Todd Gaines: 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: LibertyvilleWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Libertyville Village Board (4-year Terms)Age: 45Family: Married Three childrenOccupation: Self employed auto repair shopEducation: High SchoolCivic involvement: Candidate did not respond.Elected offices held: Village of Libertyville TrusteeHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Our Sports Complex Bonds will increase next year, and I would like to see a balanced budget that includes that final increase in our bond payments, without being subsidized from our reserve fund.Key Issue 2 Continue working to reduce the utility taxes that were put in place in 2009.Key Issue 3 Ensure that Libertyville remains a business friendly environment as we continue working to attract new businesses as well as retaining them.Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?Having run a successful small business for 17 years, I have learned good business practices such as being financially responsible and providing a high level of customer satisfaction. I think business acumen is an important quality to have when being a good steward of the taxpayers and residents.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 probably closest to just right. We have a tax rate that is equal to or lower than our surrounding communities, and I think that can attract consumers to shop our town, especially on higher ticket items such as furniture or jewelry. I do not favor raising the sales tax rate because I think you run the risk of discouraging economic activity.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.One of the greatest concerns among Libertyville's community is our kids being exposed to drugs. Stopping these drugs from entering our community can be a difficult task. I think that there can never be enough education at home and at school on the dangers, and sometimes fatal consequences of drug use.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?Our staff is doing a good job of evaluating the cost of city services and implementing cost saving measures in all departments. We have deferred contributions to some capital improvement funds due to budgetary constraints. As conditions improve, our goal should be to restore those contributions to provide sustainability in maintaining our infrastructure and buildings.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?I do not really have any ideas that I have not shared with other people, wether it be in committee meetings or discussions with residents.