Mark GAFFINO: 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: NORTH AURORAWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Twitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: North Aurora Village Board Age: 56Family: Debra wifeJon SonAmanda DaughterOccupation: Owner /Landscaping BuisnessEducation: Associate degree/WaubonseeNorthern Illinois UniversityCivic involvement: North Aurora Baseball.Previous Manager /Board MemberNorth Aurora lions club Past President/current treasurerElected offices held: Former Plan commission memberFormer Police Commission ChairQuestions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?I love the town and the People! I enjoy the involvement, meeting residents(listening well) to working with Village staff.I've lived in North Aurora 55 years , been involved in many clubs and groups and feel I have a good pulse on what the people like and want.I feel I'm weaved through out the fabric of the community.I've have aprx 20 years exp with the Village commissions and boards as it was a natural progression to where I am at today.Currently I'm finishing my 12th year on the Village Board, I understand the process and I'm willing to work hard for all our residents and Businesses alike. I feel I'm a forward thinker and the Village is positioned well for the Futrue.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.Sales Tax; I feel we are ok at, its one of the catalyst that's brings revenue into the Village along with our property tax.Our property taxes are high, but the Village gets very little of that Bill/ 3.8 % on my bill.I feel with the monies we receive , we do very well with (use it wisely) within our Village budget.We strive to do more with less!However its very important that we keep driving toward more commercial businesses within our Village and work to be as Business friendly as possible.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?Our Police Dept is second to none!Very proud of the Dept. they are all well trained, equipped with the best tools we can provide. We have a station when we built it, to last 40 years plus. The Fire dept doesn't fall under our jurisdiction however I feel they are doing a GREAT job, and are professional and well equipped to handle any emergency.Where, if anywhere, could the current budget be trimmed, and conversely, are there areas the budget does not give enough money to?Im Satisfied were the budget is at this time.What is one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?I feel in the Future , relocating the Village hall to a less Scenic area (more business district)and to offer the current location for businesses to locate and add to the river beauty ie; restaurant , small shops,art studios, this would bring more people down to our riverfront and increase our sales tax base.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?The re-development of rt 31 from Oak st to John st .Making sure we have enough water for the next 25 years.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Candidate did not respond.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Be Honest , have integrity and treat people as you would like to be treatedIf life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Wouldnt change anythingWhat was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Business classes/ ability to operate and manage my own buisnessIf you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Work hard toward your goals and dreamsNever give up!