Mary Brennan: 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: MettawaWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Mettawa Village Board (4-year Terms)Age: 66Family: Married, two chidren, three grandchildrenOccupation: retiredEducation: AA degree Briarcliff College, New York 1966Civic involvement: Village of Mettawa Treasurer 1998-2005 Trustee of the village of Mettawa 2005-2013 Rainbow animal assisted therapy 1999-2008 Women's Board of Northwestern Hospital 1983-2013Elected offices held: Trustee of the Village of Mettawa...two termsHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 No more commercialization in the Village. Try to acquire any open space that is left in the Village to help prevent any commercial entities from coming in.Key Issue 2 Being able to continue the Tax Rebate program.Key Issue 3 Review of Village finances to be sure we are being prudent with our expenses and putting our revenues to the best use for the benefit of the Village and its residents.Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?Being the longest sitting Trustee, I have been involved with the Village for 15 years. Therefore I have a great historical knowledge that can help us to continue to maintain the character of our Village and the values we want to uphold going forward. Most of the other trustees are relatively new to the Board. I think the continuity will help us preserve our Village.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.Not really applicalble since we levy only Real estate and speciacial service area taxesTalking 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.We have eased their concerns by hiring a private Security force, for which the residents are pleased. They like the presence of our security truck constantly driving through our Village monitoring all activities.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?These are issues to be addressed. Can we find ways to cut our expenses without jeopardizing the quality of the village services we provide but instead use our dollars effeciently. Analyze whether there are any other services we should be offering to our residents and how best to afford them.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?Continue to maintain our old fashion 'Rural' character by protecting our five acre zoning.