Jason Stoops: 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: BataviaWebsite: https://www.facebook.com/groups/186144161833047/Twitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/186144161833047/Office sought: Batavia Mayor Age: 43Family: Amy Stoops, Wife of 16 yearsHayley Stoops, Daughter, 15Olivia Stoops, Daughter, 13Lily Stoops, Daughter, 9Occupation: Real EstateEducation: BA Degree in Economics with an emphasis in Political Science from The University of Iowa, 5/97Civic involvement: 4 Years on the Batavia School Board. Finance Committee Member for BPS, 2 years. Resource Responsibility Accountability Committee (RRAC) Member for BPS. Regional Representative of the Education Matters! Advisory Board (EMAB) as formed by Congressman Randy Hultgren (IL-14). Implemented the Watch D.O.G.S. Program at JB Nelson School in 2013 to allow Dads of Great Students to volunteer at school. 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus since 1991. Member of the Loyal Order of the Moose since 2005. Advocate and volunteer for Chip-In, Batavia United Way, Batavia Food Pantry. Annual contributor to fundraising events, Community volunteerElected offices held: 4 Years on the Batavia School Board. Current Vice President.Questions Answers What should the city's financial role be in development, if any? In particular, are the incentives the city provided for projects such as the proposed One North Washington Place, and the Walgreen development, and possibly a deal for the Blue Goose Supermarket: Too much, too little or just right? Is it justified for the city to borrow money or pledge property taxes to fund such incentives, until increased taxes come in from TIF districts?Batavia should always be in a position to attract quality tenants and the kind of projects that improve our city and add tax value. But incentivizing these projects should never become the equivalent of giving away the golden goose. Too often, Batavia taxpayers have failed to see a return on their "investment." That means any future tax concessions must be much more carefully considered. I do NOT support the creation of any new TIF District unless the City can close an existing TIF. Furthermore, TIF districts should not be created without a specific project in mind, and the groundwork to determine if the market is ready for that project. For example, the West Town TIF has been established, but no development is planned for that area.Should the city do something to increase the amount of affordable housing in Geneva, as the Chicago Metropolitan Agency on Planning study calls for? If so, what?Batavia should be encouraging developers to fill the growing need for desirable, affordable housing. We need to keep our millennials, young professionals, empty nesters, and particularly, our senior citizens, in Batavia. Our people are our best resource! As mayor, my goal will be to give all Batavians a really good reason to stay right here!Is 40 years too long in office? Why or why not?Frankly, yes it is! I am a firm believer in term limits. If a mayor can't accomplish what they set out to do in two or three terms, it's time to give someone else a shot. Progress always depends upon passing the torch to next qualified candidate. Failing that, we're all stuck with that dreaded political "status quo."Where, if anywhere, could the current budget be trimmed, and conversely, are there areas the budget does not give enough money to?Of course, Batavia's budget can be cut! That starts with re-examining our electricity purchases from Prairie State. My administration will review City compensation allowance and employee reimbursement practices. Staff health benefits should be re-evaluated on a yearly basis to get the biggest bang for our taxpayer buck. We should lease or purchase quality pre-owned equipment and vehicles whenever possible. Leveraging technology to streamline City services will be another of my initiatives. Underfunded budget areas include sidewalk repair and instillation, erosion prevention on the riverfront, Fox River restoration and beautification, and the Community Development Department.What is one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?That's easy! We need to have a serious conversation on Batavia's traffic issues which means another bridge over the Fox River. That structure will become even more critical to residents and downtown businesses as the City builds out. The problem is, this was first discussed the 1970's, but no one is talking about it in a serious manner anymore.My administration will work with the County Board, the Army Corps of Engineers, and secure the Federal funding required to make this bridge a reality. Just like St. Charles did on Prairie Street, we'll build it in a way that least impacts nearby residents.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?I love Batavia's small-town feel as we maintain a diverse population. We need to preserve that. Batavia has great destinations like River Street, Wilson Street, Water Street, and the Batavia Fine Arts Center. We need to create a statewide buzz about those places. Let's make Geneva nervous! Lastly, our people are our power and, together, with their input, we can build a better Batavia.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Warren Buffet, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway. His hard work and dedication to doing what's right first, then profit will follow.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?It is easier to offer help than to ask for it.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I would say that if I were more open to other's opinions earlier in life I may be wiser now.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?I enjoyed Science and Business related courses. Economics came naturally to me and has lent itself to my love of business and politics.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Set Goals! If you fail to plan in life then you may have planned to fail. Also, to learn from failures