Bert Rosenberg: 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: Arlington HeightsWebsite: http://www.AHTrustees.comOffice sought: Arlington Heights Village Board (4-year Terms)Age: 61Family: Married Wife-Sandi Son-Michael-34 and wife-Tara and two sons, Marshall-3 and Breckin- 1 month Son- Jonathan-31Occupation: CPA, Partner in a National Public Accounting firm-CliftonLarsonAllen LLPEducation: BS Accounting-Northern Illinois University CPA-Licensed in Illinois Member of Illinois CPA Society and the AICPA (American Institute of CPA's) Numerous continuing education classes in accounting and tax are taken in excess of forty hours a year.Civic involvement: Active member of the Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce. Recipient of Arlington Heights Chamber 2008 President's Award. President and Treasurer of the Terramere Homeowners Association for the last 24 years. Former coach of the Youth Basketball and Little League teams. Former Indian Guides, Trailblazers and Cub Scouts leader. Continually attending numerous civic functions throughout the year. Supporter of Metroplois Performing Arts Center.Elected offices held: Arlington Heights Village Trustee November 2000 through April 2001, appointed for six months. Elected three times and will have served from May 2001 through April 2013. Served in the Environmental Control Commission for 13 as a member and chairperson from 1987 to 2000, responsible for bringing recycling to Arlington Heights. Village O'Hare Noise Control Commision member.Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Economic Development-retention and further development of business within the villageKey Issue 2 Preservation of village infrastructure and services. The maintenance of streets, roadways, water mains and sewers as well as trees and parkways. This includes water retention and diversion. Maintaining a high level of fire and police sevices.Key Issue 3 The village budget continues to be a source of constant of monitoring and review to be able to balance the annual expenses to the amount of revenue available. Pensions are one of the top issues that we deal with annually.Questions Answers Talk about your position on term limits for municipal elected officials, and explain why you support or do not support them.I do not believe that term limits should be in place. If the voting population does not believe a candidate for office is worthy of being re-elected they have the right to choose another through the voting process in place.What is your position on housing for the mentally ill in Arlington Heights? Would you ever support it in a residential area, or only in an industrial or commercial area?I am supportive of housing for the mentally ill as long as the site meets zoning requirements and village ordinances. I believe it should be located in an area that would accommodate the needs of its residents, i.e. transportation, shopping, etc.Given the delicate balance between the need for revenue and over-taxing local businesses, what is your opinion of the village's present level of local sales taxes? Is the tax just right, too low or too high? Explain.I believe that the existing sales tax level is adequate. We need to improve upon the amount of sales being generated from each business as well as bring additional businesses to the village, especially from high sales tax generators like auto dealers and furniture and hardware retailers. We are continually seeking additional business and ways to enhance what currently exists through the village's economic development coordinator and the planning department.What are the village's biggest public safety concerns? Explain the concern as you see it, and discuss how you think it should be addressed.The ability to provide top notch services, police, fire and public works as well as that of the internal functions of health, finance, building, planning and engineering departments. In the past few years we had to deal with EAB-Emerald Ash Bore and flooding, more of the climate and nature issues. In addition, the drought has been causing deterioration and upheaval of water mains. We continue to have to find additional sources of funds to cover these problems. In addition, the municipal pensions continue to be a significant annual cost for all village employees.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?I was instrumental in reducing the current year tax by almost 40% from the original suggested amount. I have been one of the key budget "watchdogs" over the years. We have reviewed the budget annually to look for cost cutting measures and ways to save tax dollars. We have done an outstanding job of refinancing any debt that is outstanding at significantly lower rates, in some cases less than half of the current rate. As mentioned in the question above we have had to divert funds for EAB, flooding and continued street and sewer repairs. We continue to provide responsive and timely services to our residents.