Patsy J. Smith: 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: Campton HillsWebsite: http://www.vote4camptonhills.comOffice sought: Campton Hills Village presidentAge: 54Family: Widow and mother to three grown children. Brandon (26), Laura (23) and Taylor (20). My son-in-law, Captain Robert Morgan Jr., is an Air Force Captain currently serving in Afghanistan.Occupation: Village President and AdministratorEducation: BS in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance and Real Estate, Colorado State University, 1978Civic involvement: *Village President - Village of Campton Hills*Liquor Commissioner - Village of Campton Hills*Finance Committee Member - Village of Campton Hills*Member, Kane-Elgin HOME Commission*Member Kane Co. Board Liaison, Metro West Council of Governments*Member, Kane/Kendall Council of Mayors*Member, Kane/Kendall Council of Mayors Transportation Policy Committee*Member, Metropolitan Mayor's Caucus*Past President of #8220;Preserve Campton#8221;, a Not-For-Profit Corp. working to overcome Elgin's zoning decision to bring mass housing into Campton Plato Townships.*Past Chairman of the #8220;Incorporation Committee#8221; which led to the creation of the Village of Campton Hills. *G.A.I.N. Investment Club Member*Choir Member First Baptist Church of GenevaElected offices held: Village President, 2007 - PresentHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 My Number 1 campaign issue is to continue to be fiscally responsible while providing necessary municipal services to residents and maintaing a zero tax levy. Over the last four years, we have worked hard to ""live within our means"" while providing quality services to our residents, including excellent police protection, which has improved greatly since incorporation due to the Sheriff's limited resources. My goal in the next four years is to maintain fiscal well-being while improving our level of staffing for greater efficiency as we continue to mature as a Village. We are a well functioning Village and now we need to build on the base we have established.Key Issue 2 My Number 2 campaign issue is finishing what we started when we incorporated. Our Village is still in its infancy and while we are providing necessary services, there is much work still to be done as we build on our success to date. We are beginning a two year process of revising our Comprehensive Land Use Plan which will involve substantial citizen input. We need to finalize a Long-Range Fiscal Plan and work on a Strategic Plan for the Village. We also need to complete a Records Management Plan and review the Village Code, the Subdivision Ordinance and the Zoning Ordinance and make changes which will reflect the Village's goals. Experience has told us that while we did a good job in getting started as a Village by adopting parts of the ordinances of other governmental entities, we now need to turn to ""fine tuning"" them.Key Issue 3 My third campaign issue will be to promote and protect ""Campton Hills."" After we get the basics completed (listed above) I would like to educate others about our great community and our wonderful, talented citizens . The Village's semi-rural atmosphere with horse farms, natural resources, and scenic beauty are highly valued by its residents. Historic landmarks such as Garfield Farm and Corron Farm offer a view of life in rural Kane County years ago. Our area provides an escape from the hectic lifestyle of urban life and also provides a high quality of life which we must be ever vigilant to protect.Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?As a founding member of the Village and its first Village President, I have acquired the experience necessary to lead our new Village for another four years and can provide the continuity needed to finish building the Village's foundation. Because of the need to ""live within our means"" I have learned to wear many hats and have developed a wide range of knowledge about municipal government. I have also developed relationships with leaders of other communities, which helps me learn from experiences of others. I have also developed relationships with our leaders at the state level, which is invaluable.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.At 1%, the Campton Hills' local sales tax is the lowest possible. This 1% went to the County prior to formation of the Village. I believe our present level of local sales tax is adequate and there is no need to consider raising it.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 Fox River Countryside Fire/Rescue Districts' recent decision to form its own department and build two new fire stations is the greatest public safety concern for this area. To my knowledge, the Fire District has not negotiated essential Auto Aid Agreements with our neighbors. This is a concern for many people who are questioning the ability of the District to handle multiple emergencies simultaneously. The Village has no influence over how the Fire Protection District operates since they are a separate governing body; their leaders are appointed by the Kane County Board Chairman. On the ballot this April, the Village has placed an advisory (non-binding) referendum question asking voters whether they would like the Village to investigate the formation of a Fire Department covering the entire Village.I believe the Village will be in a better position to work with our neighbors regarding Auto Aid Agreements if the Fire District is unsuccessful in entering into agreements will all of our neighboring fire protection districts and fire departments to provide the proper assistance needed for fire suppression and emergency services for our residents. Part of our Village needs water to be delivered for fire fighting due to the lack of fire hydrants. Cooperation by all of our neighbors during the times when water is needed is critical. Wasco residents and business owners, and those living in Fox Mill and Fox Creek that have fire hydrants available, may see their Insurance Service Organization (ISO) ratings change, which could increase their property insurance premiums. The safety of Village residents is a top priority. Based upon my experience with the Fire District over the last two months, their secrecy with their own Citizens Advisory Committee, the lack of adequate communication with the public about the upcoming changes, the fact that the District chose to ignore the voters' input from the Nov. 5th election, the fact they did not seek input from voters via referendum before they severed their relationship with St. Charles, and their initial reluctance to work with the Village regarding our Zoning regulations, leads me to believe that the District's plans have not been well thought out and could have dire consequences.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?For the last four years, the Village has monitored every penny and has been cautious when spending. Our budget has very little left to be trimmed. There are several popular services we offer that could be cut if necessary. The Village could stop funding the Beautification Committee, the Heritage Farm Fest, National Night Out and Farmers Market. The ""Too Good For Drugs"" educational program at two D303 elementary schools and the Ride-In-Kane program are the only other optional programs that could be considered. The Village Board won't know until the census numbers are certified whether or not these programs or events will be able to be funded in Fiscal Year 2012. If at all possible, I would like for these programs and events to continue.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?If residents want the Village to investigate providing fire and emergency services, I believe we should work to lower taxes for the residents who pay a tax rate of over $0.50 per $100 of assessed valuation. I believe one way to do that would be to contract with our neighbors through competitive bidding. It is imperative we have an auto aid agreement with the City of St. Charles. They are our best equipped neighboring fire department. I am concerned that the Fox River and Countryside Fire/Rescue District's proposal is being rushed. Without our neighbors' help, I believe our residents will experience unacceptable levels of fire and emergency services protection. Another option for coverage would be to look at the feasibility of cross training the Village Police Department and forming a ""Public Service Department"" with only one administration for both Fire and Police officers. There are several municipalities that already do this and one of our Police Officer is already an EMT and Fire Fighter. Another ""thinking out-of-the-box"" option would be to investigate consolidating all fire districts in the County into one ""Unincorporated Fire District"" to lower the costs of administration and attempt to better utilize expensive equipment.