Craig Takaoka: 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: Vernon HillsWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Twitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Vernon Hills Village Board Age: 49Family: Married for 19 years with four children ages 17,17,13 and 11. Lived in Vernon Hills for 17 years.Occupation: Small Business OwnerEducation: B.S. Business Management and Marketing from Indiana University in BloomingtonCivic involvement: Youth Athletic Coach for 12 years - Baseball, Basketball and SoccerStand Strong CoalitionElected offices held: Candidate did not respond.Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?I believe the best candidate for Village Trustee is one that is actively engaged in the community on daily basis. I have four children in the school system now and coach youth athletics year round. I am in a position to both understand what the community wants and to facilitate getting more people involved.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.The quality of our school system keeps property values stable and strong. Our park district and recreational facilities are phenomenal. I have no significant issue with the present level of sales and property taxes.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 had no direct experience with the police or fire department. However, I have heard they are well prepared for the future and I have no specific public safety concerns. I will need to learn more about both entities as a Trustee.Where, if anywhere, could the current budget be trimmed, and conversely, are there areas the budget does not give enough money to?I believe that an RFP process for contractual and professional services is necessary to make sure our dollars are spent efficiently. The potential for cost savings could offset any need for the budget being trimmed. Our infrastructure is an area that is in need of more dollars with the current growth in the community.What is one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?Term limits for Trustees and President.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?I have three. The need for more transparency, community voice/involvement and fiscal responsibility/efficiency.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.John Maxwell. His book "Failing Forward" is exceptional and a must read for everyone. The title is self explanatory.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Work ethic means more than how smart you are or think you are.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I would go to Law School.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?English. My work has always relied very heavily on the ability to communicate with people in both written and oral form.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Follow your Passion...you cannot buy happiness.