Steve Peterson: 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: NapervilleWebsite: www.petersonforcouncil.orgOffice sought: Naperville City Council Age: 42Family: Melissa - wife Madison and Kendal - twin daughtersOccupation: ExecutiveEducation: MA Miami University BA Miami UniversityCivic involvement: Beebe Watch Dogs Steps Dance Center AAU Parent BoardElected offices held: Candidate did not respond.Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?I grew up in Naperville, graduated from Naperville North and after college returned to raise my family. I have been successful in education and business and will bring those skills to the council. Here are some interesting bullets about my experience: #8226; Taught Interpersonal Communication at North Central College #8226; Was a founder of three different companies that created thousands of jobs, including some locally for Naperville residents. All three companies are still active and successful. #8226; Extensive retail experience with Scotts/MiracleGro and Safeway stores. #8226; AAU parent board member for Steps Dance Center located in Aurora. #8226; Currently running a successful online IT security training business. #8226; Technically savvy with insight into current and emerging technologies and the benefits and risks. #8226; Actually read the 144 page Naperville financial - yes this is a bit of a joke, but given what I see, I am not sure that the current council has.#8226; Five-year cancer survivor. #8226; Licensed Private Pilot. #8226; Recipient of numerous educational and professional industry awards.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.Too high. We can certainly do more with less. For example, Naperville is still self insured. The majority of cities the size of Naperville have moved away from the self-insured model to insurance pool models like the North Suburban Employee Benefit Cooperative (NSEBC). Providing quality programs at a better cost since risk is shared across the cooperative.Early projections for the fiscal year 2016 budget showed a $12 million deficit. What can the city do to avoid future budget deficits? Where can the city save money or make cuts?Naperville spent $4 million last year administering the self insurance program. Joining a cooperative like the NSEBC can reduce those costs dramatically.What additional regulations, if any, should the city council impose on bars and liquor license holders to help keep the downtown night life safe? What do you think of the restrictions recently created, such as relating to late-night entry, shot sales, beer sizes, drink specials and security training?I don't believe that downtown Naperville is unsafe. The data proves out that it is safe. This issue is a distraction from making real progress in the city. The new regulations are irrelevant. They make for a headline, but not a safer city. They will result in more drunks on the road and drinking in public areas. What is the real goal? Less drinking and driving? If yes, then lets look at programs to reduce the number of drunks on the road. Reducing the pour of a beer does not do this. Clearly, reducing the number of ounces of a mass produced and lower alcohol beer while allowing larger sizes of craft high alcohol beer illustrate the problem with these new restriction. They actually promote drinking more of a higher alcohol beverage.What should the city council's role be in bringing businesses to town? Should businesses be allowed to bring in proposals under code names, such as "Project Panda"? What do you think of the decision to approve the SKF development at Warrenville and Freedom roads before informing the public of what the development would be?I guess that depends on why it was kept a secret. Transparency is key to any government council. This is a project that is bringing jobs, tax dollars, and development to Naperville. All good things.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Ogden Ave. from Naperville Rd. to Washington. Promoting and attracting small businesses to Naperville The Naperville brand. We need to focus on all of the good Naperville and the citizens do and move past petty small issues. Responsible development both commercial and residential. Electrical utility viability.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Mark Cuban"Wherever I see people doing something theway it's always beendone, theway it's 'supposed' tobe done, following the same old-trends, well, that's just a big-redflag"What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Work hard and believe in yourself. Anything is possible.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I wouldn't. You can't look back. I don't believe in regrets.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Persuasion and argumentation. Understanding logic and how to formulate a thought is critical to success.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?It is your life. Live it without boundaries. Anything is possible, even Dessert First.