John W. Craig: 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: Oak BrookWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Oak Brook Village presidentAge: 76Family: Married, two children - John Jr. Kathleen (both Navy officers); two grandchildren ages 9 and 8Occupation: business license auditorEducation: Bachelor of Northern Illinois University, 1957Master of Chicago State University, 1967Civic involvement: Member Rotary Club, Pan-AmericanMember American legion Oak Brook Historical SocietyOak Brook Civic AssociationFriends of the Oak Brook LibraryTrinity Lakes Picnic, Co-Chair 1995-98Elected offices held: Oak Brook Village Trustee - 1999-2007 (2 terms)Oak Brook Village President - 2007-presentOak Brook Fire Police Commisioner (appointed)Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Our number one priority is to maintain quality Village services and our high level of public safety for our citizens, while continuing the Village#146;s sound financial position, balancing our budgets and operating Village government without a Village property tax.Key Issue 2 Our residents and businesses deserve an open, accountable government run with transparency and integrity. We have been carefully following the recommendation of the Financial Advisory Committee, which I established, to keep our budget disciplined and our practices transparent.Key Issue 3 Oak Brook enjoys a high quality of life. I want our streets to remain the safest and our schools to remain of the highest quality. Through sound financial management, even in these tough economic times, I believe we can continue to offer an excellent quality of life with the finest schools, a first rate, cost efficient, library and outstanding quality experiences at out Sportscore.Questions Answers What impact do you think staff and budget cutbacks have had on village services? Are there any cuts you would restore? If more cutbacks need to be made, what would your priorities be?While other towns have experienced drastic cuts in public safety, we have maintained an excellent police and fire presence. We will never compromise the safety of our citizens or our neighborhoods. Through better management, over the past 4 years we have streamlined operations and increased efficiencies so that we can continue to run a responsible, effective government.Should Oak Brook consider levying a property tax if sales tax revenues continue to be sluggish?I adamantly oppose a Village property tax and believe Oak Brook government must live within its means, even during this economic downturn. I would fight any introduction of a Village property tax.Oak Brook's firefighters have been without a contract for more than two years. Before that, the police worked without a contract for an extended time. How would you approach negotiations with public employee unions?Actually our firefighters are working under their existing contract; it is the new contract that is not yet complete. We work diligently with our negotiating team to make sure that these brave men and women have a contract that is fair to them and fair to the taxpayer.What is your opinion on privatization of city services to save money (for example, hiring more contract firefighters and dispatchers)?For over 50 years, Oak Brook has had a tradition of a combination of full time, contract and at times paid on call firefighters. We have absolutely no plans to further privatize or to privatize other operations.What should the village do about rising pension costs?Rising pension costs are an issue at all levels of government. Oak Brook#146;s excellent financial position allows us to meet our pension obligations. But we support the pension reform efforts of the General Assembly for future employees. But we have a duty to honor the agreements made to existing employees.