Allen Cavender: Candidate Profile

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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:BioQA Bio City: North AuroraWebsite: working on itOffice sought: North Aurora Village Board Age: 51Family: Wife - Laura (married nearly 25 years) Daughter - Faith (Olivet Nazarene University graduate) Daughter - Sarah (West Aurora High School graduate) Daughter - Rachel (student @ Judson University in Elgin) Son - Luke (West Aurora High School senior) Son - Noah (West Aurora High School junior) Father - Gerald (Fort Wayne, IN) Mother - June (Fort Wayne, IN)Occupation: Corrections - Illinois Dept. of Corrections - 25 yearsEducation: Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (1986) from Wheaton College, Wheaton, IL 60187Civic involvement: Volunteer during the traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall Healing Field of Flags display at West Aurora High School. (Nov. 2013) Volunteer baseball manager/coach Aurora Boys Baseball, 65 E. Downer Pl. Aurora, IL 60507 (2006-present) Volunteer West Aurora High School Band Boosters, Aurora, IL (2006-2010) Member/volunteer Schneider Elementary School PTO, North Aurora, IL (1999-2005) Volunteer basketball/soccer coach Park District, Aurora, IL 60506 (2002-2003) Parent Ministry coordinator Ginger Creek Community Church, Aurora, IL (2000-2005) Board member/Vice-President North-towne Home Owners' Association, North Aurora, IL C/O Alpha Property Management, Aurora, IL 60507 (1994-2002) Volunteer baseball manager/coach West Chicago Athletic Association, West Chicago, IL (1988-1993)Elected offices held: Board member/Vice-President North-towne Home Owners' Association, North Aurora, IL C/O Alpha Property Management P.O. Box 4482 Aurora, IL 60507 (1994-2002)Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?I am a 20+ year resident of North Aurora and care deeply about my family's living community. I believe transparency and communication are most important to local governing. A couple of years ago a local gravel mine petitioned the village for increased use of explosives. There was a neighboring subdivision very nearby. The village board did a very poor job of informing the affected home owners of the date the mine was to present it's case to the board. By the time the home owners became aware of the issue the village board had already granted the mine's request. The board needs to be more proactive in keeping the community abreast of such important matters. I vow that I will not allow such a situation to arise while I am on the board. I will go door to door in the community if that is what it takes to get out the word of important meetings affecting any home owners' quality of life or property values.What is your opinion of your community's present level of local sales and property taxes? Is the tax just right, too low or too high? Explain.I am a believer in doing more with less. The government needs to live within it's means. I was not in support of the utility taxes the village instituted a few years ago. I would vote to have those taxes repealed.Rate the efficiency of your town's police and fire coverage. Are the departments well prepared for the next decade? What, if anything, should be changed? Do you have specific public safety concerns?I have lived in North Aurora for nearly 20 years. There have been times when I have presented issues to elected officials and / or the police department and been told my concerns / complaints were not valid. As a matter of fact the city officials demonstrated no flexibility in dealing with a very difficult neighbor situation. I plan to be a listening ear and willing to see past the letter of the law or ordinance.Where, if anywhere, could the current budget be trimmed, and conversely, are there areas the budget does not give enough money to?Candidate did not respond.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?The Village works well with local civic groups and runs an incredible local festival each August. There are many volunteers that assist with the festival. While having the opportunity to help this past year I noticed an air of entitlement by some currently serving on the board. I believe that one's service to government needs to be out of love of duty not for personal benefit. I hope to contribute for the benefit all not just a better parking place for my family as a member of the Village board.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?As a current state of Illinois employee I am deeply concerned about the pension issues for all levels of public employees. I want to be a voice in support of all the hard working men and women who have done their part in contributing to their communities and their own future livelihoods. We must find a way to fulfill the promises made to all who have put in so many years of faithful service.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Gordie Kerkman - West Aurora High School coach was recently asked about one player's shortcomings, He replied, "I could have coached better."What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Hard work matters!If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I would have pursued an accounting career.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Math until I reached college - then history. We must know where we've been if we ever want to change the future.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Do not be in such a hurry.