David Chapman: 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: caryWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Cary Village Board (4-year Terms)Age: 54Family: 2 sons, 1 granddaughterOccupation: Environmental Compliance Manager for a global electronics firm based in CaryEducation: Candidate did not respond.Civic involvement: Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees) 30 years Lions International Fox River Grove Special Events Committee C.G. Masonic Community ChristmasElected offices held: None yetHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: n/aCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 We need to fill the empty storefronts and vacant businesses and create incentive for business to expand here which will increase tax revenue, employ more people and make Cary a choice for business looking for a place to start. We need to be setting policy as a Board as to the range of fees charged for Village servicesKey Issue 2 increase transparency in Village business as it affect our residents, require hard numbers be provided to show any need for revenue enhancement and not raise fees just to increase revenues. Ensure that revenue neutral ordinances are just that, if we raise money by the ordinance then there should be a corresponding reduction in another line itemKey Issue 3 We need to establish environmental programs for our residents to reduce, reuse and recycle more than we currently are.Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?I have 30 years of Leaderships skills to share, having seen the Village grow and change it's time for a new vision and I will treat community groups, business groups, churches, and schools as an asset to attract more involvement in OUR Village. Our residents will not be afraid to come to Village Hall because we will be an advocate for them.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 tax rate is too high, it creates healthy emergency and contingency funds which is great and in a better economy that was ok, but right now we should reduce the burdens on our residents and live within our means for the near term. If we can still operate efficiently without adding to these surpluses then we owe that to our rate payers.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.1. several people have mentioned about putting a couple Red Light cameras at the 2 dangerous intersections. 2. people speeding through the neighborhoodsIn 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?We have surplus reserves in several budgets like water and Sewer which should be tapped rather than raising tax rates on our people, Reducing fees charged to business looking to expand. I would like to our new Economic Director to investigate a tax rebate program for business similar to Crystal Lakes. I would like to see us spearhead a Community wide project. Timbertown was a good exampleWhat's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?We should be involving our Hispanic population of our Village, there has not been enough outreach done, we all have much to share culturally and it's time to stop looking at them as outsiders. We are missing a very valuable asset to our town when we ignore or fear any group of people we live with simply because we don't know them. We can do more to promote committee and board input from all our residents.