Don Burroway: 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: CarpentersvilleWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Carpentersville Village Board Age: 60Family: Nancy Burroway, wife. Emily Kopplin, stepdaughter. Lauren Nemec, stepdaughter. Jakub Nemec, son-in-law. Austin and Kate, grandchildren. Wanda Meschewski, Mother-in-law. Terrence Burroway, brother.Occupation: Trustee, Village of CarpentersvilleEducation: East Leyden High School - Diploma Wisconsin State University, Stevens PointCivic involvement: Jelkes Creek Fox River Watershed Coalition FISH FOOD PANTRYElected offices held: Trustee Village of Carpentersville Commissioner, Audit and Finance Commissioner, Planning and Zoning Board of Directors, Quadcom(911)Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?My passion and experience with serving our community on the Planning/Zoning , Audit/Finance commissions and as a sitting Trustee, I have gathered an enormous amount of knowledge of the inner workings of municipal government. I serve the community with an open mind and I am able to entertain an idea without excepting it. My work ethic is excellent and I do "my homework" on the issues that are facing the Village. I am a good listener who is open to change, new ideas and not what is best now but for future generations living in our community. My service as a Trustee has made a positive impact on our community the past four years and I am excited to continue to make the progress needed to take us further into the twenty-first century.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.There was a uptick in local sales tax due to rising costs. Our EAV has fallen causing a rise in the tax rate and total levy. As we go forward it is imperative that the EAV has a turnaround. Constantly foraging for new revenue such as Walmart and Panera Bread etc. to offset the tax burden on my constituents is paramount on making our community an inviting place to live. So for now the property tax is just right. We have done away with the vehicle sticker tax and Village dog license.Rate the efficiency of your town's police and fire coverage. Are the departments well prepared for the next decade? What, if anything, should be changed? Do you have specific public safety concerns?Very efficient as response time statistics indicate. We continue to train our police and firemen to the highest standard of professionalism and reliability. The dedication of these men and women cannot be overstated. We are a community that is not only prepared to handle our own emergencies but relied upon to assist our neighboring communities well into the next decade.Where, if anywhere, could the current budget be trimmed, and conversely, are there areas the budget does not give enough money to?In 2014, we have trimmed our operating budget by 1.2% without sacrificing the safety and security of our community. As a trustee my responsibility is to look for ways to make the most of our budget dollars. In addition pension cost rose 22% and debt service rose 7%. All departments are completely funded with a conservative fiscal view. As we prepare the 2015 budget, i must keep in mind that the areas we need to budget are ever-changing and always fluid and I approach this challenge with an open mind.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?Police carrying the anti-herion drug Narcan. This was first introduced by me through discussions with Public Safety Officer Al Pop. I credit The Daily Herald which ran a series of articles showing how other counties have adopted carrying this life saving drug. I initiated discussion and now our Police have been trained and i am proud to say it is in use. SNAPSHOT, a brief page, on the Village WEB site, that shows how we are progressing toward our goals. I first introduced this idea in June and by October we went live. This has helped raise our transparency rating.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Right now we have the issue of the Long-meadow Parkway. We have an open forum in February and I will attend and talk to the residents about the implications this will have on the community both negative and positive. Drug abuse in our community. I am passionate about reestablishing a type of awareness program for the community, such as The DARE which has been defunded. Through our department of Social Services, I hope to reignite such a program beneficial to those who need it. Continue to support the Carpentersville Improvement Plan and finish the job of repaving our streets and improving sidewalks . This program has already made a huge impact on the renaissance occurring on the east side and it's exciting to see the continuous improvement. In 2015 I support the Old Town Plan to improve it's infrastructure. Environmental: The rehab of Carpenter Creek, in spring 2015, removing 30 homes out of the flood plain area. Infrastructure. Neglected by previous administrations this board is playing catch up. Reestablished funding in 2015 will update the infrastructure and new processes to support a "pay as you go" plan. Changing the image of the Village. Honored by receiving the "Governor's Award", Water Tower Painting Award, tree replacement caused by Emerald Ash Boar disease, Fox River Shoreline Improvement plantings and Keith Andres Bike Park, I work to improve the beautification process, more family activities in Carpenter Park and updating with park enhancements. We are creating an inviting atmosphere of Carpenter Park in 2015.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.President Obama.What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Do the next right thing, be honest.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?To be more creative.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Philosophy in college. This subject taught me to keep an open mind and to look at life through different lenses.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Be a good listener.