Richard Irvin: 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: AuroraWebsite: IrvinForMayor.comTwitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Aurora Mayor Age: 46Family: father of 2Occupation: LawyerEducation: BBA Robert Morris UniversityJD Northern Illinois UniversityCivic involvement: volunteermentorsocial servantElected offices held: Alderman At LargeQuestions Answers After seeing a year without a single murder in 2012, crime in Aurora has risen and police often say they can't rule out gang motivation in violent offenses. What can the city do to root out gangs, reduce crime and ensure safety in all parts of town?1) Problem oriented policing - (proactive problem solving) Expand community policing, create and sustain active community groups, create more youth programs, partner with school districts to work to keep kids in school (co-op, work study, apprenticeship programs. Re-instate community based prosecutor program.The opening of RiverEdge Park has brought many concerts and concertgoers to Aurora. How should the city capitalize on the revitalization of this riverfront land to continue downtown redevelopment and make progress on economic development in other areas of the city that need it most?Use TIF districts to incentivize developers to develop in downtown Aurora. Market assets such as Fox River and Train Depot. Continue to work toward ridding river from of old factories. Market young professionals. Market infrastructure and fiber optic network and focus on a technology based future.Where, if anywhere, could the current budget be trimmed, and conversely, are there areas the budget does not give enough money to?Trim Top heavy management and focus on getting more front line workers. Create an internal processes commission to consistently look to streamline all city procedures. Recognizing that crime has always been a major issue in Aurora, the fact that we are 11 police officers short in our police department is area we should always look to prioritize.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.My leadership style is to surround my self with the most capable and intelligent in my management staff. Create a vision and work with my executive management staff to make it real. We will set long term goals and smaller goals each week working toward the long term end.What is one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?creating Economic Development Commission, Education Commission and Internal Process Review Commission.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Education!!!! Are School districts have to be successful to make our city successful. Working with schools to keep children enrolled and to work toward having an educated and prepared workforce.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Father Pfleger - he acts selflessly on behalf of people without any interest other than to be a strong voice for the people.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Everything you do, do well.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Being 10 years old and riding my bike all day without a care in the world.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Communications (public speaking)If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Treat others the way you want to be treated.