Jim Radecki: Candidate Profile

Back to Geneva City Council Ward 4

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: GenevaWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Geneva City Council Ward 4 Age: 58Family: Wife Maureen and eight adult children. Matthew, Natalie, Meghan, Andrew, Allyson, Patrick, James and MarthaOccupation: Real Estate BrokerEducation: Bachelors Degree - Law Enforcement Administration. Western Illinois University.Civic involvement: Geneva History Center, Geneva Baseball Association, Geneva Academic Foundation, Geneva Cultural Arts Commission, Geneva Plan Commission. Past participant in the Geneva Dancing With the Stars competition/fund raiser.Elected offices held: Two term Geneva Second Ward Alderman. Williamsburg Village Condominium Association Board of Directors.Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?I have extensive executive experience in the private sector managing budgets in excess of 150 million dollars and leading teams of over 1,000 people. I also have an Illinois real estate brokers license and am extremely familiar with the Geneva market. I served 2 years on the Geneva Plan Commission and was previously elected twice to the position of Alderman I am a 25 year resident of Geneva and my wife is a life long resident. We raised 8 children all of which attended Geneva schools. Because of my experience and background I have earned credibility with my constituents, peers and city staff. The people in the 4th ward will have strong representation immediately if I am elected. I love where I live, appreciate the people in our community and feel responsible to give something back.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.The present 7.5 % sales tax is competitive with surrounding towns and sufficient to fund current budgetary needs. I do support continued exploration of a downtown district to generate additional funds for infrastructure. This has some attraction as it would not be solely shouldered by the residents. As far as property taxes are concerned the city accounts for only 8% of the residents tax bill and the levy (limited by law) has been flat for the last 3 years. Also when you consider the amount required by law to fund public safety pensions the opportunity for significant impact is somewhat limited. The short answer is hold the 7.5% sales tax, hold the current property tax levy and continue to explore creating a downtown district.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?I have zero concerns about the current or future ability of Police and Fire protection in Geneva. The Fire Department just reorganized to create the Battalion Chief position to improve its ability to serve the public.Where, if anywhere, could the current budget be trimmed, and conversely, are there areas the budget does not give enough money to?In general the City budget is appropriate to deliver the services residents expect and staff just received national recognition for its budget process. The City has long held a goal to keep 90 days of operating expenses in reserve and they have met that over the last 3 years. Without citing specifics it would make sense to look to the enterprise operations for any lift since their revenue and expense more than triples the rest of the General fund and budget.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?The mental health tax and distribution needs to be reevaluated. The tax was passed by referendum almost 30 years ago and it took 25 years to accumulate enough money for a group home in Geneva. There should be a better way to meet this need. So while I don't have a specific plan my idea would be to shine a brighter light on the process and come up with solutions that are supported by the residents. This is a tough issue since the state should really be addressing it but can not because of their financial issues.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?1) Home Rule. Since we are probably never going to reach 25,000 in population the council needs to decide if they are united in asking the residents (referendum)permission to do so. Not sure I would support "Home Rule Light" which proposes limited authority. It feels like we are avoiding asking the question from our constituents. 2) Development. The Cetron site, Mill Race Inn, Seventh Street Town-Houses and both old greenhouse sites. How these are developed will impact the community. 3) Creation of a Downtown Business DistrictPlease name one current leader who most inspires you.Robert McDonald newly appointed leader of the Veterans Administration. One of the very few Presidential appointments supported by both parties.What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Never quit.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I would have gone to law school when I had the chance.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Speech. It has given me confidence and opportunities both personally and professionally.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Work hard to give yourself the most options possible in order to live life truly free.