Mark Walker: 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: Arlington HeightsWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Twitter: @markwalker4AHFacebook: www.facebook.com/MarkWalker4AH/Office sought: Arlington Heights Village Board Age: 27Family: Mother JoanneFather DavidBrother BradWife BeckyOccupation: Customer Service Rep, GF Machining SolutionsEducation: BA in International Studies, Minor in German, Ohio State UniversityCivic involvement: Internship with Ohio Democratic Party Political DirectorFundraising for AFL-CIOElected offices held: NoneQuestions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?I believe the most important quality for an elected representative to possess is the desire and capability to seek out diverse opinions, consider the advice of those more knowledgeable on certain topics than oneself, and use this information to make thoughtful choices. Too few figures in the political sphere are willing to not only say "I don't know," when faced with complicated issues, but to follow it with, "but I want to find out." My fiercest passion in life is seeking out new information, new perspectives, and a greater understanding of my fellow men and women and world around me. I believe such a capacity for receptiveness and consideration of perspectives not one's own is crucial for the proper functioning of a democratic society. This is the single defining quality I believe makes me well suited for this position.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.The level of sales and property tax required is dependent on the citizens' priorities regarding schools and public works. At present I am unaware of glaring funding deficiencies in any areas of interest at present, but I look forward to examining the 2017 budget in more detail in the future. In an ideal world, tax levels would be calculated to adequately fund village priorities and have as a little surplus as possible, to enable citizens and businesses to keep as much of their income as possible; I have no reason to believe that is not currently the case, within a reasonable margin for error. As always, the input of residents and business leaders in the community regarding this issue is necessary and most welcome.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 judging the efficiency and efficacy of the fire and police departments is best left to experts in those fields- namely, the fire and police chiefs along with our wonderful village staff who specialize in budgeting. I am pleased that the construction of the new police station is advancing quickly and efficiently, as well maintained and current facilities and information centers are key to modern policing. I would support large scale adoption of body cameras for Arlington Heights police officers, with footage available to public. A program like this, along with ongoing de-escalation and proper use of force training, can help promote trust and cooperation between the PD and the citizenry and prevent tragedies as we have seen across the country from being visited upon Arlington Heights.Where, if anywhere, could the current budget be trimmed, and conversely, are there areas the budget does not give enough money to?As I remarked above, I have not yet been able to examine the 2017 fiscal year budget in detail. This effort is ongoing and I look forward to discussing budgeting priorities with citizens and business leaders throughout the campaign season. In principal, I support adequate funding for local arts programs, including the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, as well as for environmental protection programs such as tree planting, water protection, and park maintenance. I believe protecting our environmental and cultural resources is one the most important legacies we pass on to the next generation of AH residents. The specific level of funding necessary for these goals, and from what source the funds will come, has yet to be determined.What is one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?I believe the village administration should take a proactive and ongoing role in promoting civic engagement among our residents, especially when it comes to political involvement. Local, state, and regional communities are better off when more and diverse voices are heard and priorities brought to light, which is possible only through increased attention and involvement from citizens. This can take place through voter registration drives, better communication about upcoming elections and ballot initiatives, regular town hall meetings intended to solicit citizen concerns, as well as charity fundraisers and other philanthropy events. I believe this will help create a tighter knit community and bring about a more responsive and representative local government.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?At present, the issues I am focused on are environmental and cultural protection and promoting civic engagement, as detailed above. More than anything, however, I believe it is incumbent on both candidates and office holders to take direction from voters and residents; a representative government is founded on lawmakers taking cues from constituents in balance with their own judgment. I believe that lawmakers need not be experts on every issue that crosses their desk, nor should they expected to be. The ability to take reasoned council from those more knowledgeable in certain areas is crucial and should be encouraged. Public servants must be open to new information and learning that challenges their biases and informs their actions, and I intend to comport myself this way should I be elected.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.President Obama. If you require a current office holder, Senator Elizabeth Warren.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?How we treat those seen as lesser than us measures our worth, as they are truly our equals.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I would've been more involved in political activism earlier in my life. No time like the present, I'd say.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?History is my favorite subject; the past shapes both our environment and ourselves, and there is no shortage of lessons to learn.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Recognize the blessings you have, and never stop working to ensure others enjoy the same blessings.