Rob Gorman: 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: East DundeeWebsite: www.robgorman.comTwitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: East Dundee Village Board Age: 56Family: Married with 6 chidren, ages 14-30.Occupation: Candidate did not respond.Education: B.S. University of MichiganCivic involvement: - East Dundee Trustee 2005-present- Willow Creek Community Church - K/1 Leader - 1999 - Present- East Dundee Planning and Zoning Commission (2003-2005)- East Dundee Economic Development Chair (2002-2003)- Tri-Cities Little League (2005-2013), Board Member, Challenger LeagueElected offices held: East Dundee TrusteeQuestions Answers Many municipalities are met with the challenge of maintaining steady revenue streams while trying to lower the tax burden on businesses and property owners. How has the village handled that balancing act so far, and how would you improve/maintain that situation?I am proud that we have managed to support and grow our revenue base while freezing Village share of property taxes for the last four years. We have been able to do so due to our excellent planning and enabling of other forms of income.East Dundee has done an excellent job of leveraging various revenue streams that have minimal impact on residents including TIF districts, grants, and state funding. In addition, the Village has been supported by home rule and business development district taxes, of which 80% is estimated to come from non-residents. Going forward, we will maintain the property tax freeze, and manage our income so that we can continue to build up reserves for future years.The village in recent years has taken some significant steps in terms of economic activity. What, if anything, is currently lacking in the village's economic portfolio, and how do you envision your community developing economically over the next four years?I frequently hear from residents, and even more so, non-residents that rave about the positive changes over the past several years. While the Village has been successful, we can not rest. In fact, we must create a self sustaining environment, both economically and socially.While the downtown is viewed as the center of town, the reality is that our community is funded by businesses on 25 and 72. We are in the process of approving new businesses in this area in 2017, and these will be important additions to our overall revenue base.Of course, one critical new business to add is a grocery store. While this will provide nominal revenue, it is critical to the vitality of our community and will drive further investment. While disappointing that this was not achieved this past year, we are closer to getting an agreement from the intransigent owner to sell the property at River Valley Square than we have been in years.Describe your ideas for improving or developing the downtown. What steps can the village take to support the downtown businesses and bring more people to the area?Downtown needs two key elements to continue to prosper:1.More Businesses2.More peopleWhile counter-intuitive, restaurant owners know that the best place to have a restaurant is where there are many restaurants. We will continue to recruit and add more businesses to the downtown area to ensure the success of our business owners that have invested with us in the transformation of the downtown area.We will continue to create programs that bring people to the downtown area. As well, adding additional condos or apartments in the area is key to ensuring long term viability of the businesses.Where in the village's budget, if anywhere, could expenses be trimmed? And on the other hand, should the budget allot more money toward any particular area, service or village department?Eliminating the residential faÃcirc;sect;ade program as currently implemented saves >$50,000 (including staff time) without any impact to services. From the program's inception, I have been adamantly against this program, as it benefits a few people without providing a clear benefit to the community. Money spent by the Village should be for the overall good of ALL residents. I have no issue with anyone who has taken advantage of the program, as it is available, but my view is that this should be eliminated and the money saved toward future capital requirements.Spending should not be the priority, but rather fiscal responsibility. The question infers that money received should be spent. This is what got our Village into the issues we had when I joined the board 12 years ago. We have reversed this deficit approach to Village reserves and are now starting to build them up again.That said, if we do invest further, it will continue to be on bringing in long term businesses which builds up the Village's diverse tax base, and on community events.What is one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?Property values continue to be an issue for our community and much of this is due to school ratings. We should continue to develop the relationship between the school administration and become partners in terms of promoting the positive changes that are going on at D300.Further, as D300 expands, we should work with the school district to establish a school campus in East Dundee.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Most important is to remain focused. Our focus should be:-Great services "â#128;œ water, sewer, building, administration, etc. supported by a great team of people.-Great environment "â#128;œ a place people want to be. Continue to focus on exciting new businesses, community events and managing growth with a long term view.-Fiscal responsibility "â#128;œ prepare for the future. Spend on what is needed to run the Village, and do not spend on programs that benefit only a few.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Andy Stanley "circ;#144; effective, great communicator, highintegrity, high energy, approachable, andcares deeply for people.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?I am responsible for my own actions.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I don't spend time looking back, except to learnfrom my mistakes and successes. I prefer to focus on the road ahead.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Computer Science - great for thinking logically and how to solve difficult problems... one step at a time.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Your brothers and sisters are the only people you will know for your lifetime. Value them and work it out. Thankfully they have listened well.