Michael T. Kozel: 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: BarringtonWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Barrington Village boardAge: 57Family: 2 sons Sam 25, Jake 22Occupation: Owner Carpenter On CallEducation: BA Business Roosevelt University 2007 Magna Cum LaudeMBA Northern Illinois University 2011Civic involvement: Member Barrington Chamber Of CommerencePast member Barrington Breakfast RotaryMember Barrington Contractors Service GroupPast volunteer Barrington Middle SchoolElected offices held: noneHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: noCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 To take a leadership role in the implemention of provisions that will increase bicycle ridership throughout the Barrington community.Key Issue 2 To measure and manage resources as they pertain to the continued redevelopment of the downtown area.Key Issue 3 To increase shopper traffic to retail merchants in Barrington.Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?I have been a resident of the Barrington community for the past 30 years and have owned a business in the community for the past 32 years. I have a solid understanding of business cycles and how to best endure those cycles in order to prosper. I have studied and implemented business and management techniques and have a solid understanding of organizational behavior and how to best manipulate its resources.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.On the Cook County side of Barrington the sales tax rate is too high as compared to adjacent counties. On the Lake County side of Barrington, the taxes are competitive with the adjacent counties. More retail establishments and foot traffic is needed to increase sales in all areas.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.Public safty is given the highest priority. People want their community to be safe for their family and themselves.I would keep police and fire departments' resourses a priority: public safty should be the number 1 focus of local goverment.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 would look to stem our current legal exposure and expenses.Additionally he village currently incures expense due to its high level of property inventory. This needs to be reduced. Areas that need funding include services provided to residents, such as a trolley service to the train and stores, and more funding for senior services.What#146;s one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?There is a need to have a complete system of bike paths to link all the areas of the community including the Deer Grove Forest Preserve, Bakers Lake, the Cuba Marsh, downtown Barrington and the train, and extending it out to Barrington Hills. This would include marked trails with maps that could make our town a destination for bike enthusiasts and their families. We need to also look at the feasibiility of segway and or bike rentals to help patrons navigate the downtown retail establishments.