Michael Lowery: Candidate Profile

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:BioKey IssuesQA Bio City: North AuroraWebsite: http://loweryfortrustee.org/Office sought: North Aurora Village Board (4-year Terms)Age: 68Family: Four grown children, five grandchildren with one more on the wayOccupation: Retired staff psychologistEducation:: M.S. Counseling psychology. All but dissertation in clinical psychologyCivic involvement: : Soccer coach for more than 20 years. Served on the board of Tri-Cities soccer association as field director. Elected offices held: Candidate did not respond.Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: Candidate did not respondCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 It is my intention to work with the village board to encourage businesses to look at North Aurora.Key Issue 2 By bringing in more business, this would offer an opportunity to create jobs.Key Issue 3 I want to work with the village board to redevelop Route 31 and look into removing the overhead electric lines. Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job? I will have all the time I need to dedicate efforts to accomplishing my goals since I am retired. I have served people for over 40 years and will continue to serve the residents of North Aurora with the same compassion, and honesty that I have demonstrated throughout my career with the State. If elected, I will serve the people of North Aurora with dignity, honor and respect. I feel that I have the capacity to function sincerely and will make decisions that are for the betterment of the residents of the village and not be concerned about re-election efforts. I want to do something significant during my term. By focusing on re-election needs, as so many politicians do, instead of what's good for the people often causes our elected officials to make decisions that bring our society to a log jam. I want to really do some good for North Aurora residents and if successful, I could accept serving for just one term..Given the delicate balance between the need for revenue and over-taxing local businesses, what is your opinion of your community's present level of local sales taxes? Is the tax just right, too low or too high? Explain.I Individuals, home owners, as well as businesses are being taxed at sustainable levels, but there should be limits on how far they will spiral upward. I realize there is a delicate balance between the need to keep money in the hands of the constituents and in funding the necessary services and maintenance operations of a village. North Aurora is currently financially sound. The village board has done a very good job at keeping the spending for the village in sync with revenue. I believe that taxes are needed and everyone should pay their fair tax. In my opinion, the sales tax should remain at the present level. As a property owner, I feel that property taxes seem to spiral upward and we all need to look at possible solutions. Talking with your friends and neighbors, what seems to be their biggest public safety concern? Explain the concern as you see it, and discuss how you think it should be addressed.Most North Aurora residents are concerned about child safety and recent events in the news about mentally ill people's ability to acquire guns. I believe that people who buy guns should have a background check and I also feel that some limits on assault weapons should be put into law. In these tight economic times, municipal budgets have to be prioritized. Where, if anywhere, could the current budget be trimmed, and conversely, are there areas the budget does not give enough money to?I believe North Aurora operates in the black. Not being on the board yet, my knowledge of the village's services and costs is limited. What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet? I want to help our village grow and prosper. I would like to see a village that has the ability to attract businesses, create jobs and provide community services to its residents while keeping taxes in check. One of my main goals is to try to do something about beautifying Route 31.