Steven Mokry: 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: Des PlainesWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Twitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Des Plaines City Council Ward 1 Age: 57Family: Married, wife Donna Karavidas.3 Dogs, 4 Legged..Occupation: Construction/Retired Union MemberEducation: High School Diploma, College credits at Oakton Comm. and Triton Comm.Civic involvement: 49 yr resident of Des Plaines. Current, 6 yr member of the Des Plaines Public Library, TrusteeVarious events and volunteering in civic functions. Member Des Plaines Park District. Have served on a Condo Board Association.Elected offices held: Trustee/Board Member, Des Plaines Public Library-CurrentQuestions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?I ran 4 yrs ago and lost. I wasn't ready for the job then. I am now more in tune with the people, and they are asking for me. I am much more knowledgeable with the procedures of the City and Staff. I am currently meeting with the City Manager and Finance Director,and city officals, business owners, and interested groups on a regular basis, discussing goals and objectives from them, and their expectations from an elected Alderman. I am not going in with Big Grand Plans that are unattainable/unrealistic, and not affordable. The city is open for business, and has come a long way in the last number of years. I will stay the course, working with the Mayor, and other Alderman and Staff, and keep the city moving..There are small things that I would like to see, I live in Metropolitan Square, there are still unoccupied store fronts from the original construction some 12 yrs ago still unfilled. I would like to see it successful.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.Local sales taxes have picked up greatly, more is needed, and forthcoming, which is good...Mariano's will be opening soon and that will add to the sales tax. Mariano's is getting all the attention,and the Jewel Food stores are renovating, along with the old Caputo's, but the biggest thing to taxes is the Pharma Company Vetter, which is going to add tax, taxes, housing, and jobs to the whole community, located at Mt. Prospect Rd and Algonquin Rd, just a huge winner for the City of Des Plaines. It doesn't get better than this new development. Property taxes from the agency's or units of government, such as the Library, and some schools district including the City of Des Plaines have had O levies increases or very low, which is good government. The level of business tax and retail tax is on the rise, and seems to be priced right. There is always incentives for better growth and the city and residents can afford it for long term growth. Property values are also going up, which is good for lots of folksShould city elected officials receive city-funded health insurance benefits? Do you receive the benefits now? Would you accept them if elected?Elected Officals pay 12% of the premium, so it's not free...I do receive insurance benefits now thru SSDI Medicare, and so does my wife. If elected, and if offered, I would review my optionsWhere, if anywhere, could the current budget be trimmed, and conversely, are there areas the budget does not give enough money to?The Budget is $170 Million Dollars, 385 employees, and a population of 60,000 citizens. It cost a lot of money and manpower to operate this city. All department heads would like more, but are working closely within the city budgets. The cost service to debt has dropped drastically which in it self is acting like a trimmed budget, outstanding work done by all responsible over the last yrsDo you support a plan to commit city dollars, along with Rivers Casino, to acquire and renovate the shuttered Des Plaines Theatre, then hire an event planner to book concerts and shows?Ah'....The Theatre....4 yrs ago when I ran, I said it should be tore down...Nothing or very little has happened to the Theatre over the last 15 yrs.It's time to make some kind of change, it affects the whole city due to the blight. Now comes plans to renovate. I have to say, just because it is in the 1st Ward, which is my Ward/Alderman race, I only have a small say what is going to become of it..Now don't get me wrong, if it works I want all the credit..LOL...The total cost is going to be at least $4 Million Dollars all said and done. You need a lot of success to pay off that kind of money. The whole City will have a say in this kind of decision...I just don't know one way or another...of the final outcome of such a project..What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?#1 My heart breaks for the residents of River Bend. The neighbors are giving up there property to buy-outs. The residents deserve this city's staff, officials, and others their respect and dignity. It is changing the balance and demographic's of the 1st Ward forever. I will represent them in any way I can. #2 The opponent who entered the race in the 11th hr, I have serious concerns about and so should you. He has been put up by Alderwoman Haugeberg, and representative by Attorney Bob Porada. His story has lot's of holes in it as far as I am concerned. Mark Lysakowski is unknown to everybody, and never made his intention know until the 11th hour.....Surprise....there's another candidate in the 1st Ward. He foreclosed on his townhouse in 2012, took out a 40 yr mortgage, $244,000 at 4% from US Bank. He also never voted in a Des Plaines/or any election, or as his attorney say's he updated his voters registration...Yeah' really,from where? He registered to vote on Thursday December 15th 2016, at 7PM at the Library, then turned in his petitions on Monday December 19th 2016 at 4:39 PM just before the 5:00 PM deadline. The residents and citizens deserve better than this type on misleading 11th hour politics. If he was more serious, he clearly had more time than the 11th hour.. Folks don't be fooled/mislead or intimidated by Patti Haugeberg to vote against your will. Haugeberg also foreclosed on her Condo, and is leaving town soon,pennilessPlease name one current leader who most inspires you.Our young and growing current Mayor has some notable recognition, it would be an honor to serve with his administration. And this city's manager/staffWhat is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?My brothers/sisters and I had a modest up bring. We always had a roof and food. Never forget where you came from. Wouldn't change anything.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Along with my wife we are very successful,several homes and investments.We take great pride in our 57th/58th year of age...10 yrs from now...Do-over raincheck...What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?The school of "Hard Knocks" teaches things you will use the rest of your life...Educational school is necessary, but rudimentary...If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?To children and adults..Life is not a "dress rehearsal" Learn to live it fully..