Judd Lofchie: 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: AuroraWebsite: www.ElectJudd.comTwitter: @JLofchieFacebook: JuddLofchie for Aurora 10th Ward AldermanOffice sought: Aurora City Council Ward 10 Age: 58Family: Son in College; family in ArizonaOccupation: Lawyer/RealtorEducation: B.A., Unviversity of MichiganJ.D., Pepperdine Univ School of LawLLM, International Legal Studies (Advanced law degree) American Univ.Civic involvement: Founder, President, Aurora Business United Networking GroupPast President, Membership Chair, Rotary Club of AuroraGeneral Counsel for the Chamber of Commerce 2005-06Past Member, Aurora Historic Building/Loan Committee General Council, Simply Destinee Youth GroupFounder/Director, StreetWise MagazineElected offices held: Director, Aurora Downtown, 2013-15Current member of "Aurora First" (Blue Ribbon Committee to Improve Aurora's Building, Zoning, Signage, Development and Permitting)Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?I have lived in Ward 10 and have had my law and real estate office in Aurora for over 20 years. I am by far the most experienced candidate and I am a proven leader who finds results. I am a problem solver and don't give up easily. I was told by City officials they did not want my proposed client's Dunkin Donuts and Arby's; I worked with neighbors and certain officials and obtained approvals for both. These two restaurants pay over $30,000 per year in property taxes and tens of thousands of dollars in sales tax.I have brought over 23 businesses into Aurora which has generated millions of dollars in property, sales and food and beverage taxes. I know all of the other Alderman in Aurora, the Mayor and City staff which will help in trying to get things accomplished. I am a proven leader in the community having started Aurora Business United a free networking group that meets twice a month. I get rave reviews from members saying how much they appreciate the group. We normally get 70 to 100 at each meeting. My resume illustrates a deep history in taking action, connecting people. I would like to use my business and personal skills to drive positive change in Aurora.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.Out sales tax is high at 10% plus some restaurants also have to pay a 1.75% food and beverage tax and breweries have an additional 2.75% growler and keg tax.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 think the police and fire departments are well equipped to handle their duties. I would like to see every Aurora Policeman have a taser.Where, if anywhere, could the current budget be trimmed, and conversely, are there areas the budget does not give enough money to?The city needs to stop buying properties that could generate taxes and thereby take them off the tax rolls. We also need to make sure we have a plan in place before making large expenditures such as acquisitions for a convention center.What is one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?We need to broadcast all City Council and Committee of the Whole meetings.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?We need to cut down the number of meetings it takes to get a development or building permit approved. It can take many months and 8 to 10 meetings before receiving approval. This is a big red flag to would-be developers, retailers, office and industrial users.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.The Pope. He is showing the world that many people still need help.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?To help othersIf life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I would have taken more litigation classes in law school and graduate law schoolWhat was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?French. I was able to work at a Wall St law firm in ParisIf you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Always help others