Matthew S. Dabrowski: 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: LakemoorWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Lakemoor Village boardAge: 40Family: Married for 10 years and have two childrenOccupation: Development Planner Village of Arlington Heights Arlington Heights, IllinoisEducation: Bachelors of Science Degree in Community Regional PlanningIowa State UniversityAmes, IowaMasters of Science Degree in Urban Planning and PolicyUniversity of Illinois at ChicagoChicago, IllinoisCivic involvement: Zoning Board of AppealsVillage of Lakemoor, IllinoisDistrict TrusteeNorthern Moraine Water Reclamation DistrictLakemoor Farms Homeowners Association Lakemoor, IllinoisElected 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 To improve governmental services by; i) ensuring that Village resources are used efficiently and sensibly, ii) that the Village has the proper facilities, such as a new Village Hall/Police Station to accommodate the needs of current and future residents, iii)improve public opinion by continuing to promote a strong customer service based operation, and iv). encourage residents to volunteer and get involved in Village activities.Key Issue 2 To promote community and economic development efforts by: i) establishing a new, vibrant ""vision"" for the community through corridor planning, design guidelines, and the creation of an Appearance Commission, ii) maintain a positive working relationship with other governmental agencies such as CMAP, the Northern Moraine Wastewater Reclamation District, IDOT, and the Lake and McHenry County Department of Highways, iii) re-evaluate Village codes, policies and procedures to make the development review process more efficient and streamline, while at the same time promoting innovative and quality developments that are unique to Lakemoor, vi) re-evaluate the Village's Comprehensive Plan to ensure that future land use decisions do not negatively impact property values, vii) promote the Route 53 extension, and viii)develop a marketing program to maintain, enhance and diversify the Village's economic base.Key Issue 3 To promote public safety by i). increasing police visibility and presence, ii) encouraging nieghborhood watch programs and working with homeowner groups, and iii) participating in regional, state and national law enforcement programs.Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?I have more than 17 years of experience working for local government. My role as a Village Planner in the Department of Planning and Community Development for two of the largest communities in Illinois has given me the experience and tools needed to promote sound public policy. I can also bring a fresh, new perspective to Lakemoor. My background as a municipal planner has given me a comprehensive understanding of zoning law, land managment, and economic development as well as first hand experience with new development trends and technologies that are being proposed throughout the Chicago Metropolitian Area. I also understand the fundamental importance of public participation and due process, which are the cornerstones to true governmental transparancy. Lastly, I have no hidden political agenda or aspirations. Rather, I want to use my knowledge and skills to make Lakemoor an even more unique and special place as well as to further improve the quality of life for all residents of the 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.Lakemoor's share of retail sales tax is 1%. Although state statute allows an additional 1% through referendum for non-home rule communities, I do not think that is the right course of action to take right now. If the sales tax rate were to be increased, the business community might be less inclined to invest in Lakemoor, and the additional cost would be pushed onto the consumer, thereby making goods and services more expensive for our residents. Therfore, I would recommmend that we maintain the current tax structure. This, in my opinion will send a very strong, positive message of stability in an unstable economy.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 biggest concern I hear is the ever increasing number of foreclosed home that are popping up in the neighborhood. Once vacated, these homes can become attractive nusiances and maintenance headaches for both the Village and residents alike. To begin addressing this issue, the Village needs to; i). make sure that our property maintenance standards are equipped to handle this issue, ii). inventory where these foreclosured homes are located so that the Police Department, homeowner groups, and neighborhood watch groups can work together and provide the necessary monitoring, and iii). hold the lender responsible for all maintenance and safety related issues.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?Given the size of our governmental budget and structure there is only so much that can be trimmed and cut before the quality of our municipal services depreciates. As trustee, I will look to see where the budget can be tightened. For starters I would look to see if there are any cost savings in merging certain departmental operating budgets. I would also like to see the Village continue with its efforts to employ new technology, such as E-Services, to reduce administrative costs.What#146;s one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?A New Vision! I would like to work with fellow Village Board members, Board and Commission members, and Village residents on developing a new vision for the community. This vision would establish a framework for a walkable town center that is located at the heart of the community. This plan would create a distinct sense of place, by promoting i) a diversity of land uses including retail, entertainment, housing, and offices, ii) functional green space around Lilly Lake that is open to the public for civic events, art walks, and resident interaction, and iii) innovative design guidelines to create a unique look and identity. This vision would define who we are as a community and would differentiate us from neighboring communities, thereby giving us that competitive advantage or edge that we need to strengthen our tax base by retaining and attracting businesses to our community.