Patricia Dulkoski: 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: Pingree GroveWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Twitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Pingree Grove Village Board Age: Candidate did not respond.Family: married, 3 childrenOccupation: Assistant Business Manager/non-profitEducation: BA Business Administration, Augustana CollegeCivic involvement: currently on Advisory Commission for HOA; former election judge, Kane CountyElected offices held: Currently serve on Planning and Zoning Commission, Pingree GroveQuestions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?I will bring a fresh perspective to the board. As a resident of Pingree Grove for over 5 years and a member of the Village Planning and Zoning Commission for over a year, I have really come to love this town! I feel it's very important to make sure the residents of Cambridge Lakes, Carillon, and the Heritage Districts know that they are heard and their opinions matter. Furthermore, I'm a good listener, I'm not afraid to voice my opinion, I'm willing to serve, but first and foremost I'll give my best intentions to the town.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.Yes, our property tax bills are high, but the percentage that is actually directed to Pingree Grove is among the lowest in the state. At the Village Board meetings, I hear and appreciate the board always considering the tax consequences of the issues being addressed. My opinion is that our LOCAL taxes are appropriate, and with good management and fiscal responsibility we can, while making every attempt to keep the tax base stable, move towards achieving the goals of the village. Rather than increase taxes, effort should be made to promote new business - this added revenue will help fund larger improvements to the town.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've heard nothing but positive comments about our police and fire departments, and I do not have any safety concerns at this time.Where, if anywhere, could the current budget be trimmed, and conversely, are there areas the budget does not give enough money to?Because of the uncertainty of local governments' share of the Illinois income tax revenue, it would not be prudent to trim the current budget. When possible I would, however, like to see more money budgeted to the Public Works Department. With the continued increase in population, it becomes necessary to have adequate equipment and personnel in this stressed department.What is one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?We need to amp up the Information Technology in our local government. It would be beneficial to both the village management as well as the residents to improve the Pingree Grove website. With an increased wow-factor, this website could be a valuable tool for attracting business, communicate current events on a regular basis, but more importantly, it could be used to educate the consumer on various issues (such as how our tax dollars are being allocated).What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?This is a crucial time for Pingree Grove officials to consider the balance of businesses, open land, housing, etc. With a population increase of over 27% between 2010 and 2014, we have a unique opportunity to mold into fruition a wonderful and vibrant community. The good news is that the plan has already been developed: a great deal of time and energy was spent on the Comprehensive Plan of 2015 which addresses everything imaginable - from development to water issues to the village identity (and more). FYI - the Plan is available on the website for all to see!Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Pope FrancisWhat is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?My parents taught me and my 6 siblings to always remember who we are and where we came from - we're still a close family.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I would have earned a CPA right after college.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?American History - Professor Brown taught as if he were storytelling, which led me wanting to learn more about whatever it is I am studying.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Seriously? Just one??I tell them to have compassion, always.