Patrick Wartan: 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: ItascaWebsite: http://www.PatrickWartan.comOffice sought: Itasca Village boardAge: 25Family: SingleOccupation: AttorneyEducation: Juris Doctor, Magna Cum Laude, Chicago-Kent College of Law, May 2010Juris Doctor Candidate, John Marshall Law School, January 2008 #8211; December 2008Bachelor of Business Administration in Honors Marketing, DePaul University, June 2007Civic involvement: Chicago Bar Association's Pro Bono Summary Suspension ProgramElected 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 My primary goal in running for Village Trustee is to foster a better relationship between residents and their Trustees.The rationale for a representative government is for the elected officials to represent the resident#146;s best interests. It is essential that the Trustees be independent from one another to better serve the varying interest of each every resident. I am the only candidate running as an independent, and I fully intend on bringing my objectivity to serve Itasca#146;s residents.Key Issue 2 Trimming the budget, while growing Itasca.We need to look at ways in which we can trim the fat off the budget, without cutting necessary expenditures. I believe that we can keep the majority of our budget intact by simply implementing a more objective bid-awarding program. Projects should always go to the most responsible economical bidder. In addition, we can look at marketing community relation efforts aimed to bring in additional businesses to join us in Itasca. I have a background in marketing research strategy implementation. I believe we should take the time to do the research develop a path towards driving new businesses to Itasca. Just because they are not here now, does not mean it#146;s an impossible task. It will take time strategy, but together we can increase commerce in Itasca.Key Issue 3 After the last consolidated election, Itasca implemented a #145;Go Green#146; program. However, more can be done. We need to hold our suppliers, vendors, and contractors not only fiscally responsible but socially responsible as well. We can work together to beautify our village without incurring any additional cost.In addition, Itasca is a welcoming village. However, Irving Park Road is not as inviting as it could be. I would like to look at ways in which we can enhance the appearance of Irving Park throughout Itasca.Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?My objectivity passion for my community.I am completely objective when it comes to any type of political affiliations in Itasca. This is exactly why I made the decision to run as an independent. The Village Trustees should be independent from the Village President and more importantly independent from each other.I am passionate about my community and our values. I grew up in Itasca. I enjoyed park district events, the pool, the library, and everything else our village has to offer. I love talking with residents about their experiences as well as their concerns. I encourage anyone to reach out to me anytime, day or night, via e-mail or on my cell phone to discuss whatever may be troubling him or her.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.The local tax level is an ever-present issue. In my opinion, the tax level is too high. However, the tax level is set with Itasca#146;s budget in mind. Therefore, everything else held constant, the tax level needs to stay put. But, everything does not have to stay constant. If we can encourage more businesses to open in Itasca, specifically sales tax generating businesses, we can expect a lower tax rate. I#146;d like to work on marketing to encouraging those businesses to open up in Itasca.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.As I went door-to-door, residents have expressed many different safety concerns to me. There are things as simplistic as the necessity of streetlights curbs to the recent proposal to consolidate 911 dispatching. Residents are very concerned about the prospect of moving our dispatch to Addison. The proponents argue that the proposal may save the village some money. However, those savings need to be weighed against any impact on our safety.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?Itasca is known for it's strong sense of community. However, there is a delicate balance between community events Itasca#146;s budget. I believe that Itasca puts on some great events, and in my experience, residents really enjoy them. I would like to look at making more economical decisions when it comes to spending for these events.This concept should be applied globally to the budget. As a community, we need to make smarter decisions with our money. We can stretch our dollars further. Our projects should always go to the most responsible economical bidder.What#146;s one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?There is one group of people that are often forgotten, and that#146;s our young residents. I would love to see our youth involved in village government. We can create programs within the Nature Center, Police, and Fire Department that will drive them to want to participate and have a hand in shaping Itasca.