Daniel J. Pearson: 2023 candidate for East Dundee Village Board, 4-year term
Bio
Town: East Dundee
Age on Election Day: 51
Occupation: Battalion chief firefighter
Employer: Hoffman Estates Fire Department
Previous offices held: Fire Commissioner for East Dundee Fire Department
Q&A
Q: What is the most serious issue your community will face in the coming years and how should the village board respond to it?
A: We have at least three issues which need to be addressed. The most recent issue is our board wants to approve a project on Routes 25 and 72 which is almost a flee market. The same place built by the same owners in Elgin has brought their crime rate up and will be a burden on our small police department. We have 3,100 residents grocery shopping out of town. We need to work with grocery stores to come in that complex.
Q: How would you describe the state of your community's finances?
A: Stressed. Our police pension is not funded like it's required and our water system needs upgrading. We also need more parking in our downtown. Our board needs to look at other options for funding such as bonds, grants, and other state and federal monies.
Q: What should be the three top priorities for spending in your community during the next four years?
A: Parking needs to be improved, development of a grocery store, and development of the Haeger property to assist in bringing in money.
Q: Are there areas of spending that need to be curtailed? If so, what are they?
A: I've met with some village official's and discussed the budget. The budget is limited but is definitely needing looked at. There isn't much room in the essential services the town needs to provide. I intend to look at it more in depth in the future.
Q: What do you see as the most important infrastructure project the community must address? Why and how should it be paid for? Conversely, during these uncertain economic times, what project(s) can be put on the back burner?
A: Parking needs to be addressed and can be paid for by bond money. We have a great entertainment district that's being choked because of the lack of parking. We need to get that addressed to keep people coming and bring in revenue. We can also charge for the new parking to assist with paying the bond down. Development of the river area can be put on the back burner.
Q: Describe your experience working in a group setting to determine policy. What is your style in such a setting to reach agreement and manage local government? Explain how you think that will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions with your village board.
A: Most my life has been working in a group setting, and with strong personalities. I believe we all have different ideas and bring different experiences to the table. Being part of a group means everyone should be heard and their concerns validated. Although it would be nice to take emotion out of decisions, let's be honest, some cannot do that because of their past experiences or their beliefs.
I try to remember decisions are for the greater good. As the past commander for the West Dundee VFW, I dealt with many personalities and made many decisions, some unpopular, but it was for the members, community, and patrons and made the post profitable.
Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?
A: I have nothing to gain for this position and I don't want it for anything except to serve the people. I'm a fair person, who likes to give back to the community. On the professional level, I have a bachelor's degree in business management. I've served on Hoffman Estates Fire Department for almost 26 years. As the commander of the VFW for 6 years, we rebuilt the post to having a full staff and profitable post. I'm currently holding the title of Fire Commissioner of East Dundee Fire Department. In all of these positions, I've been involved in communities in many ways.
Q: What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?
A: What about an ordinance to allow street legal golf carts? With the current issue of limited parking, street legal golf carts take less room, and better for the environment.