Michael Rullman: 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: ElburnWebsite: noneTwitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mike.rullmanOffice sought: Elburn Village Board Age: 48Family: Candidate did not respond.Occupation: retired - do small programming projects to keep up with technology changes and volunteer work.Education: no answerCivic involvement: I volunteer my time to groups that help people through rough times and help them get through them or navigate to the end in respectful, dignified way.Elected offices held: no answerQuestions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?There is no best candidate since we are the representatives of whom we talk to and seek council on upcoming actions from. The job is to represent the community so while personal experience can help in understanding and communicating issues no one know everything for all situations. I do have the ability to listen and gather input to achieve consensus. That doesn't mean that everyone is happy in the end but their views and concerns are addressed.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 we are a bit lower that surrounding jurisdiction and property taxes are too high. Being one of many taxing bodies doesnt help since one or all of the entities can increase the load on the public and the only vote they get for property taxes is to move (which happens at an alarming rate). No one likes taxes, particularly if you cant see the value you are receiving from the amount you pay. The village board can make sure the monies entrusted to us are used responsibly and in the best interests of the whole community.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?The police department has some issues and i believe they are top down, The village hired an administrative chief to replace a patrolling chief (at the same time cutting the budget for overtime) so we are estimated ending at 200% over budget because of the hire. The hire causes trickle down issues as well in the scheduling and moral that will need to be addressed. While i like the police chief he was hired into the wrong position and expectations.We are covered by a separate entity for Fire protection and i think they have done a great job positioning for the next few years.Where, if anywhere, could the current budget be trimmed, and conversely, are there areas the budget does not give enough money to?The trimming done over the past few years leaves little to trim, the ares that need to be addressed are using the funds more effectively and oddly using the funds budgeted.What is one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?We have a lot of smart engaged people here in town and there are few ideas that haven't been at least tossed out for a talk around. I think we do need to support the chamber of commerce and local business to keep our village busy and fulfilling the needs of the residents. We could use social media and push technology better, to inform people across the board from businesses, education, craft, or recreational opportunities.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?no answerPlease name one current leader who most inspires you.My father.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?read and research on your own not only do you get it from the source but you find other interests to explore as well.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Candidate did not respond.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Reading, helps me to research and explore others ideas and situations without living through them.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Never assume there is a tomorrow so don't carry grudges or delay saying 'i love you'