John Baar: 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: Oak BrookWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Oak Brook Village Board (4-year Terms)Age: 60Family: MarriedOccupation: Retired Teacher and School AdministratorEducation: BA? University of The South, MS Biology and MSTM? UIC, MEd?UIUCCivic involvement: Chairman (2003-2009, 2011-Present) and member (1996-2003) of the Oak Brook Fire and Police Commission. Former President, VP, and member of the Oak Brook Civic Association (1995-1999) Member of the Oak Brook Village Caucus (Previously 2009-Present) Board member of the Oak Brook Historical Society (2012-Present) President (2011-Present) and member (2010) of York Woods Community Association Served on the Park District Aquatic Center Advisory Council (1994) and also the Blue Ribbon Panel for the Family Recreation Center (1997) Vestry member Grace Episcopal Church, Hinsdale. (2004-2007, 2012-Present) Member of Friends of the Library OB, Graue Mill, Mayslake Hall, OB Civic Association, and the Fullersburg Historic FoundationElected 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 Brick and mortar stores are increasingly under pressure from on-line sales. The Village and the business community of Oak Brook need to be continually improving the shopping experience at the Oak Brook Center in order to compete. The Village and the Chamber of Commerce are, and should continue to work hand in hand to increase the business and office development within the Village.Key Issue 2 We have an excellent and experienced Village staff. We need to look to retain that talent and reward fairly the people who take of us. Maintaining a high standard takes effort and we want to continue that effort.Key Issue 3 Oak Brook was built up over a very short number of years. That means that the infrastructure has aged and is failing, in some circumstances all at once. The Village has a plan to replace the infrastructure and is doing so. We need to continue this work in a prudent and efficient manner.Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?I have served on a number of boards and organizations within Oak Brook. On each, I have been conscientious and thorough in my preparation and deliberations. I have been inclusive, hearing all sides of an issue, and I work toward a consensus whenever possible.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 believe that Oak Brook's taxes are competitive. I would not want any increases to the taxes now in place. If possible, it would be great if the taxes were lower in order to make Oak Brook more competitive. In addition, when people are taxed, I think it is important that the taxing body justify the need for amount received.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 Oak Brook Fire and Police Departments have both the respect and appreciation of myself, my neighbors, and my friends. They are very responsive to our needs, especially so after the shootings in Sandy Hook. However, maintaining the quality of both departments, requires a continued effort, accountability, and the setting of high expectations by the Village.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?The Village of Oak Brook was very proactive in responding to the downturn in the economy since our municipal government relies so heavily on sales tax revenue from Oak Brook Center. It did an excellent job at paring down expenses and being fiscally responsible.Because of this we are in a much better position than other villages. The challenge will be to continue to be responsible and yet still provide quality village services and address our aging infrastructure.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?Oak Brook has many very bright people who contribute many great ideas. I know I share with others the desire to improve the Oak Brook Center experience for the employees of the businesses in Oak Brook and for those who come to shop and enjoy the restaurants.