Rebecca Boyd-Obarski: 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: NapervilleWebsite: www.RebeccaForCouncil.comOffice sought: Naperville City Council Age: 56Family: Married to Bob Obarski Mother of Andrew Obarski (25) and Ellen Obarski (23)Occupation: AttorneyEducation: BA, Communication, 1980 University of Illinois, Urbana JD, The John Marshall Law School, ChicagoCivic involvement: Naperville Board of Fire Police Commissioners, current Chairman Naperville CARES, member of Board of Directors since 2006, former President 360 Youth Services, member of Board of Directors since 2013, current Executive Vice President Yes At Large Referendum Co-Chairman 2013 Mayor Pradel's Campaign Manager 2007 and 2011 Loaves Fishes Community Pantry, former member of Board of Directors Naperville School District 203 Former Volunteer Leader (Home School President at Beebe Elementary and Jefferson Jr. High) Gamma Phi Beta Sorority, International Vice President 2010-2012, Volunteer Leader since 1982Elected offices held: Candidate did not respond.Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?My skills and experiences are perfectly suited to the challenges of a new city council. I am a good listener, a quick learner, a thoughtful decision-maker and an experienced collaborator. Though this is my first run at elected office I have been actively involved in my Naperville community for 25 years - I understand Naperville and I love it!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.Overall the taxes are reasonable. While the downtown food and beverage tax is high, it is a tax on discretionary purchases and it generates valuable revenue. The City of Naperville property taxes are a good value. The City share of my property tax bill, including the library levy is around 10% of my total bill. I think the services we receive and the quality of life we enjoy are well worth what we pay in those taxes.Early projections for the fiscal year 2016 budget showed a $12 million deficit. What can the city do to avoid future budget deficits? Where can the city save money or make cuts?Let's be clear, it is a projected deficit, not an actual deficit. It merits attention, but not alarm. The City uses conservative models for budget projections and current budget year revenue is coming in stronger than projected. It is my understanding that Council has asked the staff department heads to review their budgets and dig deeper. They are the most knowledgeable about service costs. City Council needs to be thoughtful as it scrutinizes the departmental budgets, there are likely places the operations could be leaner. But governance is a balance of meeting current resident needs and planning for the future in a fiscally responsible manner. If elected I will certainly strive to avoid budget deficits.What additional regulations, if any, should the city council impose on bars and liquor license holders to help keep the downtown night life safe? What do you think of the restrictions recently created, such as relating to late-night entry, shot sales, beer sizes, drink specials and security training?We don't need any additional regulation. We need enforcement of the exiting ordinances and state laws. Of the recently passed regulations, I believe the key is the additional security training and additional on-site security.What should the city council's role be in bringing businesses to town? Should businesses be allowed to bring in proposals under code names, such as "Project Panda"? What do you think of the decision to approve the SKF development at Warrenville and Freedom roads before informing the public of what the development would be?City Council's role is to set the direction for Naperville Development Partnership and the City's Transportation, Engineering and Development department. Part of the role of NDP is to attract developments that enhance the quality of life for Naperville residents, they are tasked with screening and evaluating potential projects. I am comfortable with code names for projects provided the factual information about the project is fully disclosed and city staff can adequately evaluate the proposal.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?I am very concerned about continued development in Naperville, although we have built-out to our geographic borders, we need to keep developing and redeveloping. That means two things. First, we need to make sure that Naperville remains an attractive location for good employers and small businesses, as well as an appealing place for residents. We need large businesses that provide good jobs (like SKF) and we need small businesses to fill the empty storefronts that provide close-by amenities for our citizens. Second, we need to examine the city amenities in the southwest quadrant of Naperville. The downtown amenities are great, but not necessarily convenient for everyone. I understand that there are some efforts underway to engage residents in that area to identify needs and generate ideas that could develop a stronger community connection. I support that, we are a big enough city that we could have more than one "go to" area.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Mayor Pradel inspires me, he is a true servant leader.What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Be grateful for what you have and use it for good.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I really can't think of one. I tend to accept life as it is and make the best of it.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?English Literature. It taught me about people and the world, lessons I am able to use in everyday life.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Center yourself with prayer - everyday.