Steve Ward: 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: South ElginWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Twitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: reelectStevewardvillagepresidentOffice sought: South Elgin Village President Age: 58Family: Married to Nancy, 5 children between us. 2 grandsonsOccupation: BarberEducation: High SchoolBarber CollegeCivic involvement: Village activitiesVice President of Metro West Council of GovernmentElected offices held: Planning and Zoning commission 92-01Village Trustee 01-13Village President 13-presentQuestions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?In my 24 1/2 years of service to the community of South Elgin, I served on the Planning and Zoning Commission for 9 years, served as a Village Trustee for 12 years and now as the current elected Village President for the past 3 1/2 years. My experience on each of these levels has given me the knowledge and the ability to lead ,manage and to make the right decisions for the Village of South Elgin.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?Our community budget is in good shape. Controlled spending is a priority. We have already taken actions by adding a new Public Services Facility which will provide a higher level of service to the community. I believe our staffing in all departments is adequate with top level department heads. I don't feel that there is any shortcomings in the services provided by the Village. I take pride in the fact that things are running very smoothly.Where, if anywhere, could the current budget be trimmed, and conversely, are there areas the budget does not give enough money to?I don't believe our budget should be trimmed. We are conservative with the way the money is spent and under my term, we have spent within our means and have rebuilt and resurfaced roads, upgraded parks, improved water and sewer and built the new Public Services Facility without any tax increase to our residents.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.My leadership style is very open and honest. I respect what the board members have to say and I identify each of their strengths and rely on their opinions and ideas to guide us as a whole to make the right decisions for our community. I have an open door policy with the board members, staff and the residents.What is one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?I have taken the initiative and started talks with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) regarding the widening of McLean Blvd from Sunbury going south to Stearns Road. This is the only section of McLean Blvd that is still 2 lanes and by widening the road and adding sidewalks, it would help the traffic flow and give residents another path for walking and biking.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?I want to maintain quality development, continue improving the roads, updating our park facilities and equipment and continuing to provide the citizens of South Elgin with the solid leadership that they deserve and have seen these past 3 1/2 years from me.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Candidate did not respond.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Candidate did not respond.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Candidate did not respond.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Candidate did not respond.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Candidate did not respond.