Joel Thomason: 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: Deer ParkWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Deer Park Village Board (4-year Terms)Age: Candidate did not respond.Family: Married, 2 children, 3 grandchildrenOccupation: CFOEducation: BS; MBA - DePaul UniversityCivic involvement: Breakthrough Homeless Shelter Village Church of Barrington - Finance committee HARP - Horse Rescue GroupElected offices held: Village of Deer Park Trustee - 2011-2013Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Provide financially responsible leadership to protect property values for the residents of Deer ParkKey Issue 2 Ensure quality police protection for Deer Park residentsKey Issue 3 Improve roads and parksQuestions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?My 35 years of leadership experience in the private sector as CFO of a major corporation. Also, being a long time resident of Deer Park Village enables me to understand the issues and desires of its 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.The current level of sales taxes, along with prudent spending policies provide adequate funding while continuing the policy of no village property tax. I do not support raising sales taxes.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.The biggest concern is enforcement of speed limits on village roads.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?Highest priorities should be police protection, roads, parks and improvements to the commercial zones. Reduction possibilities include expenditures to area associations and building maintenance.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?Attract high quality commercial interests in the commercial zone to increase sales tax revenue.