Erik Robinson: 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: HampshireWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Twitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Erik-Robinson-for-Hampshire-Village-Trustee-612129195637897/Office sought: Hampshire Village Board Age: 40Family: Wife: DanaDaughter: Kaleigh (15 months old)Son: Kellen (Newborn)Occupation: Fifth Grade TeacherEducation: Bachelor's Degree in Business Management from the University of Alabama.Master's Degree in Education from National Louis University.Civic involvement: This is my first time running for public office. I do quite a bit of community service through my school.Elected offices held: NoneQuestions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?I am the best candidate for this job because of my high ethical values and my integrity. I hold myself and my colleagues to high standards and I will work to do what is best for my community.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.I feel that Hampshire's sales tax rate of 7% is just right. This rate is equitable with our surrounding communities, which encourages our residents and visitors to Hampshire to spend their money in our community. I also feel that Hampshire's property tax rate is just right, as it is lower than many of our surrounding communities. Our community has a wonderful police and fire department, an excellent library for a smaller community, and adequate parks for our children.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?I believe that Hampshire's police and fire coverage very efficient and extremely effective. Both departments keep our community very safe.Where, if anywhere, could the current budget be trimmed, and conversely, are there areas the budget does not give enough money to?After looking over our community's budget, I feel that we are acting in a fiscally responsible manner. One area of the budget that can be trimmed is the amount of money that is being reimbursed to employees in regards to expenses. I am running for village board in order to serve my community and not collect reimbursements for every expenditure. While at a recent board meeting, I am satisfied that our current village board has recognized the importance of this issue, too.What is one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?I think that Hampshire needs a revitalization of our downtown business district. We have some wonderful businesses in our town, but there are a couple of buildings that are currently not being used. I also feel that, as a family friendly community, Hampshire could have more opportunities for our children, such as a splash pad.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?The most important issue for me as a candidate for this office is that I want to get involved and be a positive impact on our community. I feel that Hampshire is a great place to live and raise a family, and being a part of continuing that tradition and helping in any way that I can is important to me.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.While not always agreeing with him, I admired President Obama for his ability to carry himself as a decent man, husband, and father.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Always do the right thing.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?If I could have one do over, I would have met my wife and married her much earlier in my life.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Math was my favorite subject, as it inspired me to become a teacher.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?If I could give my children one piece of advice, it would be to always be a good person and do the right thing.