Jim Daluga: 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: BarringtonWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Barrington Village boardAge: 53Family: Married, 3 ChildrenOccupation: VP, Quality AssuranceEducation: Bachelor of Science, Finance, Northern Illinois University 1979Masters of Business Administration, Loyola University, 1984Civic involvement: Trustee, Village of Barrington, 2003 to PresentLector, St. Anne Catholic ChurchElected offices held: Trustee, Village of BarringtonHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Economic stability and sustainability.Key Issue 2 Revitalization of the Barrington Village Center through redevelopment and community activities.Key Issue 3 Securing funds for a grade separation from the Canadian National owned EJE tracks and planned safety measures to minimize impact of increased freight traffic.Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?My experience as a trustee for the last eight years has given me insight into the needs of our community and how that shapes our vision for the future of our village. My many years of management experience in helping run our family business has allowed me to bring practical solutions used in the private sector and apply them to governmental activities. This has helped keep the Village of Barrington more fiscally responsible and financially sound than many surrounding communities.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 Village of Barrington has not raised the sales tax rate for many, many years. It is the intenetion of the curent village board to create an environment that supports our many fine local businesses and draw people to shop in Barrington as a means to expand sales tax revenue. Our efforts in this area has resulted in the addition of many new businesses and a more vibrant village center with more festive activities.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 greatest safety concern would have to be the increased freight traffic caused by the Canadian National purchase of the EJE tracks. With no grade separations, we are vulnerable to one train possibly blocking all of the crossings in town. This may result in emergency personnel not being able to get to someone who needs medical attention or not being able to effectively transport a patient to a medical facility. The current village board is challenging the purchase by Canadian National through the courts while actively seeking federal and state funding for a grade separation. Our efforts in this area has resulted in the village receiving $2.8 million for the engineering of a grade separation at route 14.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?In 2008 the village board took bold steps to reduce spending in light of the impending economic crisis. This has resulted in a more sustainable expenditure budget without any reductions in service levels. We are closely monitoring our revenue stream to ensure that we will be able to continue to maintain these services levels. We are also constantly looking for innovations that increase efficiency and decrease costs. Should the economy continue to recover at the current rate, I do not anticipate the need for major reductions, however, we will take whatever actions are necessary to ensure that the village continues to be fiscally responsible.What#146;s one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?One thing that people will be talking about soon, is the new Celctic Festival planned for downtown Barrington March 17 18. It will be a first for Barrington. I am looking forward to all the good food, beer, entertainment and fun with friends.