Bill Eagan: 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: NapervilleWebsite: Eagan4Naperville.comOffice sought: Naperville City Council Age: 41Family: Kelly, Wife Abby, Daughter Will, SonOccupation: CFOEducation: Master of Accounting and Financial Management Master of Business Administration Bachelor of Science, FinanceCivic involvement: 1.Naperville Park District Commissioner 2011 - Present 2.Naperville Sunrise Rotary Treasurer, 2009 - Present 3.Naperville Last Fling Executive Director 2013 4.Naperville Jaycee Treasurer 2014 5. Heritage Knolls Homeowners Association Treasurer 2010 - PresentElected offices held: Naperville Park District CommissionerQuestions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?I have a combination of three unique background and set of experiences that no other candidate possesses: 1. Financial Expertise: I am a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Management Accountant with a wide range of private and public experience. 2. Running a Manufacturing Plant in Naperville: Plant Controller for Kraft Foods at the plant located at Jefferson and Ogden. I have dealt with the city as one of the largest manufactures and electric customers in the city. 3. Currently Elected Official: I am a Naperville Park District Commissioner. I understand the importance of working collaboratively with other units of government to provide the best outcome for our residents.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.I believe our sales tax is too high and penalizes our businesses when competing against other communities. I believe our property taxes, for the city, are appropriate at this time.Early projections for the fiscal year 2016 budget showed a $12 million deficit. What can the city do to avoid future budget deficits? Where can the city save money or make cuts?If we create an environment that is easy to do business in we will be able to attract more businesses. More businesses will attract more people to our great city to shop and buy homes. As a consequence, we will generate more tax revenue to minimize or eliminate future deficits. Further, by creating a cycle of continuous improvement the city can identify and eliminate waste more effectively.What additional regulations, if any, should the city council impose on bars and liquor license holders to help keep the downtown night life safe? What do you think of the restrictions recently created, such as relating to late-night entry, shot sales, beer sizes, drink specials and security training?No additional regulation should be created. The regulations created go to far to restrict bars and patrons. The issue is created by lack of training of the bar staff as well as enforcement of the laws already on the books. Requiring bar staff to attend security training is an acceptable method to help solve the problem.What should the city council's role be in bringing businesses to town? Should businesses be allowed to bring in proposals under code names, such as "Project Panda"? What do you think of the decision to approve the SKF development at Warrenville and Freedom roads before informing the public of what the development would be?The city council has a significant role in bringing business to town. Their role is being an advocate of business and listening to their needs. The city council cannot help each individual business, but they can host forums, listen, and find those things that are common among all to create the most beneficial environment. A rising tide lifts all shipsâ#128;brvbar; Businesses should not be allowed to bring in proposals under code names, allowing code names flies in the face of open and transparent government. I am against approving any development without informing the public of what that development would be.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?A. Safety, we must make sure our first responders are adequately staffed and trained. B. The $29.4MM IMRF Pension Liability. IMRF charges unfunded balances a 7.5% rate of return annually. The residents will pay an additional $2.2MM to IMRF for not being fully funded. C. Effective project management and prioritization inclusive of budget management. D. Insuring that Government does not compete with business. E. Elimination of health care benefits for city council members.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Warren BuffettWhat's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Educate yourself and consider other points of view before making a decision.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I would not take a do-over. My set of experiences has brought me a perfect wife and kids.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Accounting, life is a balancing act.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Education is paramount. Always consider other points of view before making a final decision.