Pat Horcher: 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: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Wheeling Village President Age: 53Family: Wife - Stacey telemarketerDaughter - Asher Poli sci / law student Iowa StateSon - Patrick Certified EMT. Continuing fire science course then paramedic training at HarperOccupation: Florist / horticultural consultantEducation: Wheeling High School 1981Harper -1993 taking plant science courses for work, plant biology diseases, business accounting, floral and landscape design, and courses for my own fun, various philosophies, introductory and criminal law, physical and cultural anthropology, various arts, English compositionCivic involvement: was a trustee for 16 years currently board member on Cook County Farm Bureau board of directorsElected offices held: trustee 16 tearsQuestions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?I understand the limits of the offices scope of authority. I will listen to people with opposing views because I know I don't have all the answers and so I could be wrong.I am self employed so my schedule is flexible.My position on C.C.F.B. puts me in contact with higher placed elected officials, Wheeling could benefit from contact with them. Wheelings social reputation and fiscal well being directly impact mine.When Wheeling prospers we all winHow 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?Condition -- "Balanced"But to do so there is a practice of not adequately funding things like C.E.R.F. while supporting individual annual staff salaries equal to Wheeling residents median estimated household income.I understand the staff of the Village is our greatest asset / resource but it is also on of our biggest expenses.What the village of Wheeling needs is village employees willing to work for what village residents earn.More about thisWhere, if anywhere, could the current budget be trimmed, and conversely, are there areas the budget does not give enough money to?I have issue with the salary structure of our department heads and the justification. According to cites like "www.census.gov" for 2011-15 Wheelings Estimated median HOUSEHOLD income $56,110Estimated PER CAPITA income$28,031.Meanwhile Wheeling has "executive assistants" earning around that household median.The salaries of the public servants (elected and salaried) needs to be more commensurate with the public they serve. Pensions are being addressed for the future but there are expenses like "longevity " that are questionable.More money could go to an infrastructure improvement fund for Wheeling businesses. There is a faÃcirc;sect;ade improvement fund to help make a business look nice even if it is trashed inside. It's a grant to make sure everything looks good.If a business wants the money to improve productivity or actual structural problems, the answer is no.That money is for facades how things look is more important than how they run.That should be turned around.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.I understand the position is that of lead public servant and as such I must be answerable to any resident for anything I do as President.Keep everyone involved and don't get in the way.When I was a trustee if a resident needed help from a department I got them to those that could help and got out of the wayI would encourage discussion and intelligent argument. I have always relied on facts to support my positions, if my information is faulty I reconsider my opinion. Everyone must feel comfortable expressing their position, and should understand that intelligent people will at times dissagreeWhat is one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?Take notice of Wheelings effect on ALL the other taxing bodies. Hoarding property by buying it takes that property tax away from schools, parks, libraries, etc..Scrooging away property taxes through T.I.F. is only slightly better. Commercial and industrial properties can pay around 20% tax, hold a property 5-6years and ALL taxing bodies loose the total E.A.V.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Roll back elected officials pay.Review all T.I.F.s from a cost / benefit analysis perspective.Reestablish the absolute prohibition on nepotism. Stop jumping at residential development and create an environment that brings commerce, commercial and industrial development.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Senator Daniel BissWhat is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Stop and think before you actIf life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?My children. I would hug them more, read them those stories I got so tired of. Maybe I wouldn't get involved in politics.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?I love learning.Knowledge is the only thing that will limit a person. Art science history I enjoy it all.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Live within your means on the pay a career you like provides.