Albert Bulthuis: 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: Villa ParkWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Twitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Villa Park Village President Age: 67Family: Married for 43 years. 3 grown children.One grandchild. lived in Villa Park for 30 years.Occupation: Owner of small business for 30 years, now semi retiredEducation: 2 years College of DuPageCivic involvement: Trustee Village of Villa Park for 10 Years.Villa Park Traffic and Safety commission and Liquor Commission before elected Village Trustee.Elected offices held: Village TrusteeQuestions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?When you step into the job of Village President it is important to have background knowledge of all ongoing issues that the Village has been working on. As the old saying goes, you need to know where you have been before you can figure out where your going. Having served as Village Trustee for the past 10 years I would be up to speed on everything that the Village has been working on for the improvement of our Village. There would be no learning period. I would be ready to go on day one of my term. In my 10 years as Trustee I have demonstrated that I am able to bring issues forward and get them implemented. I proposed the strongest Crime Free Housing Ordinance that the Village could impose as a non home rule community. I also proposed the vacant building ordinance which was also put into effect. These two ordinances help with security for our residents at no cost to the residents.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?Since I came into the office of Village Trustee we have seen a straightening of the village financial position. As an example, 10 years ago the village only had 47 days of reserve cash. This "rainy day" amount was way too low. Since then we have increased our "rainy day" fund balance to 140 days. This number of 140 days in the reserve fund is the recommended number of day for our village to have in case of any emergency if the village were not to receive any money coming in.I have always pressed the idea that our village can't afford to do everything on our own, and that we need to work with our neighboring communities on multiple issues to save money. The positive results of the cooperation with our neighbors has started and needs to continue and increase. We have started to joint bid road repair projects, sidewalk repair projects and mosquito abatement. This type of cooperation needs to continue and expand to free up cash that can be used for other projects to increase the services to the residents.Where, if anywhere, could the current budget be trimmed, and conversely, are there areas the budget does not give enough money to?The budget today is rather tight, and there is not much room to trim. All areas of the budget could use more funding. How to make the best use of revenue you have is always a challenge. The area of Police and Fire pensions is of increasing concern. Pension liability effects every community as well as the state. Pensions will need to be addressed.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 prefer to have an open discussion with each village board member having a opportunity to voice their perspective on the issue at hand and then to have a open discussion to come to a consensus on the issue. Working as a village board is a team effort. After a consensus is reached, I would support the decision. The village president does not have the final say on an issue. The president's responsibility is to facilitate the discussion and follow through with the final decision of the board.What is one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?A lot of good ideas are being brought forward by board members and residents all the time. I would like to have more consolidation of services with other communities. One idea would be the consolidation of fire departments for example.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?There are a number of issues. One would be following through with the development project on Ardmore Ave. by the train station. The development of this area has taken too long and needs to be pushed ahead. If the current owner of the proposed development is not able to complete the project as proposed, we should encourage them to sell the property to someone who has the ability to develop the area. Another issue is to replace our ageing swimming pools with a new pool and a recreation center.We need to continue to work with our neighboring communities to joint purchase wherever we can to lower costs for everyone.We have to move forward with the issue of sewer separation and the handling of storm water. No one should have to deal with sewage in their homes or flooding due to heavy rain. This issue needs to be addressed as fast as possible.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.I would pick a political leader who puts the needs of people they represent over his personal ambition.What 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?That I would have more compassion for others in need.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Accounting, I have used it every day since getting out of school.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Be your self.