Tom Lys: 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: MettawaWebsite: conservingmettawa.com;Twitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Mettawa Mayor Age: 66Family: Franziska Lys (wife)Occupation: Professor Emeritus / ConsultantEducation: PhDCivic involvement: 35 years of teachingserved as Mettawa's Village TreasurerElected offices held: Village Treasurer under Mayor Jess RayQuestions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?Experience in financial matters; integrity; intelligence; critical thinking; ability to see both sides of an issue; served as an expert witness for US Department of Justice, the Commonwealth of Australia; the Russian Federations, and numerous private clients.Founded a program to train board of directors after the Enron debacle (I served as the expert for the bankruptcy trustee of Enron)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 village finances are deteriorating and are used for private benefits at the expense of the community.Where, if anywhere, could the current budget be trimmed, and conversely, are there areas the budget does not give enough money to?A good example is that the village does nothing when businesses leave the village; The village mayor has negotiated several major contacts very poorly, leaving huge $$$ on the table.Village should spend more on improving living quality - noise pollution, and replacing treesDescribe 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 listen to different opinions, understand where they are coming from before making a decision. I am also keenly aware of the duties of care and loyalty that are required when making decisions.What is one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?Planting trees to replace the numerous ash trees; Controlling the noise pollution from the tollway; bringing Grainger back into the village.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Integrity; fairness, conserving Mettawa's traditions; financial responsibility;Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Senator John McCainWhat is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Given that my parents are holocaust survivors, the importance of the bill of rights and the integrity of government.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I am extremely happy what I have accomplished, and grateful for the luck that accompanied me through my journey.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?History: "Those Who Do Not Learn History Are Doomed To Repeat It." (George Santayana); Math: logical thinking;economics: the social science of lifeIf you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Find your niche in life and pursue it through education and dedication