H. Monroe: 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: West ChicagoWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: West Chicago City Council Ward 2 (4-year Term)Age: Candidate did not respondFamily: Married - Wife Jane, 4 children, grandchildrenOccupation: Retired from plastic industry 2005, currently employed by Northern IL University teaching Motorcycle safety classes and by Wal-Mart in Batavia, ILEducation: Candidate did not respond.Civic involvement: It has been my privilege to represent Ward 2 for the last 8 years on West Chicago's City Council. I have served on the Development and Public Affairs Committees. I am a past member of DuPage County Crime Stoppers. I am a member of the Batavia Masonic Lodge and a Shriner. I was a member and during my 40 years in West Chicago, I have coached many West Chicago children for the West Chicago Athletic Association.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 Increasing economic development #8211; the City Council has implemented a grant program to encourage new businesses to move into West Chicago. While the City is in good shape financially, more retail business would ease the dependency on real estate taxes to fund our budgeted expenses.Key Issue 2 Servicing and listening to the needs of all the residents of Ward 2 #8211; balancing the services to our senior residents as well as our youth and families. I will continue to promote good relations in our culturally diverse neighborhood. I have been available at many #8220;Coffee with the Mayor #8220; meetings and have found it to be a useful tool to hear the concerns of our residents. Key Issue 3 While the crime rate in West Chicago is down 35% over the last several years, there are still other public safety issues to be solved: 1) I suggested that a traffic study be done for a stop sign at the intersection of Bishop/Forest for the safety of our school children. 2) I have been following closely the street light project on Augusta between Barber and Bishop Sts. 3) There is a program in place for the continued paving of streets throughout the City. 4) I was instrumental in deterring a potentially hazardous metal recycling facility from establishing a plant in West Chicago.Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job? Experience #8211; I am proud to have worked closely with our present Mayor and City Council as well as the two previous Mayors to bring the City to it's present status.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 think the present tax rate is sufficient. The city is in good shape financially and any increase would only serve to discourage new businesses from establishing here. 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 need for a stop sign at Forest Av and Bishop St. Solution: a traffic study before a sign can be placed. 2) Certain street lights not functioning. Solution: The problem is now in the hands of the City versus the developer. 3)Pot holes. Solution: Street Re-surfacing Program is in place.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?As stated earlier, our City is in good shape financially. Our budget has been reduced twice in the last two years to accommodate present economic conditions and all departments have functioned accordingly.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?I'm not sure that no one else has thought of this, but with the future completion of the bridge on Rt. 38 and the UP railroad tracks at Kautz Rd, I think it important for the City to encourage new businesses and to promote further development on the Rt. 38 corridor from Joliet St to the UP Railroad tracks. It is an important gateway to West Chicago.