Maureen Lewis: 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: St. CharlesWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: St. Charles AldermanAge: 62Family: Married Philip Lewis 42 years Four adult children two live in St. Charles Eight grandchildren six live in St. CharlesOccupation: Currently Patient Service Representative, Kane Cardiology Geneva, Previously owned and operated Art's Cool a ceramic painting studio in downtown St.Charles from 1999 - 2004.Education: Graduate George E. Thompson High School, St. Charles, IlCivic involvement: City of St.Charles 708 Mental Health Board, 2002-PresentDowntown St. Charles Partnership, Public Art Committee and Marketing and Promotion Committee, 1999-2004St.Patrick Parish Council 2008-PresentSt.Patrick Flower Committee 1996-PresentSt.Charles East High School Boosters 1998-2002Elected offices held: This is the first elected office I have held. In December 2010, I was appointed unanimously to the position of Alderman Ward 5 City of St. Charles by the City Council of St.Charles. I am a candidate to continue in this position in the April 5, 2011 election.Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NOCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 I have very deep roots in the city of St. Charles. I was born and raised here and am a long time resident. My history is valuable to St. Charles and I will apply it to the many issues we face so that we will retain our heritage and continue the quality of life we enjoy. I believe our City is best served by a person who knows the community well and can apply that knowledge to the future.Key Issue 2 The economy with its reduced sales tax revenue and flat growth is challenging our City Government. We have responed well to this challenge by maintaning a high quality level of service within our budget. Continuing to spend within budget, without increasing taxes is very important and will reqiuire a continuous effort.Key Issue 3 The safety, welfare, and appearance of the fifth ward is a very high priority to me. We must be pro active in both suppressing crime and encouraging good care and maintenace of our city neighborhoods. I will continue to work closely with City staff to accomplish these goals.Questions Answers Explain whether you or do you not support the construction of the Red Gate Bridge project and the funding mechanism the city has established for its construction?The Red Gate Bridge has been needed for over 8o years. I belive it is time to get the Bridge built. I believe it was a good decision for the City to establish an internal funding mechanism to move such an important project forward. This new community river crossing will unify the north side of our city and provide an avenue for traffic, pedistrians and cyclists. The bridge will be a positive addition for all St.Charles residents.How should the old St. Charles Mall property be redeveloped, if at all?The site is located in a progressive area of St. Charles and our City would benefit by its development. The development of this property is of great concern to residents of Ward Five. Achieving an agreeable developement plan between area residents and the developer is extremely important. I will oppose the construction of apartments or high rise buildings. My personal vision for the site is a professional business campus or higher educational campus with some retail developement and generous amounts of green space.Do you support the current vision new ownership has for Charlestowne Mall? What should the city do to help the vitality of the mall and the attractiveness of the Oliver-Hoffman property?The New Owners of the Charlestown Mall have said they are committed to improving the Mall. I am supportive of their plans and will encourage the City to continue to assist them as much as we can. The Oliver-Hoffman property adjacent to the mall provides the City with an opportunity to be complimentary to the Charlestown Mall and corresponding area. The 30 or so acres of land are strategic and undeveloped and privately owned. It will likely stay that way until economic conditions improve. If there is an opportunity, the city has a variety of economic tools we could employ to assist a developers plan.The city is projected to finish the fiscal year with a small budget deficit. What, specifically, must the city do in the next fiscal year to avoid a deficit? Would you support the creation of new taxes to shore up the budget?The City of St.Charles has a history of fiscal dicipline and operating within their budget. As a member of the City Council I am aware of the potential operating deficit. Because of good planning, we have strong reserves to cover a deficit if it should occur this year. The City must continue to identify ways to reduce expenditures. I will not support tax increases to add revenue.Explain your reasons for whether you do or do not support the creation of a stormwater management fee or tax in St. Charles to create funds to address flooding problems?Stormwater capital projects are budgeted in the General Fund as we can afford them. I do not support the creation of a stormwater management fee or tax because I am opposed to raising taxes and I believe overall, the City has been doing a satisfactory job in stormwater management. There are a few ""hot spots"" in St.Charles that can expierence problems when there is an extrodinary amount of rain and I empathize with the residents who live in these areas. The City is committed to aleviating these stormwater problems at some point in the furure and I will encourage this effort.