David Kratz, Ward 4: 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: WarrenvilleWebsite: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Kratz-For-Alderman/102937166449127?v=wallOffice sought: Warrenville Alderman, Ward 4Age: 52Family: Married, two children; Steve - Freshman at Wheaton Warrenville South and Sarah - 7th Grader at Hubble Middle SchoolOccupation: Software ArchitectEducation: DePaul University, CCP, Computer Science 1990 #8211; 1991University of Wisconsin-Madison, BS, Geology 1978 #8211; 1981Civic involvement: Fox Hollow Homeowners Association - Former PresidentWarrenville Arts CouncilElected offices held: Alderman, Warrenville Ward 4, November 2010 - PresentHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 The West Branch of the DuPage River has been a flooding issue for many parts of the city in recent years. Historically the river has flooded however in recent years the flooding is occurring more often and with what appears to be higher severity. My intention is to work with city resources to determine what we can do as a city to lessen the impact to residents.Key Issue 2 The development of affordable retirement housing for the growing number of baby-boomers we will see retire in the coming years. I'd like to see our friends and neighbors who retire stay here in Warrenville in affordable senior housing instead of moving elsewhere.Key Issue 3 Continuing the tradition of events in Warrenville. Many families in Warrenville, including mine, enjoy the events and festivals we have year round. I feel that they are a very important part of experiencing Warrenville and that we must continue to fund their operation.Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?I have a vested interest in our town. My wife Nancy and I bought our first house here, our children were born here, they go to schools here. I want Warrenville to be best it can be for them now and in the future. My 6 years of experience on our homeowners association board as Treasurer and President helped me better understand how to handle issues and interface with City representatives.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 believe that they are a little too high. I understand that a reduction would mean less funds for the City however in these tough economic times people could use some relief.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.We recently had a house broken into in our Ward. It is troubling to my neighbors and I to hear that this occurred in what has been a crime-free neighborhood. We have some Neighborhood Watch signs posted however the groups are not formed. I would like to work with the residents of our neighborhoods to re-organize these groups.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?Some of my constituents in Ward 4 have mentioned that we seem to spend significant funds on road and curb repairs. I would focus there first to see if we are spend funds wisely. We are a very bike-friendly town and I would like to see more done to expand and improve the bike paths to make it more safe for families and other riders.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?I believe my idea to bring affordable senior housing into Warrenville is an excellent example. A recent news story estimated that 10,000 baby-boomers will reach retirement age daily for the next 18 years. This will surely cause a shortage of affordable senior housing.