David Paluch: 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: Sugar GroveWebsite: http://sugargrovefirst.comOffice sought: Sugar Grove Village boardAge: 45Family: Wife-DeborahOccupation: Government Sales-Verizon WirelessEducation: BA-Columbia College-ChicagoCivic involvement: 2009-present: Fire Police Commissions Board2009-present: Sugar Grove Corn Boil Committee2010-present: Sugar Grove Plan CommissionElected offices held: Candidate did not respond.Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: noCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 I want to bring responsible and reasonable growth for commercial and residential development. This will help bring jobs to Sugar Grove, and help ease the tax burden on our residents. Additional revenues will help pay for needed projects, help the Kaneland schools, and hire additional public service personnel.Key Issue 2 Improve and enhance public safety in downtown Sugar Grove.Key Issue 3 I want to see our government held more accountable to the residents by having our village hall meetings broadcast on our local cable provider. I know that there are ongoing discussions with Media Com, and this must be in any new agreement to have the equipment available to broadcast our meetings.Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?For the past three years, I have been active in our community by serving on various boards and committees. I have been at almost every board meeting for three years, and I have a good understanding of what the village has done, what they want to do, and what they need to do in order to provide a better way of life for our residents.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 feel it's necessary to evaluate how we tax the business community in Sugar Grove. Whether it requires discussing lowering sales taxes to keep our business in town, or to help bring in business opportunities, we should explore that option. I believe that a lower tax rate will spur additional revenues. I have heard from my neighbors that they go to other towns to buy gas, food, etc, because the taxes are cheaper. I do most of my shopping in Sugar Grove because I want the tax revenue here, rather in another town, even if it is a little more expensive.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 main concern I hear is from the residents in the older parts of town. They're dealing with crumbling streets, potholes,and bad sidewalks. I know that this would have been taken care of had the new home developments not gone under, but this is an issue that needs immediate attention. There's a safety issue with people tripping and hurting themselves, damaging their cars, flooding probelms, etc, this is a serious matter. I would like to have this discussion brought up for discussion as soon as possible. I know funding this project, as well as having a sidewalk installed along Rte 47 from Mallard Point to Chelsea Meadowsis a challenge, but we need a way to find a solution to help improve safety for everyone.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?With these tough economic times, the village has been very responsible with money management, given the circumstances. The village has had to make some very tough decisions regarding mandating unpaid days off, freezing wages, unfortunately they had to lay people off, and trimming expenses as much as possible. I believe that Justin Van Vooren, and the board have been very responsible with spending even with the decreased revenues over the past few years. Other villages are in far worse shape, and Sugar Grove is in decent shape with all things considered. If we can afford it, I would like to see capitol improvement projects for streets and sidewalks,and hiring more police officers. These are safety priorites that benefit all the residents.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?I would love to see more residents get involved in some capacity in community involvement. We have a very generous and supportive community in Sugar Grove. During last year's Corn Boil, I organized a donation drive with the American Legion to have items dropped off for care packages for the troops. To this day, the Legion is sending out packages based of the donated items from the Corn Boil. It would be great to see more volunteers involved in the Corn Boil, help at the food pantry, assist with the senior center, volunteer at the library, etc. The spirit of this community is incredible, and I would like to see more of that community pride, and helping others who are in need. We rally together when needed, I would like to have that passion all year round, many organizations need our help.