Rose Martinez: 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: Facebook Fan Page: Citizens for Rose MartinezOffice sought: Elgin City Council Age: 54Family: Both Parents, a brother, two sisters, eight nieces and nephews and eleven Godchildren. (Two living with me,Emilio and Ariel).Occupation: Post retirement/U-46 TransportationEducation: Elgin Community College genersl eduction courses St Philips College, San Antonio, TX X-Ray technician coursesCivic involvement: AMERICAN LEGION - Member VFW POST 1307- Member NATIONAL ACTIVE AND RETIRED FEDERAL EMPLOYEES (NARFE)- Member AMERICAN POSTAL WORKERS UNION (APWU)- Member CLUB MATANZAS JALISCO (CMJ)-Executive Board MemberElected offices held: PAST COMMANDER - American Legion Post 57 VICE PRESIDENT - American Postal Workers Union Local RECRUITER - National Active and Retired Federal EmployeesQuestions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?I was born and raised in Elgin. I left the area to serve my country and returned with fond memories of my hometown. I have friends and acquaintances from all walks of life in Elgin. It is my desire to make Elgin the city that people want to live and raise their families and where businesses want to locate. I wish to represent all Elgin residents. I want Elgin to succeed into the future. I want to make wise investments with the hard earned taxes of our residents and businesses delivering the most value for their contributions. I am a proud Elginite and have a genuine love for the city and its well-being moving forward. I want to support healthy commerce in downtown Elgin and throughout the city. I am a female who happens to be a Latina. I believe that my diverse background would be an asset to the City Council. I want to be a proactive contributor through my service as a Councilwoman. I look forward to the opportunity to represent our vibrant, multicultural city with its rich past, exciting present and promising future.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 strongly support the 2015 city budget which passed unanimously by the council this past December. Elgin's fiscal health is clear when an increase in the budget does not automatically result in an increase in property taxes or in water rates. I will work diligently with my peers to look into creative ways to generate revenue and invest it wisely to ensure Elgin remains fiscally strong for the benefit of the residents and businesses. I would be hard pressed to reduce the public safety budget as the first course of action. We need to proactively look to grow the revenue base to offset increases in the budget before looking at reducing public safety. A secure community attracts new home buyers and businesses. It would be short sighted to look to reduce the public safety budget before considering other alternatives such as revenue generation. I have heard that Elgin is not business friendly; we need to turn that around.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.I believe that promoting arts and entertainment in the downtown area. I do not want to abandon downtown Elgin, it is important to the identity and history of our city. It is important to the image of the city for residents/potential residents/businesses to have a vibrant downtown. I believe it is important to support businesses downtown by increasing foot traffic with arts and entertainment events that make Elgin a destination for our residents and neighboring communities.The 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 believe that promoting arts and entertainment in the downtown area. I do not want to abandon downtown Elgin, it is important to the identity and history of our city. It is important to the image of the city for residents/potential residents/businesses to have a vibrant downtown. I believe it is important to support businesses downtown by increasing foot traffic with arts and entertainment events that make Elgin a destination for our residents and neighboring communities.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?Actually, I want to talk about two ideas. The first is a longer term project that I consider a critical need. This involves the planned improvement of route 20 in western Elgin past Randall. Currently, there is a safety hazard due to the traffic congestion that will only worsen this area experiences growth. Route 20 needs to provide a pathway to future housing, commercial and industrial growth along its corridors. The other idea regional Sports support competitive sporting events. This new area would be improved to support year around activities. This would attract participants from other areas and states. The influx of attendees to these sporting events would require lodging and restaurant facilities while visiting Elgin.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?I want to maintain the strong fiscal health of the city without a reliance on property tax increases. I strongly supported the 2015 city budget. While the budget was increased it did not automatically result in an increase in property taxes or water rates. The budget was passed unanimously by the Elgin City Council. I will work diligently with my peers to look into creative ways to generate revenues and invest wisely to ensure Elgin remains fiscally strong for the benefit of our residents and businesses. I feel it is important to continue to invest in infrastructure and city personnel. We want to attract quality candidates and retain our excellent employees such as our highly rated police officers, fire fighters, community development staff and public works personnel. Safety in our community also includes taking a proactive approach towards the maintenance and improvement of Elgin's infrastructure. I will work to support our public works department with their ongoing efforts.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.I admire Pope Francis. He is genuinely in his humility avoid pomp and grandeur and setting a new conciliatory tone around the world.What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?I grew up in a family where public service was instilled by example. My parents were very involved in the community helping to mainstream newcomers.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I can honestly say that I do not dwell on do-overs. I am content with my life and the experiences that it has offered me.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Geography, little did I know then how advantageous it would be. In the military, I was stationed in bases in the U.S./ around the world.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?I tell my godchildren to be thankful for what they have and provide service others in need such as the elderly.