Bernard Thomas: Candidate Profile

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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:BioQA Bio City: Pingree GroveWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Pingree Grove Village Board Age: 78Family: Wife-Brenda 3 Sons, Bernard Jr. James BrianOccupation: Retired Logistics ManageEducation: BS Transportation-University of Baltimore - extra credits managementCivic involvement: Park Commissioner-Streamwood, IL Trustee- Northwest Suburban Mass Transit District-25 years - Current Trustee - Pingree GroveElected offices held: Chairman- Many committees dealing Loading Rules Damage Prevention when moving products. Past President: Chicago Traffic Club Midwest Assoc. Rail Shippers.Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?I am retired and have time to research and find solutions to problems or situations. Long career in Management.What is your opinion of your community's present level of local sales and property taxes? Is the tax just right, too low or too high? Explain.It is low and requires review every quarter. We are growing and with growth comes greater expenses in many areas.Rate the efficiency of your town's police and fire coverage. Are the departments well prepared for the next decade? What, if anything, should be changed? Do you have specific public safety concerns?We have great Police and Fire Departments. Both have classes to inform residents of Laws and Safety. Am Alumni Pingree Grove Police Academy. Waiting for Fire Dept. to announce date for their academy.Where, if anywhere, could the current budget be trimmed, and conversely, are there areas the budget does not give enough money to?No Trimming at this time. Not sure on how much additional funds we need to bring Water Sewer to best operation. Is being reviewed.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?Greater participation of residents at village board meetings and events.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Costs to bring businesses to village.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Billie Roth - President of StreamwoodWhat's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Honesty-Hard workIf life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Being a Police Officer.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Just being there and learning as much as possible.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Work hard and enjoy !