Paul VanOstenbridge: 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: East DundeeWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: East Dundee Village Board (4-year Terms)Age: 40Family: Married, three childrenOccupation: Truck DriverEducation: Candidate did not respond.Civic involvement: Shop with a Cop board memberElected offices held: Village of East Dundee Trustee 8 years 6months (appointed for six months)Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Economic development is still East Dundee's dominant issue. While we have made significant progress in the last four years attracting new businesses (Tovar, JD Byrider, Made to Measure, Vans, Seven Hills medical, GAT Guns), we need to continue to use our tools such as TIF and BDD to attract and bolster our sales tax base, especially if Wal-Mart continues with its plans to leave.Key Issue 2 Another dominant issue is what to do with our budget in light of the Wal-Mart decision. While we have made significant progress in bolstering our sales tax revenue with the annexation and addition of GAT Guns, we need to continue to vigorously pursue other opportunities for revenue both retail and otherwise. We need to be deliberate but careful in every decision, but we should be open to all opportunities.Key Issue 3 I believe we should be doing more for the people. We have been successful in bringing in businesses and propping up our sales tax revenue, and with a few additions (and including the loss of Wal-Mart) I am looking into the possibility of additional services or rebates we can give residents. We should investigate water and sewer bill relief, and possibly a matching funds program for residents.Questions Answers What is your governing philosophy or leadership style? How do you think it differs from your opponent's?I can agree to disagree and get over it if I am in the minority, and I believe sometimes you have to sacrifice a little to get something you really want. I believe the same philosophy transfer to this position--If I am in the minority, depending on the issue, I can agree to disagree. And when it comes to making deals, sometimes you have to give a little to get the big prize. I am not sure how it differs from my opponents, as I have seen them at meeting only once as of this writing.The relationship between East Dundee and Barrington Hills has been strained as a result of the Insurance Auto Auctions proposal to store and auction off cars at a former gravel pit. What should be done to mend fences?Unfortunately, I don't believe the representatives of Barrington Hills have any interest in mending fences with East Dundee. They have proven that most of them are disingenuous in their opposition to IAA and East Dundee. Instead of arguing factual information, they have resorted to conjecture and innuendo such as the manufacture and distribution of a propaganda letter aimed to misinform the residents in East Dundee. When they become genuine in their opposition and keep it civil and not try to mislead our residents, then we can start to mend fences.Should there have been a town hall meeting to further explain the IAA project to residents from East Dundee and Barrington Hills? Why or why not?There have been numerous public meetings regarding the IAA project. Planning and discussions have been going on for more than a year. The public has had ample opportunity to add input, and after the propaganda letter from Barrington Hills came out more residents emailed and called. However, I believe the residents of East Dundee elect representatives for a reason, and most trust that as fellow residents we are making the best decision we can to help the Village.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 believe the biggest public safety issue is the number of police on the streets at certain times. At one point we had one officer on duty during a certain period of time and to me that is unacceptable. While we promoted a part time officer to full time, which helped this particular situation, I still believe we need at least another full time officer on duty during all shifts, especially at night during the summer. We have many bars and activities that go on during the summer, and I believe we are one big incident away from an officer getting into some safety trouble.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?Rental units are on the rise due to the economy, and I believe we should take a look at something our neighbors are doing and I personally went through. Carpentersville does a crime free housing seminar that all landlords are required to go through, and it seems to be having a positive impact on that villages rental properties. While ours are not out of control by an means yet, the proliferation is such that its time for a program like this to be implemented.