Steve Knar, 4 years: 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: Fox River GroveWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Fox River Grove Village board, 4-year termAge: 45Family: Wife, Sue, 18 years 2 Sons Kyle, 13 Ryley, 11Occupation: I own a printing and apparel company, Excel Graphics Promotions, based in Rolling MeadowsEducation: Brother Rice High School, 1983Carthage College, Kenosha, WITrinity Christian College, Palos Hills, ILCivic involvement: I coach Youth Soccer Baseball for The FRG Rec Council, Cary Youth Baseball, Kits in Lake Zurich.Elected offices held: School District 3 School Board Member 2005 #8211; 2009 School District 3 School Board Vice President 2007 #8211; 2009Village of Fox River Grove Trustee 2009 #8211; PresentServe on Public Health Safety and Public Works CommitteesHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: Candidate did not respond.Candidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 The existing village board, me included, has gone through a year long process, with consultants, to address our need for redevelopment of our downtown. This is the most extensive study undertaken to the best of my knowledge. We are at the point where we have just about all the tools we need to make a decision on moving forward. As the economy improves, we will be able to welcome development.Metra is building a new train station, along with several other upgrades. This will help spur interest in our downtown also.There are many questions still to answer, and the inevitable question of how to pay for what the village will need to contribute. But, the downtown must be addressed if we want generate additional revenue for the village. Our downtown, with a mix of restaurants and retail, will not only draw local people, but draw residents from surrounding communities who we compete with for sales tax dollars.Key Issue 2 We will be constructing a Public Works facility in the near term future. The matter is in the courts now, as residents that live in its proximity object to the location. Once resolved, we will have to build or lease something somewhere. The Illinois EPA, is requiring the village to upgrade our Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP). The existing facility sits on the property that we will need for that expansion.I have been outspoken, and voted accordingly in my opposition. My opposition is not to the location or the need for a facility, but rather the size and cost of the building. I would like to see a facility that would be about 30+% smaller with a corresponding 10-20% reduction in overall cost. What were building is excessive in my opinion. Also, it can be argued, the facility doesn't address the long term needs for Public Works.The building, once constructed, will be paid for using an already issued debt certificate. This was an #8220;end-around#8221; method of financing once a bond issue was basically halted by petition. I voted no.Key Issue 3 Our Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) will have to be expanded by the Illinois EPA. There is a new requirement forthcoming that will mandate we remove more phosphorus and ammonia from the treated water before releasing it into the Fox River. This will require expansion, and estimated costs are in the millions. We're taking proactive steps to reduce those costs. These include: partnering with the Village of Cary in a water sampling study of the Fox River, pursuing state and federal grants, and applying for low interest loans through a state program.Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?My willingness to serve the community. I enjoy having a voice in charting the future course of this town. Mainly my ability to #8220;spend the money like it's my own#8221;. I hate waste unnecessary spending and have become even more conservative through these tough economic times. Additionally, I won't bow to pressure, and vote accordingly when I feel it's in the best interests of the residents.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.Well, I certainly wouldn't follow suit with what our state legislators did in raising taxes. I know our local businesses have and will continue to struggle through the recovery were in. The last thing I would do is put our businesses at a competitive disadvantage by raising taxes. Lowering taxes is an option I would not pursue either.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.I have noticed a slight increase in crime in the community. Unfortunately, in a difficult economy, theft (and related petty crimes) are a byproduct of that. We do have a great Police force and they have a high level of dedication to the community. Our police force has gotten a #8220;bad rap#8221;; they do a great job, and most residents are pleased.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?Great question, I am going through my 2nd budget cycle as a Trustee. So, were in the process of analyzing that currently. The budget was cut last year, but did not affect staff or hours worked. I believe there are always ways to derive savings; I'm just not sure how much more can be cut without changing the way we operate. If revenue woes persist, lowering labor costs would have to be analyzed. We are already analyzing overtime, and how best to reduce that. Obviously payroll represents a significant portion of our budget.I would like to see us commit funds on a yearly basis for our parks. We have no park district, so we must provide and maintain them ourselves. We are significantly upgrading a new park in our community this summer; I'm hopeful we can do more.We must address our aging water sewer infrastructure. A repair and upgrade plan is being formulated, but will require budget commitment, and may put pressure on water and sewer rates.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?We have a terrific group of people on our Parks Commission, whose primary concern is analyzing our communities needs (for Parks Recreation), and then utilizing fundraising to the fund the projects. I'm really interested in improving the quality of life for my fellow residents. By that I mean, having the same amenities that larger, newer municipalities enjoy. I'd like to improve Picnic Grove Park farther. We need more open space; one example is clearing land on Algonquin Road near our elementary school. Additionally, we have many areas where walking paths trails could be installed.