Robert Taglia: 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: Villa ParkWebsite: http://Taglia for Trustee on FacebookOffice sought: Villa Park Village Board (4-year Terms)Age: 41Family: Wife Kimberly, Children: Jacob 10, Gabbie 8 ,and Ben 4.Occupation: Instructor and small business ownerEducation: Graduate of T.M.A. 1994 and 2001. Professional Certificate U.S. Dept. of Labor 2005, Sponsorship by Northwestern University.Civic involvement: Member North School P.T.A. Member Villa Park VFW Post 2801 Men's Auxiliary Member St. Paul Lutheran Church Villa Park Vice-President of the Coalition for Villa Park Pools Volunteer Assistant Coach Villa Park Youth Baseball Cub Master Villa Park Pack 36 North School Neighborhood Watch Block Captain Treasurer of Villa Park Masonic Lodge #1113 ILCHIP Child Identification Program Volunteer Committeeman York Township Precinct 67 Election Judge Coordinator York Township Precinct 67 Voter Registrar State of Illinois Member Maywood Sportsmen's clubElected offices held: Village Trustee Village of Villa Park 2009-2013 Precinct Committeeman York 67 2008-2014Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: Candidate did not respond.Candidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Business Retention and DevelopmentKey Issue 2 Street Repair/Maintenance Program/ Pool repair program.Key Issue 3 Public Safety ImprovementsQuestions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?Four years of experience on the Village Board as a Trustee. I have a very clear understanding of the village operations and departments. We have made numerous improvements to the operation of the village. We have a new professional Manager who is doing a great job. The village board has gone "paperless" since Manager Keehner came on.We have a new Economic development Director. We have made much needed improvements to our infrastructure and operating procedures.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.Our tax rate is too high. We need to increase business revenue to lessen the need for higher taxation.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.There are three areas of Villa Park that have the most challenges. West Division st.,the North Ave. Town homes, and the Metra Station area. In meeting with the residents the idea of having "satellite" police stations set up in these areas would bring a high Police visibility. The Transit Oriented Development or "T.O.D." will transform the Metra Station area into a new and vibrant downtown area bringing new residents and businesses.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?The economy has been very tough for the last 10 years. The streets and pools have been in need of a better revenue source. Things are beginning to improve and the increase in revenue should be used to fix the infrastructure of the village.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?Job growth and Economic Development in the convention/hotel/entertainment areas.