Toby Shaw: 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: ElginWebsite: www.votetobyshaw.comOffice sought: Elgin City Council Age: 36Family: Married to Andrea Shaw and have four children Ethan, Scarlett, Koa, and Clark.Occupation: Sr. Database ManagerEducation: Bachelor of Arts in Computer Information Systems-Business Tract, Judson University, 1999Civic involvement: Vineyard Church of Elgin First Robotics FTC Team CoachElected offices held: City of Elgin - CouncilmemberQuestions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?Fiscal Responsibility: I have a proven track record over the last two years of working on behalf of the taxpayers of Elgin working to reduce wasteful spending. I have stood up against the majority on the council and their desires to implement irrational bike paths, pricey consultants, and other irrational expenditures. Leadership: Based upon feedback directly from residents, I spear-headed a common sense two warning policy for Odd/ Even parking offenders for residents of Elgin. Integrity: Two years ago I set out to represent the City of Elgin with a promise to be respectful yet firm, fair yet balanced, and pragmatic. I have succeeded in representing Elgin with a positive light which is critical to the success and image for our community.City Manager Sean Stegaall says that the city's property tax levy -- which is staying flat this year -- is projected to increase by 5 percent in 2016 and 2017 unless cuts are made to public safety. However, some believe public safety budgets are untouchable. What is your stance? Would you make such cuts? If not, what alternatives would you propose?Facts: The budgeted 5% increase equates to about $3 million dollars per year in 2016 and 2017 in the general fund property tax revenue stream. I am flat out opposed to any such increases in our property tax! Why? The 2012 revenue diversification concept increased taxes on families far enough to generate sufficient revenue. It is my job to find ways to reduce our expenditures to live within our means. Options: All departments within the city, including public safety, must look for additional areas for cost reductions and efficiencies. Nothing is off of the table! I would look for savings in staffing levels at city hall, services that can be contracted out at cheaper rates, or a flat 2% cut in all departments. This concept is utilized at home and at work and should be implemented in this situation as well if required.Talking with your friends and neighbors, what seems to be their biggest public safety concern? Explain the concern as you see it, and discuss how you think it should be addressed.The term public safety is many times thought of as our traditional Police and Fire Departments. In reality public safety is broader than this including both our Code Enforcement and Public Works Departments. These are the two areas in which I receive the most feedback on. Whether it is not strict enough code enforcement to a desire to have additional street and sewer projects completed. One effort I am leading is to utilize CDBG funds from the federal government to fund capital projects in areas allowed under the grant restrictions. I firmly believe the health of neighborhood can improve with quality streets, sidewalks, and lighting to foster development and investment.The city of Elgin has invested resources into promoting arts and entertainment downtown, which Mayor David Kaptain and others believe can be a long-term economic engine . Do you agree with the approach? If so, why? If not, what would you propose instead?While the arts are important to our community, I disagree with the Mayor in regards to the effect of it being an economic driver. When I compare the arts to the impact of the major capital investments made by the city and businesses in the downtown I feel that the arts are a byproduct of those investments not the driving factor. When I look towards the future of the downtown and its success, I would argue it hinges largely on projects like the Tower building and our ability to attract vibrant people to live and work downtown.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?Combine the Elgin Chamber of Commerce, DNA, and Elgin area Convention and Visitors Bureau into one organization to server all businesses and economic development for Elgin.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Two years ago I joined Elgin City Council with a clear focus to change business as usualâ#8364;brvbar; to restrain out-of-touch spending and pare back new methods of taxation burdening our city. I've made those views heard, but find myself one of a vocal minority on city councilâ#8364;brvbar; And I must be frank, despite my persistence over the last two years, success towards fiscal restraint has been slow coming. To really change business as usual in Elgin I'll need your continued support, but more importantly, I'll need you to support other fiscally responsible candidates this April. That means keeping the city focused on the basics like good streets and public safety, not additional bike paths and other wasteful spending initiatives.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Scott Walker - whether you agree with his policies or not he took bold actions to fix WI.What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Work hard, value others, and show respect.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?None, with all of the blessings in my life I am truly content.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Math was by far my best subject in school. This transitioned well into the analytical demands in programing and IT.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Treat others like you want to be treated.