Pat Schultz: 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: CarpentersvilleWebsite: n/aTwitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Carpentersville Village Board Age: 61Family: I'm widowed but have two children ages 35 and 33. One grandson age 8.Occupation: semi-retired worked in accountingEducation: High school and some college coursesCivic involvement: commission member on the first newly formed Audit finance committee in the Village in the early 2000's.Chaired the Cville improvement committee in the mid 2000's.Current Chair of the Parks/special events committee.currently attending Foxview neighborhood meetings as a liaison for the villageWorked to help create along with Pastor Ball the newly formed Carpentersville Clergy committee.Precinct committeemanElected offices held: I've been an elected precinct committeeman for over 10 years.Have been an elected Village trustee since 2009. This will be my third termQuestions Answers Many municipalities are met with the challenge of maintaining steady revenue streams while trying to lower the tax burden on businesses and property owners. How has the village handled that balancing act so far, and how would you improve/maintain that situation?With an increased EAV and reduction in our operational costs and the refinancing of our debt we have seen a decrease in our tax levy rate that was 2.93% last year to 2.58% for this budget year. The challenge comes from the state mandated pension costs along with increased health insurance. We've also seen an increase in revenue streams with the opening of Wal-Mart on the east side which has generated other business interest.How would you suggest Carpentersville carry out its long-term goal of finding occupants for vacant buildings and properties throughout the village? What, if anything, is currently lacking in the village's business and economic portfolio?The board has recently approved the position of an economic development director along with an economic incentive policy. Many municipalities are often vying for some of the same businesses so it can be a difficult and competitive process. Our director has implemented a "Shop C'ville" initiative on our website along with a mobile app that allows businesses to connect with their customers and residents to look for a way to shop locally. The recent approval of the hiring of a retail strategist group for one year to assist our director to reach a wider business base will also be beneficial in attracting new businesses.Where in the village's budget, if anywhere, could expenses be trimmed? And on the other hand, should the budget allot more money toward any particular area, service or village department?We have reduced our administrative village staff significantly in the last few years and are always looking every budget season for other ways to reduce expenses but continue to maintain public safety and monitor our infrastructure needs.Economic development was a budget item that needed to be funded and as explained in the above question I believe the village has taken a major step forward in that areaWhat are your biggest concerns regarding public safety, and how could those be addressed?At our annual budget meetings the board has approved expenditures for both equipment and training that will allow our firefighters and our police department the capabilities to address these issues. CPR compression devices along with new cardiac monitors have saved 2 lives already within the last 6 months. There was approval for the purchase of a new ambulance for 2017 along with a new updated police vehicle that is fully equipped. The village is fortunate to have individuals from these departments that monitor and apply for grants to help with funding. Public Works has been heavily involved in our Emerald Ash Borer tree removal and replacement program along with many other projects that involve street maintenance and our water and sewer necessities. To date we have no lead issues in our water. The board will continue to cooperatively work with our department heads and village staff to address all concerns for public safety.What can the village do to improve its relationship with union employees, particularly those in the fire department, and is there room for improvement? Please explain.The Board and Village Management had already taken steps with the recent hiring of our new Fire Chief which included participation of the interview process by some of our firefighters. Once hired a 100 day plan was given to him as a goal which will allow for participation of our firefighters to form committees and give them a voice for their concerns and an opportunity to explore solutions. This planning process will take about a year to fully implement. We will continue to receive updated reports on the progress of this plan from our new fire chief who has already shown to be very effective with much needed strong leadership and communication skills.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?To continue the fiscal responsibility that has given the village clean audits and both the GFOA award for budget presentation and the CAFR award for excellence in financial reporting two years in a row. It is also important to maintain the over 90% transparency rating we have received by a recognized agency. Continued infrastructure improvements including the widening of Huntley Road.Maintain the importance of public safety and good quality customer service for our residents.Last year we had several special events funded with our gaming revenue and I would like to continue to host those events and further engage and include the addition of other ideas put forth by the Special Events Committee that could include more fests and parades. To see through the completion of the rehab of Carpenter Park and Keith Andres Park which are a unique and great asset to our Village.Continued exploration of the implementation of the Old Town Plan.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.I have no one in particular but am always inspired by true patriotism and those who serve our country.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?My Mom would say it doesn't matter what your job is in life, just do it the absolute best you can.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I wish my late husband and I had more opportunity to travel more.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Literature. My love of reading has opened me up to all points of view and a knowledge of many ideas.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?To be a good patriotic citizen and have a love and passion for our country and promote its' values.