Jaime Hjelm: 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: http://jaimeforelgin.comOffice sought: /news/politics/election/race/Elgin-City-Council/">Elgin City Council Age: 36Family: Mother of twin 10 year old boys that attend Public School in District 301. All immediate family living in Elgin including my parents, sister and brother with their families.Occupation: President - A Taxicab Leasing Corp.Education: Harper College ECC.Civic involvement: -Elgin Community Dinners professional services volunteer sponsor -Elgin city wide art projects (ECN) since 2012 sponsor -Green Expo volunteer 2013 2014 -Elgin Motorcycle Show 2013 supporter, volunteer professional services -Community Carnivals volunteer professional services -Member of Elgin Fire Museum -Member of YWCA -AID supporter/donor -Cub Scout Pack #67 Secretary (at St.Thomas More) -Project 231 supporter -Elgin Community Garden Network-volunteer-building the gardens at Fire Station #7. -Elgin Public Museum supporter -Helped speak out over Elgin's Business License 2011. -Supporter of Gail Borden job fairElected offices held: NoneQuestions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?I am a forward thinker and a leader in my industry. Transporting over 5,000 Elgin passengers a week gives me a unique perspective of what's happening in Elgin by transportation movement: how/when/where the citizens are moving, what they're concerned about, and what the economic climate is in real-time. We transport an additional 7,000 passengers weekly from neighboring communities which gives me information as to the pulse of activity around us. My objective is clear, to be an advocate for the citizens and businesses here- not City Hall. I believe in free enterprise for new business, and want to sustain all businesses currently here. I want all voices being heard. I want to see City Council held accountable for their decisions. I invite any resident, or business, to join one of my Sunday Coffees. It's an informal spot to be heard and share our ideas.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?I believe there are no "sacred cows" when reviewing a budget. All line items are reviewable. Is this statement an accurate projection, or a scare tactic? The City has staffing mandates that must be complied with in regards to public safety. We must meet those. I would propose we start looking at future budget possibilities now.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.Poverty! When people are living below the poverty line a number of serious issues arise and are multiplied. Retail thefts, scams on the elderly, theft of services, robbery, home invasions, homelessness, suicides, and arson to name some, are a direct result of poverty. All of these are a direct burden on Police, Fire and all of us in the community. Having the ability to reduce the overall poverty by actually bringing jobs to our City will have a positive outcome to our overall quality of life.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?The arts are important and should be showcased throughout all of Elgin. I agree with supporting the arts. However, I believe there must be a clear vision and accountability. Since this should be "a long term economic engine", perhaps the Elgin Development Group should be making businesses aware of how they can get involved by being sponsors of these events and programs -there are other revenue streams. This would reduce the overall funding from the City. An example of vision and funding is the Riverside Promenade. Yes, State funds were used. Yes, it is beautiful. However, the City of Aurora received the same funds, raised additional private monies for their riverfront to include a permanent stage and eating venue. They now rival the City of Chicago with various events. I don't agree with paying rent for the Art Showcase of $130,900 -for 3 years, when use of one of the City owned facilities would've been a smarter choice. I have been a sponsor of many citywide art projects and events. I've supported these with my own funds, and will continue to do so.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?Opportunity through technology. Elgin needs to recruit green-tech, high-tech, and like industries that align with our young workforce to keep our children here and employ our jobless.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?1.City Council needs to take a serious look at the words "property tax increase" as some properties in Elgin are 12.285%-12.98%, which is higher than any neighboring community. 2.Fairness and equal treatment to residences, groups and businesses as it relates to items such as life safety, water, road/sidewalk repairs, code enforcement, leaf/trash removal and funding. 3.Real transparency of expenditures including an accounting to legal fees and settlements the City has paid out. Seeing what our return on investment has been in the past to better gauge how we move forward. 4. A fee study- how can Elgin truly gauge city costs if our fee study is so out of date? How much money are we losing for permit costs alone? How off-base is Elgin compared with other communities with their fees now in 2015? The fee study was promised in 2012.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Karen Hjelm, (my mother)who is an amazing woman that juggled a family, a business, and taught me the valuable things in life.What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Being honest with one another, and being respectful with differing opinions.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Nothing, I have no regrets. I wouldn't be doing what I am today if I changed something.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?History, helps you understand why things are the way they are today. If you don't understand your past you're doomed to repeat it.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Put 100% in everything you do, because you can do anything you put your mind to.