Robert H. Molenhouse: 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: WheatonWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Wheaton City councilAge: 55Family: Married for 24 years to Kara. My wife and I have four sons, Tom age 18, Dan age 16, Ben age 11, and Jimmy age 7.Occupation: Business Manager at Molenhouse Enterprises Inc. A waste hauling, recycling, and building demolition company owned by my brother Jim Molenhouse. I previously worked for HSBC Bank for 15 years before going to Molenhouse Enterprises Inc.Education: B.A. Business Economics, Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MIA.A.S. Computer Information Systems, College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn, ILCivic involvement: Taught Sunday school. Volunteered for Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. Taught Junior Achievement classes.Elected offices held: NoneHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Maintain the highest level of integrity. Responsible use of the taxpayer's money, and look at the long term effects of decisions. Make decisions that do not saddle our children and grandchildren with unmanageable amounts of debt. Do not spend all of the future generations money for them.Key Issue 2 Balanced budget. Many people are hurting financially and it would be good to try and lower taxes or, at the very least keep taxes at current levels.Key Issue 3 Keep up a high level of services to the taxpayers for manageable current and/or long-term costs. Focus on providing essential city services.Questions Answers Should the city take an active role in the restoration of the Wheaton Grand Theater? Please explain why or why not.I would like to see the Wheaton Grand Theater reopened and get back on the tax rolls. I think the City should let it be known that they are willing to listen and be flexible with potential buyers of the theater, in regards to what the City can do, to help make the theater property a viable enterprise. This is a high profile property with a lot of press coverage, and differing opinions on what should be done with the property, this could be scaring potential purchasers away.Should the city restore annual funding Wheaton's Center for History? Please explain why or why not.I think the City should work with the Center for History to see what the City can do to help the Center stand on it's own financially. In the current economic conditions I believe we need to focus on essential city services first.How would you like to see the former Hubble Middle School property in downtown Wheaton redeveloped?A mixed use of the property would be my preference. One thing I would like to see the school district incorporate into their plans would be a pool. The High Schools currently don't have a pool for the students. I would also like to see some commercial development of a portion of the property.How should the city deal with issues related to flooding?All of the water does not originate in Wheaton, so we need to work with the County, surrounding cities, and maybe even the State of Illinois on a plan. We should also look into the possibility of purchasing some of the properties in the worst flood prone areas as they come up for sale, this could represent a cost savings over other options.What effort should the city make to encourage the sale and redevelopment of the former Jewel site in downtown Wheaton?Since the property is privately owned we need to respect those property rights, but we need to make sure the property is maintained by the current owners and does not become a hazard for residents.