F. John Steffen: 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: ElginWebsite: https://www.facebook.com/CouncilmanJohnSteffen?ref=bookmarksOffice sought: Elgin City Council Age: 51Family: Wife Kerin Kelly Daughters Joan, Chloe, Abigail Son LiamOccupation: AttornehyEducation: B.A. 1986 U. of I; Political Sciense Major, Russian Studies Minor J.D. 1989 John Marshall Law SchoolCivic involvement: United Way Housing Authority of Elgin Elgin Area Chamber DNA NENA Gifford Park Association Kiwanis Club of Elgin Elgin Area Historical Society Kane County Bar Association Elgin River Rats Rugby ClubElected offices held: Elgin City Council 2007-2015Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?My listening, reasoning and open-mindedness that derive from my life as an attorney, parent, and volunteer combined with a life-long involvement and commitment to improving Elgin.City Manager Sean Stegaall says that the city's property tax levy -- which is staying flat this year -- is projected to increase by 5 percent in 2016 and 2017 unless cuts are made to public safety. However, some believe public safety budgets are untouchable. What is your stance? Would you make such cuts? If not, what alternatives would you propose?I do not remember that statement, but our 3 year plan projects increases in the levy as a result of new property development and increases in assessed valuation. It is anticipated these will cover the increases in salaries and insurance costs. Regardless, I do not consider Public safety budgets as untouchable. Instead, I expect that our efforts to utilize new technologies and new techniques combined with a performance-based budgeting process will allow us to make cuts in these areas.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.Our progressive, proactive community policing model for public safety has helped reduce crime in Elgin to 40 year lows. Our staff needs to continue to innovate and anticipate emerging problems like: --heroin use and addiction and the resulting crime; --financial and physical abuse of seniors --property-related crimes, particularly those involving vahiclesThe city of Elgin has invested resources into promoting arts and entertainment downtown, which Mayor David Kaptain and others believe can be a long-term economic engine . Do you agree with the approach? If so, why? If not, what would you propose instead?I support these efforts. Studies show the average return for every $1.00 of investment in the arts is around $6,00. Elgin is blessed with the area's best arts organizations, the most recognizable being the Elgin Symphony Orchestra, that other communities would love to have. I support ongoing efforts to sustain, improve and add to our mix of arts and entertainment.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?Budgeting for Outcomes. The City has invested in new software and hardware, created a strategic plan, developed a culture of innovation and is adopting a set of performance measurements for its various departments and processes. We now have the capability to capture and analyze data related to our performance as a provider of city services. We should now move to a multi-year, outcomes oriented budgeting process that focuses on goals, objectives, evidence and results.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Fighting against the efforts to cut taxes in a way that causes long-term budget deficits and impairs the quality of life this City has worked so hard at improving. Allowing this short-term pander to everyone's dislike of taxes creates long-term problems with our mission of delivering local services efficiently and effectively. Our residents need only look at the State's budget and problems to realize the outcome of allowing that to happen.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Candidate did not respond.What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Outside pressure may get you started but to succeed you have to want to get it done yourself.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Travelling moreWhat was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?John Duffy's Latin class at LHS. The language came in handy for practicing law but learning about ancient cultures and remote places was even better.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Anything worth having takes hard work and determination.