John D. Gagliano, 4 years: 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: Fox River GroveWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Fox River Grove Village board, 4-year termAge: 46Family: Married, three childrenOccupation: PGA Golf ProfessionalEducation: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Management, Chicago State University, 1987Civic involvement: Candidate did not respond.Elected offices held: First time running for public office.Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 I will work with local business owners to rejuvenate and revitalize the downtown area. The best way to increase revenues is to attract new business to Fox River Grove, instead of raising taxes. Bringing more business to our area will help our community by bringing more consumers to Fox River Grove.Key Issue 2 I don't believe that government is the answer. There is a role for government, however the people of Fox River Grove will ultimately decide upon the type of community we want to live. Do we want a safe and clean neighborhood, do we support our local businesses, and do we promote our youth programs and organizations? As a trustee I will work to keep government from being overly intrusive.Key Issue 3 Re-evaluate the stop light camera that is at the intersection of route 22 and highway 14. 1. Is there a question of safety at that intersection?2. If there is not a safety concern, what are the costs in dollars and manpower to operate the light verses any revenues generated?Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?Being in the private sector has helped me to manage a variety of challenges, especially in tougher economic times. There is a constant need to identify problems, set the right priorities, and find the right people to execute a plan that will get solutions. Teaching golf has increased my communication skills by needing to express ideas and techniques to a large variety of people. I am confident that as a village trustee, I will bring my problem solving and communication skills from the private sector and listen to the ideas of other residents and local merchants. Together we will keep Fox River Grove a safe and thriving place to raise a family.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 do not believe in the premise that raising taxes automatically raises revenues. I have experienced first hand how some communities make it extremely difficult to open a business. We will help to find ways to make Fox River Grove an attractive place for those entrepreneurs who would like to open a business.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 of our friends and neighbors are either parents or grandparents, and they feel Fox River Grove is a great place to raise a family. The safety of all our kids is always a top concern. I know that our Mayor, police force, fire department, and local school officials also have our children's safety as a top priority.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?My experience comes from the private sector in retail sales. In these tight economic times, every business is looking for ways to trim their budget. Everyday we look at ways to lower the cost of doing business, and sometimes there are difficult decisions to be made. However, it seems that government budgets keep increasing. I am sure when going through the budget process some of those same difficult decisions will need to be made.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?Help the Norge Ski Club lead the way to get Women's ski jumping added to the Olympic Games.