Jeff Kraus, 2 years: 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: CaryWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Cary Village board, 2-year termAge: 44Family: SingleOccupation: Special Education Teacher, Cary School District 26. Previously worked as a cartographer; ISGS, Cook County, and Alachua County E911.Education: University of Florida, MEd 1996University of Illinois, BA 1990Universidad de Alicante, Spain, Language and Area Studies, 1989Cary-Grove HS, 1985United States Navy Reserve, Honorable Discharge, 1994Civic involvement: Community Engagement Committee, Cary District 26Cary-Grove Historical SocietyFamily Literacy Volunteer, Naples, FLSaint Vincent De Paul, Naples, FLElected 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 Economic DevelopmentI would focus on opportunities for economic development in the village which would ultimately lesson the tax burden on all residents. I would work with the Chamber of Commerce to develop a business task force for current business retention and for the attraction of new businesses. Working with the Realtor's Association would also be a priority to determine what factors are hindering business start-ups and from locating within the village. Open communication with these groups would help me in proposing new policies for economic development in the village.Key Issue 2 Village Board's Role in Decision MakingThere is a lack of separation between the adminstration and village board. While I believe it is good to have a respectful, working relationship between the elected officials and village administrator, currently, I see the administration as controlling most of the decisions and the board and mayor approving whatever is brought before them.Key Issue 3 Cary Vitalization-I would continue with downtown Cary vitalization, making it a destination and build upon what we already have in place. For example, similar events such as Cary Cruise Nights in summer would draw residents downtown. Veterans Park should be used more; theater in the park, art in the park, and farmers' markets are possibilities.-Developing the Village's Geographic Information System(GIS) is important and something I would be able to help coordinate. This would make village maps and information available to the public online.-Develop ideas to improve Cary's gateway entrances. First impressions are important and improving these entrances allow people to see the Village of Cary as a great place to live and to spend time and money in, rather than simply passing through on Rt. 14.Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?I am a person who comes to the table with a lot of Cary knowledge. I was born and raised in Cary, educated in Cary schools, and returned to Cary after living and working in Florida to give back to the community that has afforded me many opportunities. I have been active in the school district, currently serving on the Community Engagement Committee. I would be an independent voice on the board, elected by the people, who can bring new ideas to the table, as opposed to my opponent who was hand-picked and appointed to continue with the current village administration's agenda.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.In general, I am opposed to any kind of tax increase. The village needs to be accountable to the taxpayers to provide the essential services and be responsible with the taxpayer's money. There needs to be an agreeable/satisfactory level of taxing to meet the needs and wants of village residents and businesses.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.A concern that I hear repeatedly from neighbors and friends is the gang issue that seems to be centered around certain village neighborhoods. Creating better coordination between the Cary Police Department and neighborhood groups and associations is one way to improve public safety. A greater focus on community policing should be considered. My ability to speak Spanish would assist me in being a valuable liaison on the board of trustees and with all stakeholders within 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?I believe in balanced budgets and maintaining fund balances. Being active in the affairs of District 26 has shown me the dangers of spending more than revenue coming in and depleting fund balances. Budgets should be developed using zero-based budgeting and reasonable, affordable contracts offered to employee groups.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?I would like to give residents the opportunity to have access to the Fox River and riverfront through the acquisition of the Jack's Channel property. Of all the towns along the Fox River in this area, Cary is the only one without any kind of riverfront park and boating access for its residents. This acquisition could be accomplished through a bond referendum giving the residents the voice in deciding if this is something they would like to have.