Robert Wilson: Candidate profile

Bio

Name: Robert (Bob) Wilson

City: Warrenville

Office sought: Ward 2 Alderman

Age: 88

Family: married, father (8), grandfather (17) and great grandfather (15)

Occupation: ordained Deacon at All Saint's Anglican Church; retired from career in sales; veteran - four years U. S. Air Force serving in Korea and Japan

Education: Temple University graduate (business degree)

Civic involvement: Habitat for Humanity & Meals on Wheels

Previous elected offices held: None

Incumbent? If yes, when were you first elected? Ward 2 Alderman since 2010

Issue questions

What are the most important issues facing your community and how do you intend to address them?

The most important issues facing Warrenville are continued sound fiscal policies and managing the future growth of commercial and residential projects already under development and those in various stages of planning. Equally important is sustaining the Capital Maintenance and Replacement Program (CMRP) to ensure funds are available to acquire and maintain City property and equipment.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

The future of Warrenville depends to a great degree on the kind of commercial and residential construction that takes place. My responsibility as a member of the City Council is to review all proposals that come before us. I look to the Plan Commission's evaluations of the projects, staff input, economic development representatives' comments and the City's Strategic Plan goals. I will continue to make my decisions based upon what will be best for all of our residents and the future of Warrenville.

Describe your leadership style and explain how you think that will be effective in producing actions and decisions with your village board or city council.

Learning as much as I can about a subject is the foundation I use to make sound decisions. I listen to all the presented viewpoints. I have been on the City Council for nine years and rely on members of the Plan Commission who have been in the business world with hands on knowledge. I serve with other members of the Council on subcommittees as we examine specific policy details.

How 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 people want?

The City of Warrenville is in very good financial condition as one of the few cities with a surplus and no outside debt. I am committed to preserving fiscal stability in all budget considerations.

What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?

I have proposed using solar power for appropriate City facilities. The Council recently approved a solar project as a test to determine possible future use in other situations. I support increased use of renewable energy sources and look forward to evaluating the results of this project.