Julie Berkowicz: 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: NapervilleWebsite: JulieBerkowicz.netTwitter: Julie BerkowiczFacebook: Julie Berkowicz for Naperville City CouncilOffice sought: Naperville City Council Age: 55Family: Walter Berkowicz, Jr.Walter Berkowicz,IIIPaul BerkowiczMarc BerkowiczOccupation: Sales ProfessionalEducation: Attended DePaul UniversityCivic involvement: Judd Kendall Post 3873 Ladies AuxiliaryBoy Scouts of AmericaKnoch Knolls Homeowners Association Board MemberElected offices held: Candidate did not respond.Questions Answers What should be the city's role in promoting availability of housing for people of all ages and income levels in Naperville? What should be more important in making decisions about proposed housing developments -- the opinions of neighbors or the housing needs of the community as a whole? Why?The city should provide a balance of housing type to satisfy the different needs of the community, including single family, multi-unit and senior housing. Single level homes, designed for the active senior community is in short supply in Naperville. All housing projects should consider the scope of the development, location and the communities or markets adjoining the new development. Traffic and road configurations can also be of concern to the neighbors and the city should have thorough input from the existing subdivisions.How should the city prepare and pay for major expenses in its public utilities such as water, wastewater and electric service? How can this be done within the current financial principles of passing structurally balanced budgets, reducing debt and increasing reserves? Should those principles remain, or do they need to be changed? Why?The city should have sufficient reserves to pay expenses and current and future expenses to maintain and improve the infrastructure. Until Naperville is completely built out, it will also need reserves to complete the utilities in these future developments. The city should continue to look for ways to reduce its expenses and maintain healthy reserves. Balanced budgets and reducing debt should be a top priority to prepare for the unexpected, such as a downturn in the economy. And trimming the budget should always be considered.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?Naperville has top notch, professional, and nationally recognized police and fire departments. Because of their expertis they often provide their services to other communities. They have excellent programs in place for drug prevention education and reaching out to individuals who need help. But because this problem is nationwide and of epidemic proportions, I believe that this is one area that they should have more resources and outreach.Where, if anywhere, could the current budget be trimmed, and conversely, are there areas the budget does not give enough money to?Overtime costs need to be trimmed. Services the city provides should be reviewed to eliminate unnecessary and duplication of practices. The rise in expenses and extra fees has been difficult for many residents to afford. And with the recently announced 3.6% electric rate increase this will take even more out of their wallets. If Naperville had some extra money to spend I would consider allocating some to senior needs, such as transportation and to increase the program outreach for drug addiction and suicide.What is one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?Naperville has many excellent non-profit social service providers. Having a central hub, and an outreach program that can guide persons who require some assistance, to the appropriate programs that will help them would be valuable. Sometimes time is critical when people need assistance and it can make all the difference.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?I believe that property rights for Naperville homeowners need to be protected and the limited resources of the taxpayers should always be considered. I am on the Board of our Homeowners Association and many homeowners are expressing concern with the rising costs and their limited resources. City Council needs to be connected to the taxpayer and continue to listen because they fund the budget. There are more vacant homes in the neighborhoods than there were 6 years ago and there are too many empty retail structures, especially on the south side and on the Ogden Avenue corridor.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Dr. Ben CarsonWhat is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Work hard and respect the blessings we have in the USA.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I would spend more time with my elder family members.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?My favorite subjects were psychology and marketing. They complimented my love of working with people.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Stay on your own path, live with moral strength and appreciate family and health.