Robert R. Gonzalez: 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: AuroraWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: West Aurora D129Age: 52Family: Married. 3 ChildrenOccupation: State Farm Insurance AgentEducation: BA from the University of Illinois at Chicago.Civic involvement: Hispanic Chamber of CommerceVolunteer ESL teached at St. Pablo's church.Elected offices held: Candidate did not respond.Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: No.Candidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Parental and community involvement in our schools.Key Issue 2 Helping families understand the school's decision making process.Key Issue 3 Improving communication and decreasing negative perception of our schools.Questions Answers How satisfied are you that your district is preparing students for the next stage in their lives, whether it be from elementary into high school or high school into college or full-time employment? What changes, if any, do you think need to be made?Extremely satisfied.What budget issues will the district have to confront? What measures do you support to address them? If cuts are needed, be specific about programs and expenses that should be reduced or eliminated. Do you support any tax increases for local schools?I'm unable to identify any particular program or budgetary consideration without reviewing current programs and analysing budgetary need.Is experience as a teacher or support from a union valuable because it suggests educational insights or detrimental because it creates pro-teacher bias? Please clarify whether you have such experience or would accept union support.Teacher satisfaction is crucial for the learning of children. Having a good relationship with the union is imperative. I would have to listen to both sides and always choose what is best for the children.As contract talks come up with various employee groups, what posture should the board take? Do you believe the district should ask for concessions, expect employee costs to stay about the same as they are now or provide increases in pay or benefits?The board should listen to all sides involved in the contract talks and make an informed decision.If your district had a superintendent or other administrator nearing retirement, would you support a substantial increase in his or her pay to help boost pension benefits? Why or why not?I would never support a substancial increase in any administrators pay to boost his or her pension.