Robert (Bob) Smith: 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: AlgonquinWebsite: bobsmithalgonquintrustee.comTwitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Algonquin Village Board Age: 56Family: Wife DianneDaughters Britney and RachaelGrandson NateOccupation: Midwest Regional Manager International Freight ForwardingEducation: Candidate did not respond.Civic involvement: Algonquin LionsElected offices held: Candidate did not respond.Questions Answers What is your stance on the Longmeadow Parkway project? Is the fight against it realistic at this point. Please explain.I support the Longmeadow Parkway project. When completed it will help to reduce traffic congestion with in the Village. It will also open up more opportunity to help grow our business community. We are working with Kane County to see that all safety issues are addressed. I will always be willing to listen to the residents and try to address their concerns that may come up.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?The Village of Algonquin has a strong retail and commercial base. This has come from good planning and development over the years. This has helped us keep our property tax level low at the same time improving our services to the residents. We have found new revenue opportunities within our departments to help manage their overhead.How do you envision the village developing economically over the next several years, and where in the village should officials be focusing their efforts?I will continue to promote and support the East Side business and work the find new development for the open properties. The other major area I will continue to focus on is our Corporate Campus bring in more business with good jobs works to keep our community strong. Working to keep a good balance of retail stores will help to keep as steady stream of income for the Village. We had 25 new business open up in 2016 and working on more for 2017.Describe your plans for maintaining/improving the village's downtown district.The Downtown Redevelopment Plan is a major project that we have been working on for several years now. Working with the residents and Downtown business we have come up with a plan to help make Downtown Algonquin a destination point bring in people in to live shop and eat. We are also looking to include more activity along the Fox Rive and our Downtown Parks.We will look to use the Downtown for more Special Events.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?The Village has a balanced budget and a AAA bond rating. We have been presented with the GFOA Certificate for 2016-17 budget this is the twelfth year we have received this award. Every year the Village Board reviews the budget with our staff going over every department and line item in great detail. We have long term street improvements plans as well as water and sewer plans to make sure we are providing the highest levels of service to our residents.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?I will continue to work to keep Algonquin a safe and healthy community to live and raise your family. The job of a Trustee is the be the representative of the people of Algonquin. I will continue to listen to the residents and work with them to find solution to the challenges we face.Traffic is always an issue that we are dealing with. The Village has been working with McHenry County on the Randall Rd and 62 intersection adding more turn lanes for both east and west and north and south traffic.I will continue to work with our Police Department on ways to reduce speeding in local neighborhoods. Supporting our Recreation Department and seeing it grow and adding more programs for residents every year is one of the accomplishments I am very proud to have been a part of. In 2016 working with the Police Department they held a National Nigh Out event for the community this was visited by hundreds of residents. We have a true sense of community in Algonquin. We have a long and rich history. We are respectful of our history and the people that helped to shaped Algonquin.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Algonquin Village President John SchmittWhat is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?My Father had MS and was confined to a wheelchair. He worked to support his family and to fight for the rights of the disableIf life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I would like to have spent more time with my parents they are both gone now I would have like more time with themWhat was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?I liked History I think it is important to know how our country was foundedIf you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?find the things that make you happy in life