Ron Silkaitis: 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: St. CharlesWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: St. Charles City Council Ward 1 (4-year Term)Age: 56Family: Married to Monica. We have four daughters, Katherine, Stephanie, Emily and Rebecca.Occupation: Service technicionEducation: Associate Degree in Applied Science. Southern Illinois University, 1976.Civic involvement: Candidate did not respond.Elected offices held: City Council, St. Charles, IL. First Ward Alderman. 1997-2009Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Representing all the residents of St. Charles. Ensuring that the residents have an opportunity to voice their concerns at public meetings.Key Issue 2 Enact a strong ethics ordinance for all elected city officials.Key Issue 3 Re-evaluate the final phase of the First Street project and the city's role in it.Questions Answers Under what circumstances, if any, should financial incentives, including TIF districts, be used to lure residential and commercial development to the city?I do not believe that TIF districts should be used for any residential developments. On the commercial side, I would prefer not to do any TIF districts or financial incentives, but I would look at each project carefully and judge each on on its own merits. What happenned with the Lexington project is good example of what not to do. How did the approval of this project benefit the residents of St. Charles? In my opinion it did not. This project should not have been approved under the present terms. The residents deserve better.What is the future of Charlestowne Mall as you see it? Would you support the use of eminent domain by the city to gain control of the property?The Charlestowne Mall revitalization has been a concern of the city's for a long time. Over the years ideas have been proposed, but have not happened. We need to work with the owners to come up with a viable plan that would make sense and also be acceptable to the residents. I would be very much against eminent domain for this property.Are you comfortable with the mix of taverns and the conduct of their patrons in downtown St. Charles?No. There is a problem with the number of taverns in town. Some patrons of these taverns are starting to get out of hand. The taverns are working on the problems and hopefully they can correct them. In the future I believe that we need less alcohol related businesses and more family oriented and unique businesses.What aspects must a redevelopment of the old St. Charles Mall property include? Would you support any level of residential development on that property?I believe that the old mall should be developed for commericial use. This is a prime location and I do not want residential areas in this location. Unfortunately the owner of the property does not appear to want to work with the city to come up with a positive plan.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.With all the problems that are occuring in this country, I would like to ensure that our police and fire departments are ready to deal with any type of situation that may arise. For instance, gun violence in schools and public places. We need to be pro-active, instead of re-active to any events that may happen.