Rick Gieser: 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: Carol StreamWebsite: http://www.facebook.com/electrickgieserOffice sought: Carol Stream Village Board (4-year Terms)Age: 49Family: Married to Kim, 1 son (Ricky, age 13)Occupation: I am the Public Relations Director for Zanies Comedy Clubs and a Producer for WGN radioEducation: Graduated with a BA in Telecommunications, Indiana University, 1986 Minor in EnglishCivic involvement: Carol Stream Male Citizen of the Year 2011, Carol Stream July 4th Parade Committee since 2004, Carol Stream Historical Society Board of Directors since 1999, Carol Stream Chamber of Commerce since 2004, Christmas Sharing Volunteer since 2003, Evergreen and Benjamin School Volunteer since 2005, Carol Stream Park District League Coordinator and Manager 2005-2011, DuPage County Historical Museum Board of Directors 2006-2008, DuPage County Convalescent Center 5K Planning Committee 2005-2009, Carol Stream Police and Fire Commission Secretary 2001-2003Elected offices held: Carol Stream Village Trustee 2003-2011Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 No property taxKey Issue 2 Improve communication in the VillageKey Issue 3 Work to increase business and retail opportunities in the VillageQuestions Answers As a village board member, what steps will you recommend the village take to attract more business to town?I would recommend a continuous review of Village ordinances and policies to determine if they encourage or discourage business and retail from locating in Carol Stream. At the same time, the Village needs to promote its business friendly environment using traditional and modern communication sources and social media.Should Carol Stream have a village property tax? Why?No! I believe the Village can remain one of the few communities in the state without a property tax. The Village does not need a property tax because the Village has historically been very conservative in its spending. We should be proud of the efforts the Village has made through its history to operate without a property tax. By diligently examining the budget and expenditures and then living within the budget, the Village will continue to have a secure fiscal future with strong public safety and services that benefit the entire community. At the same time, the Village Board and Staff need to continue to encourage business and retail to locate in Carol Stream.What steps would you recommend the village take to combat flooding?The experts tell us that the Armstrong Park flood control project will alleviate flooding in the area. The Village Board and Staff need to make sure the project is completed and that the project does help to reduce flooding in the residential area. Also, if funding becomes available for voluntary property buyouts in the flood plain, the Village should discuss this option with residents who are interested and eligible. Several residents have participated in this option in the past. I would also recommend to residents and local organizations to clean out the creeks and shorelines to reduce blockage and prevent erosion and runoff that contributes to flooding. I have participated in creek clean ups and the amount of trash thrown into the waterways is shocking. With all this in mind, we can never completely eliminate flooding. We need to work to minimize the effect on residents, communicate to residents of upcoming storms and to be prepared during severe weather.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 biggest public safety concern of my friends and neighbors is the safety of their children at school. With tragic incidents around the country, residents are concerned. I am concerned about my son's safety. The Carol Stream Police Department has always maintained strong and positive relationships with the various schools and school districts within the community. I know the Police work closely with the schools and school districts on developing and refining emergency plans. They help the schools and school districts develop their plans and assist with drills and table top assessments. This partnership needs to continue.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?We live in an information society. Information is essential to succeeding in the world. I want the Village of Carol Stream to become a leader in providing information to its residents and in promoting itself to the world. The Village needs to have a presence on social media to promote the attributes and accomplishments of the Village. Other towns and villages in the area have done so with positive outcomes. Individuals and businesses utilize social media for daily communications, entertainment, promotion and commerce. The Village of Carol Stream needs to be part of this evolution in communication. This would benefit the residents by providing them current information on the community. In a competitive world, this would benefit the Village by providing easily accessible information for prospective businesses and retail to choose Carol Stream. We who live in Carol Stream know it's a terrific place to live, work and raise a family. It's time to let the world know about our terrific Village. Social media is one way to share this information with the world.