Edward Pope: 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: Glendale HtsWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Twitter: @Pope4MayorFacebook: Pope4mayorOffice sought: Glendale Heights Village President Age: 55Family: Maureen Pope, WifeDane Pope, SonLauren Pope, DaughterOccupation: Director of MarketingEducation: High school Diploma 30 years of on going Sales trainingCivic involvement: Dj for Hall school special events Playground monitor at School for 3 years.Lunchroom monitorSteering Committee for Glenbard East HSBasketball CoachSoccer CoachFootball CoachTimer for swim teams Door to Door campaigning for many local candidatesElected offices held: 10 years as Village Trustee15 years as Assistant and Primary Committeeman for Bloomingdale Township Republican Party.4 years as PTA President for G. Stanley Hall school in Glendale HeightsQuestions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?Im the candidate that wants to bring Change to our Village. Out with the old stagnated way of doing things and in with new and progressive ideas. I will end the rampant nepotism going on and work to make the Village about the residents again.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?On paper things look good, but the reality is we are just ever increasing taxes and fees to our residents to appear balanced. We need to look deep at ways to decrease expenditures and the right sizing of all departments. This will keep us balanced with out the continued fee increases and maintain a service level our residents deserve.Where, if anywhere, could the current budget be trimmed, and conversely, are there areas the budget does not give enough money to?I believe that all Departments can cut their budgets. They have been running with healthy balances for years. Its time to tighten their belts. The one exception may be the Police Department. It has been understaffed for years. By getting them to the correct stafffing level we can cut their overtime down to a more acceptable level.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 would like to think that I am open minded and a good listener. I am strong and know that sometimes the answer is no.I am looking forward to working with the Trustees and Staff. Im hoping that new leadership that is open to others ideas will stimulate the staff to get more creative in how we run our Village. I want the residents, staff and trustees to know I'm here working for them and not my own agenda.What is one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?Its hard to narrow it down to 1, but I would like to start a community garden with a farmers market. We have a large unused parcel of land that is perfect for this project and has been sitting unused for years.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Ending the rampant nepotism in our Village and making sure that the jobs are filled by the most qualified applicants. We were given a flailing report by the Better Government Association for the current Mayors hiring practices. I would also like to establish term limits for the Mayor, Trustees and Village Clerk. We need to grow and change as our village does. New Officals will help us to continue to do that.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Pope FrancisWhat is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Always tell the truthIf life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I would spend more time with my Father. I lost him to early, and thought I would have a lot more time with him,What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Debate team. It taught me to be a good listener and a powerful negotiator.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Spend as much time with your children as possible. They grow up way to fast.