Steve Riess, 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: Hawthorn WoodsWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Hawthorn Woods Village board, 4-year termAge: 58Family: wife Mary Ann' Sarah Rachel - ChildrenOccupation: Business owner Nu-Way Search, Inc.Education: noneCivic involvement: 12 years as trusteeElected offices held: TrusteeHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: noCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 To generate new revenue for the village that does not add tax burden to the residents.Key Issue 2 To communicate to the residents some of the difficult problems that we have managed to overcome and to remain a transparent body.Key Issue 3 To provide accessibility to information for residents through the use of technology and to provide technology tools for operating the village that will allow us to do a better job.Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?I have 12 years experience as a Trustee and have always maintained the highest standards of the job. Fiscal responsibility, open / honest government. I have been an outspoken advocate of doing what is right for the residents, even if it wasn't popular with the other Board members or the Mayor.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.The burden of Sales Tax is not paid by business, but rather by the consumers. Tax levels are already too high, and government must stop thinking they can #8220;keep going back to the well#8221; for more. Our village does not have the ability to increase (or decrease) sales taxes because we are not a #8220;home rule#8221; community. Given our proximity to McHenry County, it would not be good for Lake County to increase sales taxes and cause the consumers in our village / region of the County to look elsewhere for making significant purchases#8230;.. this would hurt local businesses.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.No opinionIn 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?No opinionWhat's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?Bicycle and pedestrian paths throughout the village with routing symbols painted on the streets and upright posts providing routes to the Aquatic Center, Heritage Oaks, Community Park and other areas of the Village. This will enable residents to access the entire community on foot or bicycle without ever being on a busy road