Michael Sidor: 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: Arlington HeightsWebsite: mikefortrustee.comOffice sought: Arlington Heights Village Board Age: 57Family: Mother Dolores, son Garrett and daughter MonicaOccupation: Owner of Michael J. Sdor Co., Inc. - A language services company.Education: B.S. Business/Marketing NIUCivic involvement: Member - Chamber of Commerce Member - Executive Round Table (Chamber of Commerce) Arlington Heights Cool Cities CoalitionElected offices held: Trustee - Village of Arlington HeightsQuestions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?Each candidate has his or her own mix of strengths and talents. I believe that the ideal Village Board is a working coalition, one consisting of members with diverse backgrounds who bring their individual skills to the table to engage in discussion, debate and ultimately, decision-making. Of course it is equally important to gather input from all parties affected by the Village Board's decisions: Residents, businesses, Village Administration, and other Government entities. I am very aware of the trust and responsibility placed in my hands by all citizens, and I have worked hard to live up to their expectations. During my first term as Village Trustee, I have successfully fostered relationships with individuals and groups in the Village, and developed a comprehensive understanding of how our Village works, along with the issues facing various segments of our community. By taking a collaborative approach, reaching out, asking questions, gathering opinions and suggestions, I have been able to make well-researched and thoughtful decisions that reflect the Arlington Heights community as a whole. I have much more to offer and would welcome a second term to do so.Tell us your vision for Metropolis. Specifically, touch on your vision for programming, how it should be financed, and what role the village should play in supporting and/or running it. Or conversely, if your vision calls for it to be eliminated, explain why and what the village should do with the property.I have supported Metropolis since its inception, both as a patron and a Trustee. I have attended performances, solicited businesses to become donors, and until recently have voted consistently to support Metropolis when it has come to the Board for financial assistance, both for routine funding and special requests. However it has become clear that Metropolis is at a crossroads. I see Metropolis as an important Village asset struggling to reach its full potential. For me, the question is "what is the best strategy that will showcase the Metropolis as the cultural centerpiece of the Village while maintaining financial stability?" Residents place their trust in the Village to spend their tax dollars wisely. I have become increasingly concerned about its viability, as it has struggled to survive despite consistent and generous financial support from the Village since 2005. I do not think Metropolis can survive with its current business model and approach, as the current attendance figures and financials reflect. We need new strategy, leadership, and performance metrics that allow all parties involved to make sound financial decisions that are in the best interests of the Village. I support partial funding of Metropolis with Village oversight in place. We must have hard data in order to guarantee that the money is being spent wisely. I look forward to utilizing the results of Johnson Consulting study, coupled with our own ideas, so that we as a community make the best decisions as to how to move forward with Metropolis.Where, if anywhere, could the current budget be trimmed, and conversely, are there areas the budget does not give enough money to?I see no major issues with how spending is allocated. I believe that the administration and Board do an excellent job of monitoring the budget and looking for savings wherever possible. The Village reduced its budget and staffing significantly following the 2008 economic collapse. Sales tax and other revenues have been slowly recovering since then, but are not yet to pre-crash levels. The Village has continued to maintain a tight rein on its budget, including some debt restructuring resulting in significant savings. During the most recent budget cycle, the Village asked for no increase in the property tax levy. There are a number of large projects looming on the horizon, including how to address flooding problems, a new police station and the replacement of parkway trees lost to emerald ash borer. The Finance Department continues to search for creative solutions for financing these important projects. I believe we are in excellent financial condition, and that continued vigilance will keep us there.Is the village's present level of local sales tax just right, too low or too high? Are there untapped sources of more municipal revenue?I believe the Village's present sales tax, which is in line with surrounding municipalities, is at an appropriate level. I believe that empty storefronts in the Village are a source of potential revenue; we need to aggressively seek out businesses to fill those vacancies.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?The waste hauling contract is coming up for renewal in 2016. I would like to see the Village offer one day a week pick-up which has the potential to save both residents and the Village money. For residents, a reduction in their monthly garbage pickup charge. For the Village, lower paving/resurfacing costs due to the reduced wear-and-tear on the streets by the heavy waste hauling equipment.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?At the top of the list is addressing the flooding issues in the Village. We know it's going to be a large and complex project, and I'm anxious to get started on planning a strategy to solve the problems. Planning and building a functional and cost-effective police facility. Furthering the Small Business Development Agreement with the Chamber of Commerce to address small business concerns and to enhance a business-friendly environment. Specifically, reducing further the amount of time and effort it takes for a business to be up and running in our Village. Developing a strategic plan to successfully compete against surrounding municipalities for sales tax dollars. Exploring creative ways to further enrich the community for residentsPlease name one current leader who most inspires you.Warren BuffettWhat's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?To be a man of your word.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Spending more time with my brothers in adulthood.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?I always enjoyed business and entrepreneurship which has allowed me to own my own business for the last 21 years.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Since I have a son and a daughter, "Be a person of your word."