Sharon Fonte: 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: Glendale HeightsWebsite: http://www.glendaleheights2013election.comOffice sought: Glendale Heights Village Board District 2 (4-year Term)Age: 63Family: Widowed, 2 Children, 6 grandchildrenOccupation: Branch Manager for West Suburban BankEducation: High School, plus American Bank Association Regulatory Courses.Civic involvement: Glendale Heights Chamber of Commerce, and the Glendale Heights Jr. Woman's ClubElected offices held: Village of Glendale Heights Trustee District 2Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: No. I have never been arrested for or convicted of a crime.Candidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 As an incumbent running for re-election for District 2 Trustee, I stand prepared to respond to campaign issues that may be raised by those who will be challenging me to become the next District 2 Trustee. Unfortunately, campaign material often misrepresents, distorts, and falsifies the facts. Unfounded accusations may also be made that aim at creating doubts, without justification, as to my personal integrity, or those of my running mates already holding office. Together with my running mates, I pledge to conduct my campaign using the basic principles of decency, honesty, and fair play. If residents have any questions, concerns or need fact-checking of information, we have an open door and encourage them to come visit, call or email us.Key Issue 2 As a Village Trustee, I represent the interests of all of the residents in the Village; however only residents living in District 2 can cast a vote for me. I have served as the District 2 Trustee for the past 14 years, and also as the Deputy Mayor since 2001. I believe that experience and proven leadership really does matter! As an incumbent, I promise to continue to serve the Village of Glendale Heights with the highest degree of personal honesty and integrity; listen to resident concerns and be responsive in helping to resolve a particular issue in their neighborhood; be a strong voice for the residents and businesses on the Village Board to represent the unique needs in District 2; stand up for what's good for the Village, particularly in District 2, to make the Village of Glendale Heights the best it can be!Key Issue 3 Village wide, but particularly in District 2, I believe that Economic Development is a key issue. District 2 includes a major portion of the North Avenue corridor where there exists vacant land for new development, as well as opportunities for re-development. I, together with the current Village Board, have worked very hard to attract new commercial and industrial businesses to our community by creating a climate that is advantageous to their success. We have established several Tax Increment Financing Districts along the North Avenue Corridor that has promoted many new developments as well as redevelopment. The Village also has all major infrastructures in place to support local businesses, and our community offers a great workforce. Vacant land for new development along the North Avenue corridor is limited, therefore I, together with the Village Board, will seek to attract the highest and best land uses that will enhance the Village's tax base in the future.Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?I have made many, many friends in the community over the years, and enjoy representing them and being their voice on the Village Board. I have the reputation of being an independent thinker, speaking up when needed, and being direct and brutally honest when I need to take a stance on an issue. Talking to residents to answer their questions, or helping them to resolve any issues they may be having is what I enjoy doing most. I truly appreciate the encouragement that I have received from so many residents to run for re-election this year, and I appreciate the nice endorsement messages that they have posted on our campaign webpage.I am dedicated to the position and I love the residents and my Village. I will continue to support the improvements we have made and I will continue to be there for my residents.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.I feel our local sales tax rate is "just right", and in the ballpark with most of our surrounding communities, and less than the sales tax rate at the nearby shopping malls. I have been an active member of the Glendale Heights Chamber of Commerce since it was organized many years ago. I talk to our local businesses regularly at these monthly meetings, and I have not heard any negative comments about the Village's sales tax rate, or any other fees and charges that are assessed by the Village. I agree there is a delicate balance between the need for revenue as it relates to our business community that the Village is keenly aware of. I believe we have a good relationship with business owners that have selected Glendale Heights as their community to operate their business.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.Recent citizen satisfaction surveys reveal that 93% of residents are satisfied with the Glendale Heights Police Department and Public Safety. Areas that residents would like to see improved is more traffic enforcement to decrease speeding on neighborhood streets, and more visibility of police in their neighborhoods. I agree with our residents on these issues and I will work with our Police Department to set goals and objectives this year to effectively address their concerns.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?Balancing the budget over the past several years has been really challenging for our Appointed Officials and the Village Board. The Village Board's direction each year is to keep operation costs in balance. For several consecutive years, Village revenues have decreased, while expenses have increased. Every department is operating with fewer full-time employees and has had to adjust to the change of doing more with less! So far, the Village has not eliminated any public services or essential community programs. I strongly supported the accelerated road program over the past seven years, and will continue to support additional funding for future road improvements. I believe that these neighborhood improvements are vital in bringing about a higher level of neighborhood appearance to enhance property values. We have a great community, and we intend to keep it that way!What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?The one thing that I am very excited about is the plans to build a new neighborhood park across from the Greenbriar Subdivision. The Village Board is currently finalizing plans to acquire approximately five acres of land located at the corner of Western Avenue and Second Place. The next step will be to complete a planning study and needs assessment that will provide an opportunity for area residents to give input on how they would like to see the park developed. This land is also located in the Glen Ellyn Park District, and the Village is confident that they will contribute to the cost of development as they have done in the past for Village parks that overlap in their park district through an intergovernmental agreement.