Alan E. Czarnik: Candidate Profile

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:BioKey IssuesQA Bio City: Deer ParkWebsite: http://vote@mydeerpark.comOffice sought: Deer Park Village boardAge: 47Family: Married with three children ages 5, 7 and 9.Occupation: Business Owner, Communication Supply Chain SolutionsEducation: Candidate did not respond.Civic involvement: Eight year Board member Des Plaines Chamber of CommercePresident of the Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce 2008 (600 members)Member of the Deer Park ZBA 2010Elected offices held: Appointed Trustee for the Village of Deer Park in October 2010.Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: n.a.Candidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Continued responsible financial management. After many years of declining cash balances, Deer Park is now financially on track and cash balances are improving monthly. This a great accomplishment in these challenging times. Realistic budgeting and responsible spending will allow the Village to keep moving forward.Key Issue 2 Police protection and associated costs. As the village experiences residential and commercial growth, we will require increased police protection. In turn, our current cost for police protection needs to be reevaluated.Key Issue 3 Increasing property values. This can be accomplished by requiring quality, residential and commercial developments, keeping up with road improvements, adopting a property maintenance code and opposing increased railroad traffic through our village.Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?I approach this trustee position with energy and an open mind. A true desire to hear from residents and a willingness to work with other elected officials for the betterment of Deer Park.Given the delicate balance between the need for revenue and over-taxing local businesses, what is your opinion of your community's present level of local sales taxes? Is the tax just right, too low or too high? Explain.I am comfortable with our local sales tax. Even with our recent increase, we are competitive with surrounding communities and attractive to consumers.Talking with your friends and neighbors, what seems to be their biggest public safety concern? Explain the concern as you see it, and discuss how you think it should be addressed.The biggest public safety concern is automobiles speeding through our neighborhoods. I too see this as a problem as the population in the village has grown and police coverage has not kept up. We need to review the current police contract and increase police presence village-wide.In these tight economic times, municipal budgets have to be prioritized. Where, if anywhere, could the current budget be trimmed, and conversely, are there areas the budget does not give enough money to?I feel that savings that can be potentially recognized from a new police contract can go into roads and drainage for the next four years.What#146;s one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?Community events. These events will encourage people to come to Deer Park and enjoy our shopping, restaurants and hotel.