Jim Cosler: 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: CaryWebsite: www.jimcosler.comTwitter: @JimCosler4MayorFacebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Cary Village President Age: 46Family: Katherine CoslerGrace CoslerOccupation: Professional PilotEducation: Kent State UniversityBachelor of Science, Aviation TechnologyMinor: Business ManagementCivic involvement: Algonquin 12 Precinct CommitteemanTrinity Oaks Christian Academy VolunteerElected offices held: Village of Cary Trustee, 2015-PresentQuestions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?The Village of Cary has struggled for many years at the hands of leaders who have pushed their own personal agendas on the people of our town. As part of my successful write-in campaign for Trustee, I dedicated myself to standing up for the people and their stance on issues. By bringing information and transparency to our government, I have fostered increased knowledge, trust, and hope in the people. This represents a monumental mind shift in the people of Cary and will allow me to change the decades long ways of politicians, including Mayors, who care more about their own agendas, than the residents they serve. As an ordinary person who has earned the respect of the people, I am understandably the best person to serve as Mayor of Cary.How 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?The word I feel best describes the budget is "ongoing". In general, the credit agencies look favorably on the Village finances. Nonetheless, we face some potential shortfalls in state funding and have a large deficit in our police pension fund. In my view, there are many areas in which spending should be reduced or eliminated. Programs that dole out large sums of taxpayer funds on window dressing items and some community program assistance must be curtailed in favor of funding needed staff and future liabilities. The Village now operates with 55 staff members which is down from a high of 87, personnel is cut too thin. Outsourcing can be expensive and has not always worked well. My goal would be to restore sensible staffing levels in order to provide a higher quality of service to the community.Where, if anywhere, could the current budget be trimmed, and conversely, are there areas the budget does not give enough money to?This issue was addressed in the answer to the prior budget question.Describe 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.I believe it is important to understand that one leadership style does not fit every situation or issue. Overall, it is my preference to use a democratic leadership style. This style involves engaging the Board in projects and decisions via open and honest communication. It fosters creativity, which is badly needed to formulate a vision for our town. This style contrasts Cary history of authoritative leaders who make unpopular decisions based on personal opinions. Bringing the decisions back to the people will create an environment which produces results.What is one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?Although Cary has many positive attributes, as a parent of young adults, what I've noticed and what has been brought to my attention by constituents, is that outside of organized sports, school-related activities, and a small skateboard park, Cary has little to offer our teenagers and young adults in the form of entertainment and recreational activities. I believe one of our goals should be to attract entertainment venues, as well as establishments geared towards young adults, to allow our teens to stay and play in Cary. With more entertainment options, families can be entertained and socialize closer to home, which boosts our local economy.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?ProcessesCurrent leadership has taken our community down a path paved with zoning issues, development blunders, selective favoritism, and outright egotism. During the past two years, as an elected Trustee, I have worked hard to point out these flaws and pushed for rational decision making. As Mayor, I will uphold the rules and standards of our village while refining processes to ensure fairness for our residents.Economic DevelopmentDowntown Cary has been in sharp focus, yet I believe we must broaden the scope and realize there are many areas of our town which need support and promotion. Attracting businesses that contribute to our sales tax base with help alleviate the tax burden on the average resident.Budget and Taxes As a fiscal conservative, I have held the line on needless spending and voted against every proposed tax levy increase in my term. With proposed cuts in funding from the state, I would rein in discretionary spending while finding new sources of revenue to offset potential state cuts. Transparency and TrustIn my time as a Trustee, I have championed tirelessly for increased transparency in all village dealings. Against opposition, my efforts have led to video recording and live streaming of village meetings. I also pioneered the use of social media and community outreach to broaden the spectrum of communication channels available to Cary residents. Nonetheless, I have only begun to scratch the surface on this issue and I have many changes planned which will take this initiative further.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Dr. Paul Wrobble is the Head of Trinity Oaks Christian Academy. Paul's leadership, intelligence, and dedication combined with utmost generosity, prove him a true inspiration.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Honesty and hard work are rewarded in all aspects of life..If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Sitting down with my deceased grandparents and absorbing their collective experiences.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Physics, it rules the realm of my occupation as a pilot.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Be honest and respectful of yourself in all you do.