Ray Lang: 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: WheelingWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Wheeling Village boardAge: Candidate did not respond.Family: Wife; Deb of 17 years. Children; Lauren, Andy NickOccupation: Creative/Print DirectorEducation: Wheeling High School, Class of 1978. Studied journalism and college prep courses.Southern Illinois University, Class of 1982. Bachelor of Science in Communications. Studied journalism, advertising and marketing, and minored in state and local politics.Civic involvement: 11 years on Wheeling#146;s Zoning Board of Appeals followed by nine years on the combined Wheeling Plan Commission, Chairman for the last four of the nine years.Elected offices held: Trustee, Village of Wheeling 2009-Present,Chairman, Wheeling Plan Commission 2004-2008Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NOCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 #147;To help promote redevelopment of old, tired and vacant properties to include more shopping and restaurants residents can walk or bike to. One way to do this is to continue to improve our population demographics to match what retailers look for when they locate quality shopping in communities.#148;Key Issue 2 #147;To carefully review all projects to control spending, I believe Wheeling is poised for a healthy future. Most of our large infrastructure projects are completed and no new large-scale construction is anticipated. These much needed improvements will serve Wheeling residents for many years into the future and show potential businesses that Wheeling is investing in its future, so should they.#148;Key Issue 3 #147;To determine ways to fill huge vacancies including Wickes and Kmart with revenue-generating, mixed use projects that are ready to start as the economy continues to improve. We need our residents supporting Wheeling businesses and find more ways to bring other folks to town to spend their money here.#148;Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?#147;I am a positive, forward-thinking person who looks for opportunity as no good comes from negative thoughts and complaining. And, as a life-long resident, a former part time employee of the village throughout college followed by 20 years as a volunteer Zoning and Plan Commissioner#133;I know Wheeling very well!Plus, I am not indebted to anyone except fair and equitable treatment to all stakeholders living or doing business in Wheeling. My campaign is 100% financed by my family so I owe no favors. I am simply giving back to my community to make Wheeling a better place to live.#148;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.#147;I do not believe our businesses are over-taxed, and do believe our sales taxes are comparable to our surrounding Cook County communities.In today#146;s economy, we need to be very aware how difficult it is for both businesses and residents to pay higher taxes. The best way to offset any need for additional levied revenue is to attract more retail, commercial and industrial businesses to Wheeling. BUT, Wheeling residents need to show support for these businesses and #145;Shop Wheeling#146; whenever possible.In reviewing my personal tax bill and highlighting the portion allocated to Village of Wheeling, I do believe Wheeling is a bargain to live in compared to surrounding communities. Much of the taxes are charged from the other taxing bodies, especially schools, not the Village of Wheeling#146;s portion.#148; 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.#147;Wheeling is fortunate to have first class police, fire, public works, community development, human services, financial and village management to stay on top of potential issues and keep our village running smoothly. They are all very proactive to assure our community avoids public safety issues before they occur.#148;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?#147;Controlling spending and debt is key. My family lives within our means in our own household and still has a great life. We are thankful for what we have while growing and striving for more. And, we#146;ve saved for our children#146;s future so they will have an equal if not better life. This totally applies to municipal budgets. In both cases you spend what you can afford to build a better community but you do so based on staying out of debt and keeping an eye on growth for your future.More than 70% of Wheeling's operating budget comes solely from staff that supports all of the key services, which keep our community strong. Careful evaluation of is staffing is very important so we continue to get the best from our employees.#148;What#146;s one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?#147;To be positive and professional as your Trustee for the Village of Wheeling. We need forward-thinking leaders on our village board and our community to position Wheeling for a strong future. We need to properly allocate TIF funding to support strong projects that bring additional revenue while reducing the need to levy more funds from our residents.In addition, you can trust that I will conduct village business IN the council chambers...NOT on my driveway, NOT out and around town and NOT on internet blogs!#148;