Norman Breyer: 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: Arlington HeightsWebsite: http://www.normbreyer.comOffice sought: Arlington Heights Village Board (4-year Terms)Age: 70Family: Married, two sons and daughter-in-law; two grandchildrenOccupation: Certified Public Accountant; Financial ExecutiveEducation: B.S. Accounting Rosevelt University 1964Civic involvement: Arlington Heights Village Board Arlington Heights Plan Commission Citizens Action Committee Against Flooding Healthy Arlington Committee to Study Traffic around NW Comm Hosp Northgate Civic AssociationElected offices held: Arlington Heights Village Trustee 1993-1997; 2005-2013Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 We need to hold the line on taxes and yet maintain village fiscal stability and essential services. Village finances are improved with the addition of (sales) tax generating properties; auto dealers are a good example. Another example is the planned shopping/entertainment area adjoining the previous Sheraton Hotel. Business Retention efforts need to be continued.Key Issue 2 Arlington Heights improved the lives of many residents with the major flood control program implemented in the 1970's. The July 2011 storm exposed areas still prone to flooding. Effective solutions must be determined which would provide reasonable relief to affected residents. Self-help solutions (perhaps with modest village contribution) such as back-flow valve installation should be encouraged in combined sewer neighborhoods.Key Issue 3 We should maintain the quality of life and character of our community. One aspect is encouraging sensible development that respects our town's character. (1) Because most of AH is built-up, much development will be re-use. An example of a superb re-use is the project replacing the Sheraton. Another good re-use is the townhouse development on the site of the Arlington Market. International Plaza is a site sorely in need of redevelopment. (2) Our environment is enhanced by the mature "urban forest" lining our streets. Programs that allow preservation of mature trees preserve the pleasant environment which would be lost without sufficient forestry.Questions Answers Talk about your position on term limits for municipal elected officials, and explain why you support or do not support them.I believe we effectively have term limits in the form of periodic elections. (1) Residents currently have the right to either retain a representative or terminate the representative. (2) A legistative body of "short-termers" loses institutional memory and agency relationships. Adjoining communities have term limits; can proponents relate any tangible benefits? The Arlington Heights Village Board was expanded a number of years ago to provide additional community representation. Our Board contains two more elected positions than many other village boards, providing additional board diversity. Residents certainly have the right to circulate petitions seeking term limits. They need to carefully consider requirements for a successful petition.What is your position on housing for the mentally ill in Arlington Heights? Would you ever support it in a residential area, or only in an industrial or commercial area?Well-conceived projects should be considered. The phrase "mentally ill" may encompass numerous diagnoses. The size of the project and intended occupants should influence placement. Larger projects (such as the proposed Boeger Place) are best placed in comparable mult-family distrcts (with adequate transportation). Small group homes have been acceptable neighbors and I believe are considered reasonably successful.Given the delicate balance between the need for revenue and over-taxing local businesses, what is your opinion of the village's present level of local sales taxes? Is the tax just right, too low or too high? Explain.The level is perceived as high, especially when compared to surrounding counties. Options are limited, as we are in Cook County and Illinois. Our best efforts to gain additional business development and business retention are a good strategy.What are the village's biggest public safety concerns? Explain the concern as you see it, and discuss how you think it should be addressed.With the increasing senior population, paramedic services utilize significant resources. Response times need to be consistent with public safety standards.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 municipal spending is largely personnel services. As I recall,the Village has reduced 43 positions in recent years. The majority of residents seem to demand a significant level of service. Would they be prepared to experience less snowplowing? Do they want fewer firefighters, paramedics or police? I would seek input from stakeholders regarding service levels, which influence costs, Pensions are a significant expenditure. I am not hopeful of pension cost relief, which is an expenditure mandated by the State. John Woods said to me, "you can't always be frugal, but you can spend wisely".