years. Over the years I have heard so many people talk about O'Hare noise, water cost, taxes, and new businesses among other topics. These are genuine concerns and will be debated today and tomorrow. And I respect that because I'm a resident myself. However, little discussion is heard about what are we doing for present and future generations. We have a new generation of young adults. This summer I had the opportunity to witness hundreds of teens gathering at Music in the Park right next to City Hall. I haven't seen those numbers in years. Are we ready for this generation? Are we addressing their needs? My idea is for our Village to build additional recreational centers to serve not only the youth but the community as a whole. These centers can serve as sports venues and educational learning sites. It will be a justifiable investment. If we are chosen to serve our community, then we should serve our community as a whole.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?I have three issues in mind: O'Hare noise, community involvement and fiscal responsibility. I believe that both of these issues have a tremendous impact on our community. I know that residents of Bensenville have a genuine concern when they see airplanes fly too close to their roofs. We must collaborate and work together to find a common ground so residents feel that their concerns have been addressed. Also residents are entitled to know how their tax dollars are being spent. In addition, another topic that has recently surfaced is the water system replacement in the unincorporated White Pines area. It is a debatable issue and a concern for these residents. My goal is to make sure that all concerns are addressed and to continue making Bensenville a better place to live.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Pope Francis. He is a leader who has embodied trust and restored faith among millions of parishioners.What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?The importance of faith, family unity, and serving others.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I would have spent more time with my grandfathers. They taught me so much about values, faith, respect, and appreciation of others.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?History. From history you learn to appreciate other poeple and their culture. You value their struggles and successes. I became a history teacher.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Make smart choices. Be educated, serve your community, listen to your parents, and keep your faith.