Toby Shaw: 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: ElginWebsite: http://www.votetobyshaw.comOffice sought: Elgin City CouncilAge: 32Family: Married, 4 children.Occupation: IT Manager: Oracle Database Administration, AonEducation: Bachelor of Computer Science-Business Focus, Judson College 1999Civic involvement: Vineyard of Elgin - member, sound technician, Sunday school teacher, small group leaderToastmasters - club presidentElected offices held: Candidate did not respond.Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Sound Leadership: Elginites are searching for leaders that share their morals, values, and a desire to serve others and not themselves. They#146;re looking for leaders who will listen to their ideas, concerns, and suggestions. Citizens are interested not in special treatment, but fair treatment.Key Issue 2 Play our part: As our country and state face the worst budget conditions in history, we need to be good stewards. Although state and federal grants are tempting, Elgin needs to lead the pack and pay for local projects with local dollars. As one of the ten largest cities in Illinois let's set an example.Key Issue 3 Be Elgin, be practical: The past few years Elgin has pushed for westward expansion beyond reasonable measures, while some existing portions of the city have gone under served. This expansion will stretch the city's limited resources in the departments of police, fire, and general city services.Questions Answers What prompted you to run for this office? What makes you the best candidate for the job?In 2007 when the presidential race was heating up, I found myself becomming interested in politics and U.S. history. One thing that consistently stared me in the face was the fact that many of our early leaders felt it was their duty to serve and be involved in civic matters. Hence, at this juncture in my life, I have both the desire and sense of duty to serve the citizens of Elgin in the office of Councilmember.Hard work, determination, loyalty, and faith were the building blocks of life that I learned while growing up on our family farm. They have served me well through life, thus far, and I believe they set me apart from the other candidates running for city council. Elgin needs leaders that will not waver in hard times or be unwilling to challenge the status quo. I am that leader.How will you deal with declining revenue, particularly in the riverboat fund?During these hard economic times as revenues are decreasing from all revenue sources I will continue to focus on the basic services that are necessary for the city to function: police, fire, and general city services. The riverboat funds have also declined dramatically year after year and the projects with the least benefit to the residents of Elgin would need to be cancelled. My focus would be to retain funding for the most vulnerable of our Elgin residents: children, elderly, and homeless.How well has the city addressed the issue of illegal immigration? Has it done what's appropriate or is there more to do? Please offer specifics.The city of Elgin has done a good job in regards to combating illegal immigration, but more is needed. I support the partnership of our police department and ICE. The real problem is a basic supply and demand issue. As long as employers are employing illegal immigrants the issue of illegal immigration will always be prevalent. Expanded use of the E-verify system should be required for businesses awarded economic incentives and city contracts.Where, if anywhere, could the current budget be trimmed, and conversely, are there areas the budget does not give enough money to? Does the city need to reprioritize the funds it puts toward municipal projects? Non-profits?If continued trimming of the city budget was necessary, the recreation budget would be one area of focus, specifically the Centre of Elgin. Due to the size of Elgin further pressure could be placed on vendors for purchases and on-going services provided to save the city money. Outsourcing of non-core services to the private sector should be explored to reduce the budget if needed.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?One item that may spur economic development and be a great attraction for downtown Elgin would be a public wifi hotspot. It could be leveraged to provide efficiencies for city operations as well as leveraged by residents and small businesses.