Eileen Phipps: 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: WayneWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Wayne Village presidentAge: 54Family: Married: Hal A. Phipps Three Children: Aimee, Hal M., Kyle One Grandchild: JennaOccupation: President, Plastic Specialties, Inc.Education: Candidate did not respond.Civic involvement: Candidate did not respond.Elected offices held: Village of Wayne, Trustee: 1993-1995Village of Wayne, President: 1995-presentHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Continuing to maintain the historic, equestrian heritage of the Village of Wayne on a shoe-string budget. As with most towns, Wayne is looking at cost savings and revenue enhancements neither of which are popular however necessary they may be.Key Issue 2 The proposed Red Gate Bridge. The Village of Wayne was a very strong supporter of the Stearns Road Bridge as we felt this was the most logical solution for regional traffic in our region long term. Stearns officially opened in December 2010 and should be given the opportunity to prove its effectiveness on a regional level. We have not seen any studies regarding Red Gate that show it will actually relieve traffic and not just relocate the congestion to another area. I believe, especially in these tough economic times, that Stearns Road Bridge should be given ample opportunity to prove its worth.Key Issue 3 The Canadian National Railroad. The purchase of the little used EJE tracks that run through the Village by the Canadian National Railroad was one we, along with many communities along the line opposed based on the promise of going from an average of 4 trains per day to 24 per day. Unfortunately this sale was approved in December 2009. We are very proud of the fact that through banding together with other municipalities we were able to bring stronger oversight by the STB to monitor the CN. Our next focus is to create a Quiet Zone in the Village to alleviate the noise as much as possible.Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?Experience and a love for and strong commitment to my community. Over the years that I have been privileged to serve the Village of Wayne, I have forged very strong relationships with other municipal, county, state and federal leaders that is a benefit to our community.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.As the Village of Wayne has no local businesses, this question does not apply.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 Village of Wayne is fortunate to have a very professional, proactive police department. Our department could be the poster child for community policing! We are blessed to have a very low crime rate and I believe the policies we have in place and the quality of our department are the reasons for that.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?The Village of Wayne is unique in so many ways. We have no commercial base so we have not realized the economic impact of lost sales tax dollars that many of our neighboring communities have felt. On the flip side, we have very little revenue to rely on so we have always operated on a shoe string. We are delaying many of our road projects; instead of a 10 to 12 year cycle for resurfacing we are moving to a 15 to 18 year cycle. In addition, the Village Hall is closed the first Friday of each month and no pay increases have been given.What#146;s one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?That is a hard one! The Village of Wayne is one of the most beautiful towns around. We have a wonderful community that volunteers their time and talents whenever and wherever needed. Many of our residents have generously donated money to help fund projects as well as land for our parks. We are home to more open space than all or most towns in DuPage County. We have a very active Historic Sites Commission that helps maintain the historic character of our village. The Wayne-DuPage Hunt as well as the Wayne Area Conservancy keep our equestrian heritage alive and well. I don't know how Wayne could get any better than it is!