James Gallo: 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: Elk GroveWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Harper CollegeAge: 49Family: I grew up in Hoffman Estates with my parents and five brothers and sisters. Now, I am married with two children, a daughter (10) and a son (8)Occupation: Management Consultant specializing in troubled or underperforming companies and mergers and acquisitionsEducation: BS Accounting (83), University of Ill at Urbana-Champaign MSJ (Master of Science-Journalism (1995) Northwestern UniversityCivic involvement: Co-founded and am on the board of Wheelchair Sports of Chicago, Inc., WSC is the corp of the Chicago Wheelchair Bulls, the wheelchair basketball team of the NBA Bulls. We also work with numerous junior wheelchair basketball teams composed of kids with disabilities from 7 years old through high school seniors.Also on the board of Western DuPage Special Recreation Association Foundation. WDSRA provides recreation and sports opportunities to the physically and developmentally disabled. Former board member of Marianjoy Rehabilitation HospitalI speak at about 20 high schools each year on the choices kids make - especially as it relates to alcohol and driving. See www.smartkidssmartchoices.comElected offices held: noneHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: noneCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Harper College is a great education resource for families in the NW suburbs. While attending NIU in 1979 as a freshman, I had a life-changing accident. I couldn't go back to NIU at the time because it was not wheelchair accessible. So I went to Harper for a year and then transferred down to Champaign. I loved Harper. It was a great education, affordable for my parents and I, and provided me the foundation for my college education. As trustee, my first goal is to help assure that Harper remains one of the top junior colleges in the country; that it continues to be a great option for families who are seeking an excellent, affordable education, without an added burden on families from tax increases.Key Issue 2 The business education I received in the 80s is different than today. A global economy, the internet, and technology-based solutions have changed the business landscape and people entering (or re-entering) the workforce have to be prepared. Colleges like Harper have to change to provide an education that is credible and relevant - not just in business but in so many areas where Harper excels, like nursing for example. I want to help the administration continue to deliver an education that is stays current and prepares students for a career - or new career.Key Issue 3 Education in Illinois has turned into a minefield. Pensions, teachers salaries, operating costs, tax hikes, and the costs of adding new amenities and opportunities will combine to make managing the institution a challenge. Just recently, we saw a high school close its doors due to financial pressures it couldn't meet. Consultants manage change and I hope to assist the board and the administration in this area.Questions Answers With enrollment up at my many community colleges, it can be challenging to keep pace as far as available classroom/lab space, the number of qualified teachers and available course work options. How would you manage that?In business, managing and funding growth is harder than managing a business in a downturn. It means moving to bigger buildings, more payroll, investing in technology - all of which carry higher price tags and their own risks. Community colleges will likely see increases in enrollment as families struggle with the costs of college and many unemployed will look to add skills for a new career. So Harper will have to manage the same risks as a growing business. And it's all about having a solid plan and executing the plan. Point out a company that doesn't plan and I'll point out a troubled company. And while we all understand there will be risks, we take the steps to mitigate the risks so that when things don't go exactly as planned, the overall outcomes are still positive - and Ken Ender has a great plan.In tough economic times, many students (and working professionals) turn to a community college for its educational value. How do you ensure that a person's financial sacrifice equates into an educational benefit?For decades, Harper students, of which I was one, have benefitted from skilled teachers who care, excellent facilities, investments in technology, and an administration that keeps the college evolving with changing times. Harper's job is not only to serve up a great education, but also to deliver an up-to-date education that ensures students are ready to launch their careers and bring value to their employers.Is a tax rate increase needed and, if so, how do you justify it?I don't believe a tax increase is warranted and I couldn't justify one at this time. The current administration at Harper manages in a fiscally responsible way and the college is on firm ground. Moreover, families just can't afford to see their taxes raised. Over the last couple of years, families have learned to do more with less and many are just getting by. They simply cannot afford to pay more in taxes.Community colleges provide many services to a diverse population. Is there a service your college should be providing that it is not, or reaching a segment of the population that it is not?None that I can think of. One of the great things about Harper is its access to under-served groups.If you are a newcomer, what prompted you to run for the park board? If you're an incumbent, list your accomplishments or key initiatives in which you played a leadership role.Candidate did not respond.