Gayle Deja-Schultz: 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: Sugar GroveWebsite: http://www.GayleDeja-Schultz.comOffice sought: Sugar Grove Village Board (4-year Terms)Age: 43Family: Married, with three childrenOccupation: Business Development, Marketing, Public Relations and Special EventsEducation: Associates, William Rainey Harper College, 1993 Bachelors, Northern Illinois University, 2013Civic involvement: Kaneland WINS, Kane County Senior Resources, Sugar Grove American Legion, WIM, Sugar Grove Corn Boil and various other community based programs.Elected offices held: President, Kaneland WINS, 2011 to Present Board of Directors, Kane County Senior Resources, 2012 Board of Directors, WIM DeKalb Chapter, 2011 President, West Suburban Hospitality Group, 2009 - 2011Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 To assist in facilitating responsible growth and development within the Village to enhance the lives of the residents of Sugar Grove. Through these efforts we will be able to strengthen our community resources, provide more support to improve our school district and increase our recreational programs.Key Issue 2 Develop a plan that would allow the Village to use a common sense approach to streamline our government processes in order to grow our village in manner that will keep our small town atmosphere, yet welcome new and exciting businesses to Sugar Grove.Key Issue 3 Communicate with residents on an regular basis to unsure an understanding of what their needs and expectations are in regards to the future of Sugar Grove.Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?Sugar Grove is truly a great place to live, work and play. With my years of experience in business development and my high level of community involvement, I am the perfect candidate to assist in the future development of our village and lead us into a great tomorrow.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.I understand just how difficult it is in when trying to balance revenue needs and taxes. In an effort to assist and retain our current businesses, I would work diligently to attract new businesses that would further complement our community.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.The biggest public safety concerns seems to be the traffic on our most utilized streets. We have just completed the reconstruction of the Galena overpass, with additional stop lights. There are currently plans to renovate the intersection of Rt. 47 and Cross Street. I would continue to work to secure funding to gain a better infrastructure to our Village on projects such as the Route 47 interchange, widening of Route 47 to two lanes and additional stop lights as needed to facilitate public safety.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 would continually monitor the Village's revenue and expenses and make recommendations to solicit proposals from many vendors to ensure the best and completive pricing. I would also encourage programs that would assist in the overall successful development of the community. In the last two years the community has lost several trees to the Emerald Ash Borer - I would endorse a program that would help assist in the replacement of our trees.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?Currently, the Village of Sugar Grove has received a proposal from a developer to build a Senior Living facility. I believe that this would be a welcome asset to the community on multiple levels. I have offered my assistance over the last year to work with the developers to educate both the Village and the community on the benefits of a Senior facility and ensure a successful relationship between the Village and the developer group.