Mike Terson: 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: Buffalo GroveWebsite: http://miketerson.comOffice sought: Buffalo Grove Village boardAge: 40Family: Wife - Nicole Son - JackOccupation: Public Relations and Marketing Manager at the Buffalo Grove Park District. Public Address Announce for the Chicago Wolves.Education: BA from Northern Illinois University in CommunicationsCivic involvement: Was a member of the Village of Buffalo Grove's 50th Anniversary Committee, and currently a member of the Village of Buffalo Grove's Bicycle Committee.Elected offices held: NoneHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 I would like to see our village government do even more to try and make Buffalo Grove#146;s retail presence stronger. One way in which I see us being able to accomplish this is by further relaxing our sign code. I think that digital interchangeable copy signs like the one along Milwaukee Avenue at City Park in Lincolnshire make commercial property seem more modern and attractive to businesses. I think that a sign like that along Lake Cook Road at Town Center might help revitalize what is the perception of that property.Key Issue 2 Our village staff and Board have done an excellent job of making sure Buffalo Grove is financially strong. I think it is important to elect people who understand municipal budgeting, as well as know their role in that process and how to be an effective part of that team. It is not only important for us today, but we need to make sure we keep our community as strong as it is for future generations.Key Issue 3 One of my campaign issues the last time I ran was the fence code. I said then, and I still feel, that Buffalo Grove should allow its residents to construct a 6 feet high fence if they choose. Most of the surrounding communities allow for a 6 feet fence, so there is already precedent that it is an acceptable height.Since then, the Village has recently brought up the issue and is seeking feedback from residents. I think that the Village spends way too much time listening to people#146;s request for a 6 feet high fence, and personally, I feel that people should be able to build a 6 feet high fence if that is the level of privacy they prefer.Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?I am a logical person who is a good listener, and I genuinely want what is best for my community. Also, because I work for our Park District, I have already dedicated my professional life to the betterment of Buffalo Grove.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.Most of the sales tax we pay comes from the state and county, the portion that the village collects is miniscule. Like anyone else, I do not want to see any of the taxes I pay increased. One of the things I at least like about the recently proposed gasoline tax increase is that it doesn#146;t just put the tax burden on the residents of Buffalo Grove, like a utility tax or property tax increase does. No one is forced to buy their gasoline in Buffalo Grove, so if their was a gasoline tax increase, people could choose to opt out of it if they wish to by not purchasing their gasoline in town. The up side is that much, and possibly most, of the revenue collected from a gasoline tax would be from people who don#146;t live in Buffalo Grove. Anytime you can generate tax revenue from people that don#146;t live in your town, I think that is a good thing.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.I haven#146;t heard anyone express any public safety concerns. With the level of service provided by our police, fire and public works departments, I think most people feel very safe in Buffalo Grove. The fact that the Village added a bicycle committee and is looking to improve the path system in Buffalo Grove is an example of how proactive our Village is when it comes to public safety.One thing I have noticed as a resident in the older section of town is that is can be dangerous driving down certain side streets when cars are parked on both sides of the street. I might ask that Village staff examine that and determine if a parking restriction to one side of the street in some areas is warranted.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 was at the Village Board#146;s budget meeting, and I was very impressed with the presentation given by the staff. I honestly think that they cut where needed and planned expenditures wisely. When you have a municipality with as little debt as Buffalo Grove has, and a balanced budget, I don#146;t think it would be wise for newly elected official to come in suggesting what should or shouldn#146;t be cut.What#146;s one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?One thing that I would like to accomplish is to eradicate bullying from our community. Buffalo Grove has been recognized in recent years by a number of publications as one of the best communities to live in and raise a family. While we already have such an excellent community, I feel that one way it could be better is by making a concerted effort to create a community in which our children are free from bullying.I would like to see us create a group of community leaders from our school districts, park district, village and police department, whose goal is to come up with methods to eliminate bullying. I think that if a group of citizens, elected officials and professionals collaborate and regularly communicate, we would see this problem decrease, and maybe one day not exist.