Ed Macek: 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: AntiochWebsite: www.countryfinancial.com/ed.macekOffice sought: Antioch Village Board Age: 49Family: Andrea Macek (wife) Emily Macek (daughter) Megan Macek (daughter) Ashley Haselow (step daughter) Andrew Haselow (step son) Gerrad Haselow (step son)Occupation: Financial RepresentativeEducation: Candidate did not respond.Civic involvement: Past Member of Antioch Fire Department, served 1 year Past Member of the Antioch Rescue Squad, served 10 years Past Member of the Antioch Police Commission, served 8 yearsElected offices held: Antioch Rescue Squad President Antioch Police Commission ChairperonQuestions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?I was a member of the Antioch Fire Department. I was a past member of the Antioch Rescue Squad; I served as an Antioch Police Commissioner. I know every working part of the Village of Antioch form the inside. My 30 years of experience in the financial and insurance services gives me a unique opportunity to understand budgets and plan and prepare for future events.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.I think we have a several issues in the Village of Antioch. We some taxes that are just right and we have some taxes that are just out of control. The Village of Antioch along with its taxing issues comes spending issues. I believe when a tax is put on the books, let's call it the Energy tax. That tax was going to be set aside for road improvements and other capital improvements. A bump hits them in the road; let's call it the Antioch Rescue Squad, now the village can't fix roads. I have been off the Antioch Rescue Squad for 15 years, planning for the day of the Village having to support an Ambulance Service should have started then, not now. Because of the lack of planning folks are losing their homes. I talk to people all the time that didn't lose their job; they just can't afford to live in the house with the increased taxes that have been added to their monthly mortgage payments. We have to do a better job. I'm tired of hearing form people this statement "I don't know if I will be able to retire in Antioch, I can't afford it". We have to do a better job with taking control of spending as well as taxing people.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?I back 100 percent out police and fire personal. I think with the population in 60002 the Village and the township we should have full time fire department. The Village of Antioch has to let go control and just give the money to the First Fire Distict. We should have a tax for the First Fire District, and not just take the money out of the General Fund. I beleive a larger group will cost less and give better care to our family and friends. I think the challage with any police department is to give them the tools they need to protect our town, but do it in the most cost effective way without taking anything thing away from that officer.Where, if anywhere, could the current budget be trimmed, and conversely, are there areas the budget does not give enough money to?The Village has a lease car program, which saves money? I would also look at the lateral transfer program that I feel I made a mistake adopting as a rule. The problem with the program is, you hire an officer that could be 30-35 years of age, and you back door your officer pension program. That by the way under the current mayor taxes collected for pensions went up almost 300 percent since he has been in office. I think the thought was good, but the hole it could create out weights the benefit of the program.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?Let's take pride back. Grass seed is cheap. We should all feel good when we come into our downtown. Right now there are weeds in parking lots, waste visible from Main Street. I want to bring back the Business District. I believe we should allow every business whatever tool they need and we can provide them to grow their business. Antioch should not be afraid of the word Business. The plan for a strong Antioch should include an environment where folks and earn an honest living without having to drive to the next town to get it.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?The Village of Antioch should be looking for business to come to this great town. Instead we turn them away. By turning business away, the tax burden is put back on the individual, and it's to the point that individual can't afford to live here. We need to be better in planning and searching out areas for grants from the Federal Government or the State Government. I hope I can assist to help the Village develop plans on how to achieve goals to get this donePlease name one current leader who most inspires you.Dan Hesse of Sprint Wireless. He promotes more for less.What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Faith and Family are your most importnat items you have.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I missed my Dad's 80th Birthday, I want that day again.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?The one class that came easy was accounting.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Never be too busy for the ones you love. Be thankful every day of what you were given and what you have earned.