Ralph Brindise: 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: lakemoorWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Lakemoor Village boardAge: 62Family: widowed, two daughters; both marriedOccupation: Tool sales business in Lakemoor for 34yrs.Education: Maine East high school graduate ; Wright Jr CollegeCivic involvement: President of Lakemoor Dollars for Scholars ; volunteer at Lakemoorfest; member of Village Hall planning committee; former Lakemoor liason on Northern Moraine Sanitary District board.Elected offices held: Trustee on Village BoardHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 The Village has stayed financially stable so far in the current economic environment. We need to be very careful about staying within our budget.Key Issue 2 I'd like to see sewer service extended to the east along the 120 business corridor to help attract new business development.Key Issue 3 We need to find new ways to generate revenue that are not tax related.Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?Past experience; knowlege of Lakemoor historyGiven 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.I think the rate is right, but I feel we need to bring in new business for a broader tax base. This has been done here in the past by offering new businesses incentives to build in Lakemoor.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.Candidate did not respond.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?Our budget is our top priority; as I am writing this(1-23-11) we are finalizing the budget and we are making cuts where we can, while affecting services provided as little as possible. At this time it seems all areas have the funds they need for the year.What#146;s one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?I would like to see the Village reward developers for using greener building practices and materials.