David Gualdoni: Candidate Profile

Back to Elburn President One Term

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: ElburnWebsite: https://www.facebook.com/gualdoniforpresident/Twitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/David-Gualdoni-for-Village-President-730741177091717/Office sought: Elburn President One Term Age: 44Family: My Wife Rhonda and I have lived in Elburn for 16 Years. We have a 7 year old daughter Taylor. My wife works in town and our daughter attends John Stewart elementary.Occupation: Public Works employeeEducation: High SchoolCivic involvement: I run a program in Elburn called CERT (Community Emergency Response Team). This program teaches disaster preparedness to our residence as well as assists the village with various events. I have been doing this for 7 years. In the past I was involved with the Elburn Police explorer post, which was a program that mentored youth that were looking to have a career in law enforcement. Since moving to town 16 years ago I also have volunteered my time with the Elburn Lions Club as the chair person for the parking for the Elburn days festival.Elected offices held: I have been a trustee for the past 6 years for the Village of ElburnQuestions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?When I moved to Elburn 16 years ago, I never thought I would be running for Village President. I believe the residents should have a say in how their tax money is spent. I've given 16 years of service to the Village of Elburn. As an employee for 11 years and having the privilege to serve as trustee for the past 6 years. I decided to run when I noticed that the needs of the residents were not being met. For years, trustees have been left in the dark on certain issues. Only to find out later that the outcome might have been different had we known all the facts. If elected, all the backroom politics will stop. I will ensure all the trustees and the public will receive the same information. I have many goals I want to achieve. I will work hand in hand with the village board to achieve these goals. 1. The residents will have their voices heard. The board will be approachable and receptive to the needs and problems in our community. 2. Work with private partnerships on cost sharing for bigger projects such as parks and recreation. This will ensure the tax payers don't end up with unnecessary costs. 3. Try to bring back community events such as National Night Out and the Fireworks. 4. Community Development needs to be primary focus. By having more resale tax income, we are able to provide better services to our residents. 5. Work to rejuvenate the downtown.How would you describe the condition of your community's budget, and what are the most important specific actions the town should take to assure providing the level of services that people want?The budget for our village has been healthy and balanced for the last 6 years that I have been in office. I beleave that our customer service and how we disseminate information to the tax payers could be greatly improved. I think it is important to have transparent government so that the tax payers have faith in our ability to manage their tax dollars to the best of our ability.Where, if anywhere, could the current budget be trimmed, and conversely, are there areas the budget does not give enough money to?I don't believe the budget should be trimmed anymore then it has. We have already neglected our parks, streets and staffing levels to the point that it will take years to recover. We also need to have visioning meetings annually to make sure that staff and the board is meeting the goals of our residents. Further more we should look at our management team to make sure that we have the best people managing our departments.Describe your leadership style and explain how you think that will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions with your village board or city council.I will work on building partnerships with businesses and organizations in our village that were once strong. I will work with the board to encourage businesses to come to Elburn. The additional revenue will help to increase services and offset our high real estate taxes. The village board will look into possible tax rebates that would allow us to attract amenities such restaurants and possibly a hardware store.What is one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?Communication and collaboration between my fellow board members, community, residents, and business owners. We need to have open and transparent conversations so the Elburn has a clear vision.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?It seems that over the last eight years there was a disconnect between the tax payers, the employees, and the even board. This is not efficient or effective governing. This will stop and we will be dedicated to the progress and growth of Elburn. I will listen to the residence. Many candidates in the past have made these types of promises. I will be the first person to follow through with my promises. Elburn residence will have a voice.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Robert A. Iger president of Walt Disney World a company that continues to reinvent it self.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Forgive quickly. Wrongs happen and mistakes are made. Sometimes those decisions hurt. But not granting forgiveness only harms yourself.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Invest in Google and definitely tell the people close to me how much I love them and appreciate them.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Foods class I love to cook and BBQ.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Find your Passion and give it 100%. Life is short, make the most of it by doing what you love and giving your all.