Matthew Orr: Candidate profile

Bio

Name: Matthew J. Orr

City: Aurora

Office sought: Alderman Ward 6

Age: 20

Family: Parents Mark & Deborah Orr, and one sister, Julie

Occupation: Custodian for School District 129

Education: West Aurora High School Graduate Class of 2017. I currently attend Waubonsee Community College studying Political Science.

Civic involvement: volunteering on local campaigns

Previous elected offices held: None

Incumbent? If yes, when were you first elected? N/A

Website: None

Facebook: www.facebook.com/MattOrr4the6thward/

Twitter: None

Issue questions

What are the most important issues facing your community and how do you intend to address them?

1. Taxes. I would work with the council on finding ways of bringing new/improving revenue to the city of aurora.

2. Safety. I will work with local neighborhoods in the 6th ward to bring back neighborhood watch programs.

3.Infustructure. Building a stronger Preventive Maintenance program so we can tackle problems before they get out of control.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

I am a hardworking blue-collar worker who has a passion to want to serve our community. My interests are in serving the people in my community and I have no Investment Interest. I was born and raised in Aurora and I vow to serve 2 terms or less.

Describe your leadership style and explain how you think that will be effective in producing actions and decisions with your village board or city council.

At 18 years old, I held a mayoral forum with other schools and students. My leadership style is like a parent dealing with their son/daughter. I like to listen to all sides of the discussion so I can make a clear concise answer. I believe it's good to learn as much as possible about what's being discussed and understanding a vote at city council, is a vote for 6th ward constituents. I want to hold community meetings for the 6th ward monthly so I can communicate with constituents on what I can do for our community.

How would you describe the condition of your community's budget, and what are the most important specific actions the town should take to assure providing the level of services people want?

Stable condition as far as budget. I want to work to build stronger recycling programs and neighborhood cleanup groups. I would also look at ways to increase revenue and avoid raising any taxes.

What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?

Northgate, starting with revamping and renovating the Northgate sign. I would work on finding grants and utilizing solar power to relight the sign and bring back light to the area.