Michael Latoria: 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: ItascaWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Itasca Village Board (4-year Terms)Age: 48Family: I have been married to my best frien Susan for 20 years. We have four wonderful children: Michael 19, Markus 16, Matthew 13, and Martina 9 years old.Occupation: I own and operate Latoria Bros. Construction Corp. A full service General Contractor, Design Builder and Construction Manager www.Latoriaconstruction.comEducation: Souther Illinois University, Carbondale, IL BS Construction Management, AS Construction Technology. College of DuPage Real Estate Certificate University of Illinois leadership academy for Municipal Excellence. Licensed Real Estate sales person (inactive), Emergency Management Institute FEMA 2006; National Incident Management (NIMS); Certified Construction Manager, Inspector and Appraiser; Citizens Police Academy graduate. Civic involvement: Itasca Lions Club Itasca Park District Soccer and Basketball coach Itasca Athletic Association Baseball coach IAA Wood Dale Itasca Basketball Association coach WIBA Itasca Swim Team volunteer For the kids fund Director 2000 to 2002 YMCA indian guides program Parishioner St. Peters Church Itasca Police Department Citizen Police Academy Friends of Springbrook Nature Center Board Member Itasca School District Advisory Committee Lake Park Boosters member O'Hare Noise Combatability Comission member City of Wood Dale IL streetscape committee Presidents Volunteer Services Award 2011Elected offices held: Village Trustee since 07/13/04 to present Chair Person of Comunity Development. Vice Chair of Intergovernmental. Past Chairperson; Intergovernmental, Western Access, Nature Center, O'Hare Noise, Economic Development, Traffic Management, Infrastructure, Downtown Redevelopment (DIAC), Committees. Past Vice Chair: Community Services, Beautification Committees. O'Hare Noise Combatability Comission member City of Wood Dale IL streetscape committee Friends of Springbrook Nature Center Board Member Itasca School District Advisory CommitteeHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NOCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Keeping Itasca safe from outside influences is imperative. Changes are coming to Itasca from the Elgin O'Hare tollway expansion and O'Hare modernization. We need to protect our quality of life from increased noise and traffic. If we do not protect our interests from these entities, then all the discussion about the economy, flooding or communication will be for not. The village board is currently fighting to protect our quality of life. For example, we are seeking access onto and off from the tollway, and economic development and beautification for the surrounding areas. The road is going to be built, we can't stop it, but we can fight to make it look as good as possible. Noise walls will need to be built. We must have input on where they need to go and how long and high they need to be constructed. The expressway will bring more traffic to Itasca. The Board needs to protect our community from cut-through traffic through our town, as I can foresee people wishing to avoid paying the tolls heading east or west. The O'Hare expansion brings up noise concerns for the Village, as all flights will now be East and West over Itasca. This will bring more noise and air pollution to our community. We need to make sure the airport adheres to the fly quiet program that Itasca helped implement as a member of the O'Hare Compatibility Commission. The Department of aviation claims that we will be better off. It is our job to prove to them that we will not and to fight for sound proofing. The Thorndale Expansion and the O'Hare Modernization will bring some economic and financial benefits to Itasca, as well. The Village board will need to capitalize on the opportunities to help with our financial stability and the economic development of our town. The bottom line is, changes are coming to our community, we can't stop them, but we must protect ourselves and work along and fight to get our input and needs implemented into the these development projects, for the betterment of our residents and businesses. Key Issue 2 A major concern I have is the financial stability and economic development of Itasca and its future. In these troubling times where DuPage County, Springfield and the Federal Government keep taking more and more of our tax dollars, having an experienced team in place protecting Itasca now is needed. I am a member of that team. It is imperative that now more than ever; we are watchful and fiscally responsible with our tax dollars. We need to be creative and innovative thinkers, so to avoid sticking our hands in our residents and businesses pockets. As of right now we have a balanced budget and 6 to 7 +- months of reserve funding in the bank, and this is without cutting important Village services. Additionally, our industrial vacancy rate is well below the average for the area. We still offer free garbage pick up, 100% sidewalk replacement, and no requirement for vehicle stickers, just to name a few perks of living here. Financial stability and economic development will also affect our infrastructure, this being: our sewers, storm sewers, detention areas, roads, water treatment plant and sidewalks. We need to continue to analyze flooding issues, and upgrade and repair our infrastructure. Upgrade our streets from rural to urban. Currently, we are investigating village wide flooding issues, and seeking ways to help and protect our residents. The village needs to continue improving our streets, traffic signs, and sidewalks for the safety of all Itasca and visitors walking or driving.Key Issue 3 Continued communication is vital to the success and team effort which I believe our Board has demonstrated. I know we have taken great steps to improving open lines of communication, keeping residents informed, helping and listening to concerns. This is an area in which I feel we are improving upon daily. For example, I have spearheaded, with the support from the Board and the other Intergovernmental agencies in our community, the Intergovernmental Committee. Through the Intergovernmental Committee, all government agencies, come together to share our concerns, celebrations, ideas, programs, needs, and goals respectfully, and with a common goal in mind, what is best for the community of Itasca and its good people? Our Board is also committed to being abreast of the concerns and needs of our community, because of this which I found very interesting and am proud of, our Itasca Village Board meets weekly. Not all villages do this. Itasca prides itself on public involvement. We have various focus groups to address the issues at hand, such as: Western Access, O'Hare Noise, Citizen Housing, Traffic, DIAC and Coffee committees. I have attended and participated on these committees, in which the atmosphere is one of great openness and respect for new insights, possibilities and differing opinions, but one which common ground is always found. These committees look at ways to maintain, build on and form new relationships. These committees have been formed with residents, business owners and other taxing bodies. For Itasca to remain viable and healthy, it must maintain an open and active relationship with all entities. This approach helps to ensures that our stakeholders are a part of the process. Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?Through the combined experience of being a Trustee, owning and operating my own construction business, being a father of four children, and my involvement in community events and organizations I have many life experiences to make decisions that will affect our community. As an advocate for my clients, I am continuously collaborating, learning from, and giving presentations at surrounding village and city municipal meetings. Having witnessed and taken part in these meetings, I understand what it is like to be in the audience and what if feels like to be an onlooker. These roles have also enabled me to observe and learn what works best and what doesn't in other communities, as well as in ours. Keeping this in mind, I strive to be approachable, responsive, and forthcoming, open minded and understanding when questions and concerns arise here in Itasca. Itasca has a tradition of excellence. It is about future and commitment to excellence. It is about shared vision, the clarity of that vision and the perseverance to bring it to fruition. If I'm am honored to be reelected As your Trustee, I want to continue to avoid tax increases by being an innovative thinker, keep Itasca fiscally sound and responsible, investigate flooding and sewer issues, continue repairing our roads and infrastructure, promote the safety and beautification of our town, preserve our green space and Nature Center, stimulate business growth in both our downtown and business district, as well as keeping existing businesses happy and satisfied with Itasca. Protecting Itasca's interests from outside influences, such as the serious threats of the Thorndale and O'Hare, expansions are also crucial. In addition to these goals, I will maintain our dialogue and partnership with all of our local governmental bodies ensuring Itasca's positive well-being. 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.Itasca's financial stability and economic development future greatly depends on the balance of generating revenue and not over taxing the businesses or its residents. Because of the economic crisis we are in, it is imperative that we are watchful and fiscally responsible with our tax dollars. We need to be creative and innovative thinkers, so to avoid asking more from our residents and businesses. The biggest revenue stream we have in the Village is our sales tax. We are very fortunate to have a diverse and successful business community; our location is highly sought after. Along with our great location, we need a competitive sales tax rate that will attract business to Itasca while allowing them the opportunity to grow. We need to concentrate on keeping existing businesses satisfied, while attracting new businesses. Itasca has a policy of trying to give back to the business community. We have joined the Woodfield Chicago Convention Bureau, DuPage Convention Bureau and the Itasca Chamber of Commerce. These organizations help promote and work collaboratively between our businesses, hotels and our Village to help them achieve their goals. We have also developed our own stimulus plan for our businesses, for example: community beautification incentives, landscaping improvements, grants for downtown businesses development and hotel tax use incentives. It is this team work approach that will help Itasca and business achieve their goals together by remaining competitive. As of right now we have a balanced budget and 6 to 7+- months of reserve funding in the bank, without cutting important Village services. Additionally our industrial vacancy rate is well below the average for the area. We are continuing to fund all programs, events and departments without sacrificing service. I feel our local sales tax is just right at this time. We are competitive with the surrounding communities in the area. I would be open to discussing lowering sales tax level if our economic situation changes in the future.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.1. Protecting our quality of life in Itasca from additional traffic and noise from the Thorndale expansion is crucial. The expansion is upon us, and we need to have a seat at the table to discuss and fight for Itasca's well being. We want to advocate our needs, and to help maintain and improve upon it. We have been working, attending meetings and giving input on the expansion over the last 3 years. Working together with the community, we can chart Itasca's future in the best direction. 2. O'Hare noise concerns- We are very committed to the O'Hare noise concerns. All of the air traffic will be flying east and west as they close the north and south runways. This means more noise and pollution over Itasca. We have been defending and pleading our way of life for 5 years plus. We have lobbied for a temporary noise monitor that has been in Itasca for 6 years now prior to the expansion. The Board did this to establish a baseline before each phase of expansion to help prove our case that our noise levels are elevating. O'Hare is stating that we will be better off and have less noise after the expansion; it is our intention to prove that we will and are not 3. Fiscally and economically responsible- My household is on a budget and we spend within our means by buying what we can afford and what we need. We need to justify and explain the need to spend dollars. Our town needs to be run the same way. We need to maintain a balanced budget and avoid tax increases, while also stimulating prosperous economic growth without sacrificing service to our residents. 4. The Board's vision to repair, upgrade, and seek ways to improve and rebuild our infrastructure is necessary. This will secure our safety, solve flooding issues and protect our finances for the future. It is my goal to be watchful and diligent about our course of action and to do it well. 5. Public safety is another important concern. Naturally, I will continue supporting the excellent performance by our law enforcement in our community and analyze ways to enhance their needs to protect us. Collaboratively we have instituted the safe routes to school program. We are continuously communicating with the Community regarding the needs for sidewalks and traffic enforcement. 6. Thoughts on the election- Itasca has a strong tradition of excellent -- it is about future and commitment to this excellence. It is about shared vision, the clarity of that vision and the perseverance to bring it to fruition. If I'm am honored to be reelected As your Trustee, I want to continue to avoid tax increases by being an innovative thinker, keep Itasca fiscally sound and responsible, investigate flooding and sewer issues, continue repairing our roads and infrastructure, promote the safety and beautification of our town, preserve our green space and Nature Center, stimulate business growth in both our downtown and business district, as well as keeping existing businesses happy and satisfied with Itasca. Protecting Itasca's interests from outside influences, such as the serious threats of the Thorndale and O'Hare expansions is also crucial. I will maintain our dialogue and partnership with all of our local governmental bodies ensuring Itasca's positive well-being. By offering open lines of communication, my love for this community, and a genuine concern for all of our well-being, young and old, I promise to do all that I can to protect Itasca, keep it safe, and I am committed to its well-being.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?Cutting a budget or budget cut backs are a very difficult task for any board. I do not think we can trim the current budget without sacrificing services to the community. You cannot cut a budget without asking what this deduction will affect. Can we keep up with our capital improvement projects? Will our dedication to service be sacrificed? Will public safety be hurt and what about employee morale? Itasca has a tradition of excellence in our service, community needs and public safety. We do not have the staff that some towns employ. Our department heads do not have assistants, we do not have a finance director, our employees wear many hats, and it is all hands on deck for our community events. In an effort to streamline expenses, I would prefer to explore other sources of funding. By developing a strong economic development climate in which businesses will want to move to and can succeed. A strong business environment is a strong financial stream for Itasca. I would also like to explore federal and state grants to bring projects to a reality. It is imperative that we are watchful and fiscally responsible with our tax dollars. We need to be creative and innovative thinkers. We must concentrate on keeping existing businesses satisfied, while attracting new businesses. In essence, we need to continue to work with the community to protect our quality of life.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?I would like to see the Village of Itasca work collaboratively with the surrounding communities and governing agencies in an effort to share equipment and services. For example we could defray costs by collaboratively strategizing how to work toward utilizing street sweeping, plowing, salt, mosquito spraying, inspections, bulk purchase for materials and service contracts together. By sharing some of these expenses, Itasca could save money that could be passed on to the residents. However, with any decision or new idea, there is always an underlying question in my mind that drives my thought process, "Is this good for Itasca?"