Chris Pecak: 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: LisleWebsite: www.prosperityforlisle.comTwitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: prosperityforlisleOffice sought: Lisle Mayor Age: 51Family: I am a lifelong resident of Lisle and am married to Robin, together we have two sons, ages 11 and 9.Occupation: Construction Project ManagerEducation: Studied Pre-Architecture; College of DuPageCivic involvement: Parishioner, St Joan of Arc Parish, Adult leader for the Boy Scouts of America, Lisle Wolves Baseball, Lisle Park District BasketballElected offices held: Candidate did not respond.Questions Answers What is your view on the village's financial situation.Just like your family at home, the village must have a balanced budget that focuses on what's most important. Wasteful spending, misplaced priorities, and bad management continue to place a burden on Lisle's future.Careless budget priorities, including the $5.5 million decorative street light project or $11 million for the Benedictine University Sports Complex take precious resources away from other important village needs.Consequently, the village's general fund reserves fell from $8.6 million in 2005 to $6.3 million in April, 2010. At the same time, the village's pension contributions, health insurance costs, and liability insurance all increased.Under current village leadershipp, our police pension plan is underfunded by more than $13 million, adding $3 million in unfunded liabilities in the last year alone.Due to an unresolved Police contract negotiation, 2 years of backpay will impact the future budget significantly.We will review and control the capital expenditures of the budget and make sure our taxpayer's money is used in a responsible manner.Where, if anywhere, could the current budget be trimmed, and conversely, are there areas the budget does not give enough money to?Lisle's Public Works expenses have risen 11% annually over the past 12 years, increasing 227% since 2004. Conversely, more attention needs to be given to the Police retirement fundWhat makes you the best candidate for the job?I will provide strong leadership to the trustees and staff of the Village of Lisle. As a Project Manager, I am capable of coordinating many disciplines within the workplace. I am ready to take responsibility for the fiscal oversight, executive decision making and vision for the community. I will encourage participation by residents and cultivate an environment that allows all sides to be heard with respect.Describe your leadership style and explain how you think that will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions with your village board or city council.I lead by example, empower my fellow board members to take action, and holding them accountable for results.I believe in developing skills and abilities in team members to help each other grow into roles of greater responsibility.The village board is a body that is greater than any of its' members, and each member fills a vital role.What is one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?Televise all board meetings and workshop meetings to increase transparency and accountability in our village government. Lisle must place a higher priority on the needs and concerns of our residents. Open and transparent communication between the village board and the community are important to our success.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?I am committed to freezing property taxes, building up our business base, while returning balanced budgets and transparency to our village board.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Candidate did not respond.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Have an open mindIf life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?No RegretsWhat was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?I enjoyed studying Math and it has become so important in Construction and Project Management.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Learn Something New Every Day