Michael Baumer: 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: StreamwoodWebsite: http://bchforstreamwood.orgOffice sought: Streamwood Village Board (4-year Terms)Age: 56Family: Married to Kathleen for 18 yearsOccupation: Controller of a manufacturer in ChicagoEducation: BS Finance, Northern Illinois UniversityCivic involvement: President, Elk Grove Village Lions Club; Past District Governor, District 1-F Lions; Past Council Chairman, Multiple District 1, Lions Clubs International, Planning Commission, Village of Streamwood.Elected offices held: Trustee, Village of Streamwood, 2004 - PresentHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Maintaining the current level of services while not incurring any additional debt and keeping tax rates level.Key Issue 2 Making sure that our investment in infrastructure is maintained at a level that assures that our residents aren't hit with huge bills because of any lack of attention.Key Issue 3 Accountability in government. Streamwood is an example of a well-run government. This requires constant attention by the policy makers to keep focused on the needs of residents.Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?I have the experience and ability to listen to options before forming an opinion on the right direction to take on the issues.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.This is an issue that the Village Board has spent many hours discussing and studying. The question makes the issue sound simplistic, but it is far from that. I believe that we maintain a rate that does not disadvantage our business owners or our residents. With costs for services that the community demands rising, the key is to maintain a delicate balance between benefit and burden. As a policy maker I am always very concerned with striking that balance and I think we have accomplished that in Streamwood.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 things that I hear as I talk with the folks in Streamwood are personal safety and gangs. While some communities have 'warm weather' gang patrols, Streamwood has always had a full-time tactical unit dedicated to eliminating any gang presence in Streamwood. We work closely with School District U-46 to maintain police presence in our local schools to maximize the safety of our children. I am a proponent and avid supporter of our community policing, the citizens police academy, and many other programs that help our citizenry be confident in their 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?Streamwood has always practiced responsible budgeting and spending. We pioneered the concept of saving for large capital purchases much as a prudent family does for the next car. Streamwood's budget is a balancing act that takes many hours of analysis and collaboration each year. I participate in the formulation of goals and objectives that become the direction for staff to create a budget that accomplishes those goals within the means available. It takes teamwork between staff and the policy makers to make this process work well. I believe that all of our services are well planned and funded. I encourage a very lean budget and to that end encourage covering needs as appropriate without overextending precious resources.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?A monthly or quarterly informal meeting with the constituency to hear concerns and discuss issues, where the residents may raise questions and give suggestions.