Rick Gieser: 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: Carol StreamWebsite: http://www.electrickgieser.comOffice sought: Carol Stream Village presidentAge: 47Family: Married to Kim since 1993, one sonOccupation: Sports Producer at WGN Radio, Public Relations Director for Zanies Comedy ClubsEducation: BA in Telecommunications, Indiana University, 1986Civic involvement: Board of Directors of Carol Stream Historical Society, League Coordinator and Manager for Park District baseball, Carol Stream Chamber of Commerce, Volunteer at Evergreen and Benjamin Schools, Volunteer for Cub Scout Pack 175, Carol Stream 4th of July Parade Committee, Secretary of the Carol Stream Police and Fire Commission, Legislative Committee for the DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference, Board of Directors for the DuPage County Historical Museum, Planning Committee for the DuPage Convalescent Center 5K runElected offices held: Carol Stream Village Trustee, 2003-presentHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NO!Candidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 My top priority is to improve the communications in the Village of Carol Stream. We need to do a better job of communicating to the residents and communicating to the world. This goal can be achieved by utilizing traditional and social media, text messaging and other newer technologies that the residents and business community have already adopted and use every day.Key Issue 2 No property tax. The Village does not have a property tax and I believe we can remain one of the few communities in the state without a property tax. By working diligently to cut costs and living within our budget, the Village will continue to have a secure fiscal future, with strong public safety and services that benefit the whole community. At the same time, the Village Board and staff need to continue to encourage business and retail to locate in Carol Stream.Key Issue 3 To increase business and retail in the community. I would review the ordinances and policies to see if they encourage or discourage business and retail from locating in Carol Stream. The Village needs to create and maintain a database of available sites and locations and share this with interested businesses. Then we need to promote that Carol Stream is business friendly using new and traditional communication sources. Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?As a longtime resident, I am the best candidate because I understand the rich history of the Village and want to do my part to secure its bright future. I grew up in Carol Stream and my parents and two brothers live in the Village. My skills as a broadcaster for WGN radio and as a public relations professional will provide leadership and knowledge on how to improve communication, in and out of, the Village. My involvement and active participation with groups, organizations and governmental bodies throughout the Village has provided me with insights into the life of the community. I look forward to working with these groups, cooperating and collaborating for the benefit of the community. I have no interest in using this position as a stepping stone to other elective office. My goal is to become the best Mayor/Village President I can be and to improve the Village of Carol Stream for my son and the children of all the residents.Many buildings in the industrial park on Gary Avenue remain vacant and could provide a large revenue stream. How could the village best promote that park to bring businesses in?We need to adopt social media and new communication technologies to promote the attributes of Carol Stream and the business opportunities the community can provide. Establishing and maintaining a database of available properties and sharing this with the business world could provide Carol Stream with a competitive advantage. Creating a website or social media site providing the business benefits of locating in Carol Stream, information on ordinances that might pertain and a list of available sites and locations will assist a prospective business in choosing the community. We need to provide easily accessible information for businesses to choose Carol Stream. We also need to continue to work with the local Chamber of Commerce and regional organizations such as Choose DuPage to promote the benefits of locating in Carol Stream.Red-light cameras have been controversial almost since they first were installed in Carol Stream. Where do you stand on that issue?I believe that red light cameras are an important tool in reducing accidents at dangerous intersections.A recent Chicago Tribune editorial stated that broadside accidents and rear end accidents have declined since red light cameras have been implemented. In 2009, the first year red light cameras were in Carol Stream, there were 666 accidents. In 2010, there were only 544 accidents. That#146;s 122 fewer accidents in 2010 than 2009.....with no fatalities since 2005. The Village Board needs to continue to monitor that the cameras are indeed improving safety at each intersection. At the same time, I have no interest in expanding the program to other intersections, unless their implementation could reduce severe accidents.The park district will build a huge recreation center just south of Town Center in the near future. What should the village do to get involved in that and how much of an impact can, and should, the village have on that project?As the owner of the property being sold to the Park District, the Village of Carol Stream and Carol Stream Village Board have been involved in this project since the early stages. I was a member of the team that met with the Park District to negotiate the sale of the property. During those meetings, we discussed the shared parking lot, roads and the design of the recreation center. As the project continues, the Village Board and staff need to be involved as a collaborating partner.....working together on issues, projects and events for the enrichment of the community. The Village Board and Park District have already agreed to meet to discuss scheduling and sharing resources to save money for the residents. How would you fix the flooding issues that have plagued Carol Stream in the last several years? What, specifically, would you do to both fix the problem and put residents at ease that they won't have to worry about this in the future?I believe the County#146;s plan to use Armstrong Park as a flood control project will aid in alleviating the flooding in Carol Steam. I will continue to work with the County and other governmental bodies to make sure this project is completed and does reduce flooding. If disaster funding becomes available, we will work with residents who may be interested and eligible in voluntary buyouts of their property. The Village is currently working with three property owners on voluntary buyouts of property in the flood plain. We also need to encourage residents and local organizations to clean out the creeks and shorelines to reduce blockage and to prevent erosion and runoff that contributes to flooding. I have participated in these and the amount of rubbish that is thrown into the waterways is appalling. I will work to educate the community about the dangers of disposing refuse into the waterways. To put residents at ease about this issue, we need to do a better job of communicating with them about their concerns. I will meet with them to discuss their issues and work on creating solutions.....together. Utilizing reverse 911, text messaging and social media prior to severe events will benefit the entire community. With all that in mind, we can never completely eliminate flooding. We can work to minimize the effect on residents and work with them to be prepared during severe weather.