Michael Gresk: 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: WheatonWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Wheaton Mayor Age: 64Family: Spouse - Kathleen (m. 1972) Sons - Geoffrey b.1978 (Rachel) and Matthew b.1980 (Erica) Caleb 2014 grandson ...son of Matt and EricaOccupation: Director of Development - Clare Woods Academy (Wheaton) and Cupertino Home (Warrenville)Education: BA - History - St. Joseph College (In.) MA - Medieval History So. Il. Univ. (Carbondale)Civic involvement: Wheaton Lions Club; CASA of DuPage; Exchange Club of West DuPage; Bartlett Rotary Club; WDSRA Foundation Board; Wheaton Sesquicentennial Commission; Knights of Columbus; Wheaton C of C; Downtown Wheaton Association; Friends of DuPage Animal Care Control; St Michael Parish; Metro. Family Services; NAMI of DuPage; Canticle Ministries; Camerata Chicago;Elected offices held: Member Carol Stream Park District Board of Commissioners 1978-80; Member Wheaton Park District Board of Commissioners (1989-93); Member Wheaton City Council (1995-2003); Mayor-City of Wheaton (2007 to date)Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?Being accessible, available to the publicHow would you describe the condition of your community's budget, and what are the most important specific actions the town should take to assure providing the level of services that people want?City of Wheaton has an AAA bond rating from Moodys. We balance our budget annually. Cash reserves are adequate to address emergencies.Where, if anywhere, could the current budget be trimmed, and conversely, are there areas the budget does not give enough money to?Budgeting is 'zero based'. Department heads itemize and justify items in the City's annual budgets. Public hearing further re-enforce the process to insure expenditures are real, necessary and justifiedDescribe your leadership style and explain how you think that will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions with your village board or city council.My style can be characterized as 'consensus building'. Civility and decorum are the hallmarks of a City Council meeting. There is respect for each of the comments from Council members and for the comments and questions from the citizens.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?improving flood controlWhat other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Maintain the fiscal health of the City of WheatonPlease name one current leader who most inspires you.Pope Francis IWhat's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?HonestyIf life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I have no real regrets. I have no desire or need for any 'do-over'What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?History ...it gives me perspective.. you dont really know 'where' you are going if you are unaware of 'where' you have beenIf you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?You make a living from what you earn..but you make a life by what you give