Jim Schwantz: 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: PalatineWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Palatine Mayor (4-year Term)Age: 43Family: Married 2 childrenOccupation: Salesman at Von Sydows Moving and Storage, Inc in PalatineEducation: Bachelor of Arts Purdue 1992Civic involvement: Wings Executive Committee Harper College Educational Foundation SLSF Board DACEE Committe MemberElected offices held: Mayor of Palatine 2009-Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Continue to be responsible stewards of our Public dollars while continuing to provide outstanding services to our residents.Key Issue 2 Continue to provide the services and infrastructure necessary to make Palatine a desireable destination for new businesses as well as retain our current loyal businesses.Key Issue 3 Continue to make our meetings a place where peope can come, view and take part in the Democratic process in an unintimidating setting. We want to be a unit of government that is approachable and responsive to our residents' needs.Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?I have a unique skill set that works. My background is team athletics and I believe it has served me well in making our Council meetings more efficient and funtioning on a high level. I have been, and will continue to be extremely responsive to the residents of the Village of Palatine.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.Just right. With the final elimination of the "Stroger Tax" that burden has been lifted. We are still sensitive to the fact we are on the "Cook County Cliff" as we are a town that borders Lake and Cook Counties.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.That we have the proper staffing levels to keep our residents safe. The economy has forced us, as well as many communities, to do more with less. Public safety can not, nor will not, be sacrificed. My number 1 priority is public safety and that is one I take very seriously.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?We are an older community with an aging infrastructure. As the last four years were tight, we had to make tough decisions regarding the Capital portion of the budget. In the coming years we will need to increase our investment in this area.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?Candidate did not respond.