Dean Argiris: 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: WheelingWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Twitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: YesOffice sought: Wheeling Village President Age: 57Family: Wife Marian 35-yearsSon Sam 29Daughter Alexandra 26Occupation: Mortgage Loan Originator work in the Funeral IndustryEducation: Worsham College of Mortuary Science 1980Civic involvement: Vice President, Northwest Municipal Conference (Current)Executive Legislative Committee, NWMC (Current)Chairman of the NWMC Transportation Committee (2014-2016)Board Member, Lake County Storm Water Management Commission (2015-Current)Member, Metropolitan Mayors Caucus (Current)Illinois Municipal LeagueElected offices held: Wheeling Plan Commissioner 1997-2001Chairman Plan Commission 1999-2001Village Trustee 2001-2013Village President 2013-PresentBoard of Directors, Chicago Executive AirportBoard of Directors, Regional Emergency Dispatch CenterQuestions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?My work ethic. I work hard every day in my capacity as Village President to stay connected with the residents and businesses of our community as well as those that want to join our community. I have exhibited a willingness to work with other agencies within and outside of our Village to bring opportunities that directly benefit the community we serve. Communication is a big part of who I am. I truly believe the current Board is the best I've seen in decades where a "team mentality" guides our actions every day. An example of that team philosophy is that I have encouraged this Board to respect the professionalism of our staff and ask questions to help them make a good decision. This has helped get many projects off the ground during the 4 years that I have served.Also, constant communication with our residents and businesses is important to me. There is no "voice mail" with Dean Argiris. All calls are forwarded to my cell phone so I can address their needs immediately.My experience would also be a reason for my candidacy. I have served Wheeling in some capacity "â#128;œ appointed or elected "â#128;œ for 20 years. Watching the progress of Wheeling and being an integral part of it just makes me want to do more. Because of all the positive, people and businesses want to come to WheelingHow would you describe the condition of your community's budget, and what are the most important specific actions the town should take to assure providing the level of services that people want?I am very proud that the last 2 years have produced balanced budgets in the Village of Wheeling. The last 3 years have produced surpluses. I instituted a policy with our staff that in any given year where a surplus exists and our other fund balances are strong, a percentage of the surplus be contributed toward our Police, Fire and IMRF pension fund obligations. Doing this helps us satisfy the State of IL mandate that these pension funds be 90% funded by the year 2040. As a result of these positive budget practices, we were awarded an upgraded bond rating of AA+ last year. This, among other strong accounting practices, has only strengthened the Village's financial footing.We need to continue the platform of strong Economic Development (i.e. Residential, Commercial, and Industrial) which brings new tax revenues to our Village. Continuing this trend helps our tax base by 1) keeping their tax rate consistent and 2) keeps our core service levels where our residents and businesses expect them to be.In the last 4 years, we have reviewed and evaluated our bond debt to see if there was opportunity to refinance those debts. The end result was millions of dollars in taxpayer savings over the remaining term of those bonds.Where, if anywhere, could the current budget be trimmed, and conversely, are there areas the budget does not give enough money to?I witnessed a drastic cut in Village personnel (~40 employees) in 2008. This action was difficult yet necessary to stabilize our budget due to the downturn in the National economy. At the same time, we had to be sure that core services would still be adequately provided to our residents and businesses. Since then, increases in staffing, which comprises approximately over 70 percent of Village expenses, has been carefully considered. Ultimately, our staffing levels of 2008 have become the "new normal" and we have been operating efficiently.When considering the new residential, commercial and industrial development occurring in Wheeling right now, responsibly increasing staff will be a priority discussion I will have with Village Manager and the Board.The Budget Crisis happening in Springfield, has [and should have] all Municipalities concerned. I have utilized my involvement with the Northwest Municipal Conference to keep protection of our LGDF share ($3.8M to the Village of Wheeling) as well as opposing proposals for statewide property tax freezes top of mind. Either of these proposals would have a detrimental impact on our municipality. Also unfunded mandates imposed by the state is another strain on our budget that we always reach out to our Legislators about. Other concerns I have is with the Cook County Board trying to mandate programs that directly affect our businesses in town. Regarding not having enough monies it would be for personnel, Economic development has really taken off these last 4 years.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.As stated earlier, my style is team oriented. The decisions of Village leadership are not made by one person. They are made by all of my colleagues on the Board as well as the management team that works for the Village. In an effort to have the elected officials more involved with the Village departments, I instituted a liaison program. I assigned each Trustee to a department to gain greater knowledge of how that department works. I made sure to rotate these assignments on an annual basis. It has worked very well "â#128;œ especially during Budget season.I reach out to fellow Board members (on an individual basis) and ask if they have any questions or concerns regarding the agendas for our meetings. Conversely, the Board knows I am always available to talk. We have been successful creating other funding sources. We secured a successful lease agreement with SWANCC at our Public Works building as well as providing Police 911 dispatch services to the City of DesPlaines. Enacted a Storm water utility fee in 2016 for future projects and infrastructure improvements to combat our village wide flooding issues.What is one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?I would like to thoroughly explore expansion of the North Central Metra train service. Having this service increased from weekdays only to evenings, weekends and holiday service will not only supplement the success of the existing developments in Wheeling (i.e. Town Center and Northgate Crossings) but it will serve countless other communities along that route. It will also attract more visitors from neighboring communities and the city of Chicago to our Town Center (expected completion 2018). We are currently doing a Village wide flood mitigation study to be completed in 2017 our ultimate goal is to reduce the number properties located in the flood plan and thus negating the requirement for the property owners to carry flood insurance.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?I believe that the President of the Village of Wheeling must have a presence in Springfield, other municipalities, with other local taxing bodies, and within the community. Since becoming Village President, I have made several trips to our state capital on behalf of the Village I have spent countless hours working with staff and the Northwest Municipal Conference (of which I am Vice President) regarding how State of Illinois proposals can affect Wheeling. If there is a property tax freeze and/or a reduction in the Local Government Distributive Fund (LGDF), Motor fuel tax(MFT) I'm opposed to it we cannot have these reductions adversely affect core services, to our residents and local businesses. I have brought the Governor, Federal State Legislators to Wheeling many times. I frequently meet with the School, Park, and Library Board representatives so we can work together for betterment of our town. In particular, establishing a successful program and location in support of our (growing) Senior population is action that is underway and I would like the opportunity to see it to completion.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.It would be difficult to choose just one as I interact with many Federal and State leaders. One of my favorite leader was Harry Truman.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Regardless of how people treat you, always treat others with respect.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Spend more time with my family.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Math. It helped me better understand the Mortgage business and the Village budget it's all about numbersIf you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Think before you act and be respectful of those you encounter.