Joel Thomason: 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: Deer ParkWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Deer Park Village boardAge: 62Family: Married, two children, two grandchildrenOccupation: CFOSr.V.P. Pepper ConstructionEducation: MBA Depaul UniversityBS Accounting-Depaul UniversityCivic involvement: .Deer Park Planning Committee.Deer Lake Meadows Homeowners Association - Treasurer.Volunteer - Breakthrough Men's Shelter - Chicago.Volunteer - District 220 Grade School .Finance committee member -Village Church of BarringtonElected offices held: Deer Park Planning CommitteeHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Do what is best for the community by listening to residents and make decisions for the community that reflect the interests of all residents-to uphold our high standards and enhance property values.Key Issue 2 Lead in a fiscally responsible manner. Continue the recent momentum of the current budget to rebuild the cash balance.Key Issue 3 Scrutinize all expenses and income sources including the police contract which makes up a large portion of annual expenditures.Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?I have a heart for our community to keep it a special place to live. I have the business experience in strategic planning and financial controls to be effective.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 am not a proponent of raising any taxes but believe that the community's tax rate is lower than most surrounding towns. Deer Park businesses should therefore be competitive.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 current level of attention received by police. There is a perception that we spend a significant amount of money compared to services received. This can be addressed in reviewing the current police contract to ensure that the community's interest are being met.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?I believe the condition of our streets and parks should be improved. Each existing line item in the budget should be scrutinized to find potential savings.What#146;s one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?We need to communicate more to get to know the residents and businesses in a positive way to create a sense of a joint community.