Kenneth Anderson: 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: ElburnWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Twitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Elburn Village Board Age: 53Family: Wife: JulieDaughters: Savannah, Sierrah ShaynahOccupation: Director - Kane County Division of Environmental Water ResourcesEducation: Palatine High School, Palatine, IllinoisB.S. Watershed Management Natural Resources Management from University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point, Stevens Point, WisconsinCivic involvement: Trustee: Village of ElburnAttend: Christ Community Church - Men's Small Group Leader, 7th Grade Boys Leader in Genesis (Middle School Ministry), Hesed House Volunteer,Elected offices held: Trustee: Village of Elburn nearly 8 YearsVillage of Elburn Planning Commission 1 YearQuestions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?I believe my experience as a Village Trustee for nearly 8 years has made me a trustworthy candidate. During this time period the Village balanced it budget during the recession without raising taxes and provided adequate services to the residents and businesses. I have experience in various governmental responsibilities as an employee with Kane County for the past 28 years. I am a firm believer that we need to be wise stewards of the dollars our community provide for governmental services.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.Elburn's present level of sales taxes is lower than our surrounding communities. Which I believe is good for Elburn. I believe the Village's portion of the property tax bill is fair and our residents get quality services for the amount of taxes paid.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?The Village has had some transition within the police department and I believe where we are at today is a very good place. I look forward to the years ahead and the development of this department. The fire district is a separate entity and not managed by the Village. They do good work and provide a much needed service. I believe we have good leadership in our present police chief. I do not have any public 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?I believe we have done a good job in keeping the Village's budget lean and trim. One area of concern is the pension obligation and I think we will need to look at all options to fund it and provide the services our residents and businesses expect.What is one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?I would like to update the Villages down town plan. It was a plan that was generated in the early 1990's. Our down town has energy and it would be nice to paint a picture for existing businesses and other businesses to move into our community.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?I am very proud of a variety of things that have been completed since taking office: balanced the Village budget for the past 7 years even through the recession; the completion of the Anderson Road Extension; the modernization of the waste water treatment plant; the development of a 5 year management plan for our public works improvements, and the update of our financial programs and computer systems.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Tony Bennett, Head Coach, University of Virginia men's basketball team, develops character in his players - "Five Pillars": humility, passion, unity, servanthood, and thankfulness.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?My dad taught us that common sense is more important than knowing everything.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I would spend more time with family traveling around the United States.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?My favorite subject was science and it has helped me throughout my career.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.