Jim Steigert, 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: AlgonquinWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Algonquin Village board, 4-year termAge: 65Family: 4 Daughters and 9 grandchildrenOccupation: Space Planning and Interior Design specializing in residential design and construction drawings.Education: Harrington Institute of Design, 1967 to 1971Civic involvement: Algonquin EDC, 1992 to 1997. McHenry County EDC Board of Directors, 1993 - 1997. McHenry County Rentention Expansion Committee, 1993 - 2002. McHenrt County Transportation Committee, 2002 - 2005. Alg/LITH Rotary Club (past president and secretary 1992 - 2003. President of Algonquin Communities Against Gangs, 1996 - 1999. President of Algonquin Coalition of Community Organizations, 1996 - 1999. Catalyst for Downtown Algonquin revitalization, 1996. Recruited and organized sidewalk bricks to help fund the downtown revitalization, 1997.Elected offices held: Algonquin Village Trustee, 1999 to presentHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: no.Candidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 To either complete the design and construction of Riverside Square as originally envisioned or have it demolished.Key Issue 2 Continuation of the Village's policy of fiscal conservatism which is and has been, firmly anchored in the tenets of constraint budgeting; increasing operational efficiencies; reducing material cost and usage; assuming the responsibilities of activities that have historically been out sourced and developing unconventional sources of new revenue all without a reduction in services or an increase in taxes.Key Issue 3 Attracting new businesses without compromising our planning and development standards and retention of our existing businesses.Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?Although I have certain causes and projects I champion; I don't micromanage. The Village of Algonquin has exceptionally well trained, knowledgeable and dedicated people committed to providing the very best product and services to our residents. Its an extraordinary culture of excellence which has evolved over the years and I do my level headed best not to screw it up.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.Algonquin's level of sales tax is reasonable and on par or below that of our sister communities.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.In its current state, Riverside Square poses a safety concern and demolition proceedings have been initiated.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?Algonquin's budget is already very lean and monies are allocated based primarily on public health and safety needs. Like other municipalities, there are vehicles and equipment that need replacement but our very competent fleet maintenance staff has proven to be up to the challenge of maintaining them until additional monies become available.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?I'm a strong proponent of developing unconventional revenue sources to support a municipality's basic infrastructure needs during economically challenging times and conversely to provide additional amenities for our residents during more favorable times.