Michael Reid: 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: HampshireWebsite: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mike-Reid-Jr-For-Hampshire-Village-Trustee/69073449537Office sought: Hampshire Village Board (4-year Terms)Age: 26Family: I married my wife Jenn on June 2, 2012. My Mom and Dad, Mike Sr. and Patricia, are both residents in the Village of Hampshire as is my brother Bob. I also have two sisters and a brother that live in northern Illinois.Occupation: Senior School Technology Coordinator for Community Unit School District 300. In this role I am based at Hampshire Middle School as head of IT, but I am also in project management / implementation for all of CUSD 300.Education: Graduated From Hampshire High School CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+ SMART Technologies Certified Technician / Installer I also have been working towards a degree in computer sciences.Civic involvement: I have been active in countless community and school events over the years. From community nights, yearly talent show for the Burlington / Hampshire Food Pantry at Hampshire Middle School, Hampshire Elementary Bingo night, Hampshire Middle School Spring Musical, as well as others. My wife and I are also members of the Hampshire White Riders Snowmobile Club.Elected offices held: NoneHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Improve and enhance the overall business community. In order to improve the overall business community we must strive to have new businesses come to our area and call Hampshire home. This will help to improve the overall economy and put dollars into local businesses. When we enhance our business community, visitors to our area will want to stop and visit our community and spend their hard earned dollars. The housing market is bound to turn around; we need to be sure that the Village of Hampshire is doing their part to promote building of homes in our empty subdivisions. This in-turn will also improve the overall economy of Hampshire.Key Issue 2 Enhance and improve communication between the village government and the local citizens. Because we live in the age of technology we have numerous opportunities to enhance how local government communicates with all of it's citizens. The majority of residents have an internet connection and/or own at least one cell phone. l would like to see a way to effectively communicate in ways that the village already is as well as using other mediums to inform our residents of the current goings on in our community and to notify our community in times of emergency.Key Issue 3 Ensure that the voices of the community are heard. In today's day and age everyone is working longer and harder and not necessarily making more money. Village official's primary mission is to listen to their community members. There are many ideas from our citizens that can be of benefit our local community. I will do my best to ensure our community members have a voice.Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?I want Hampshire to thrive and grow. I will work tirelessly to improve communication and enhance the overall community setting. I will work with all ages and have the ability to effectively communicate with diverse populations. l see a bright, strong and prosperous future for Hampshire and will commit myself to doing everything l can to see our community advances in the future.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.Candidate did not respond.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.I have spoken to countless community members and the consensus is that Hampshire is a very "safe" place to live. We do not have high crime rates, we have great kids, fantastic schools with dedicated teachers and staff, and our Fire and Police departments are top notch.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?I would like the citizens to hear a full explanation of the budget with explanations of the priorities from the current board members. l would like to have more transparency regarding how the bidding of village projects occurs and how contracts are awarded.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?I am running because I want to be the voice of the people. I want to be sure that when decisions are made they have the community's best interest in mind. By enhancing communication and doing my best to bring rooftops and businesses to Hampshire I know that Hampshire can be a better place. I want the Hampshire residents to feel welcome to all civic meetings and functions. Hampshire is and can be a fantastic place to live with a bright and prosperous future.