Jeff Krischel: Candidate profile

Bio

Name: Jeff Krischel

City: Warrenville

Office sought: Alderman, Ward 3

Age: 38

Family: Wife Amy, Daughter Addison (6), Son Duncan (4), Daughter Jocelyn (3)

Occupation: IT Professional

Education: Bachelor of Science in IT Management

Civic involvement: Paid on Call Firefighter/EMT, member of the Warrenville Fireman's Association, volunteer as a member of the Warrenville Foreign Fire Tax Board

Previous elected offices held: none

Incumbent? If yes, when were you first elected? no

Website: none

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ElectJeffKrischel

Twitter: Elect Jeff Krischel @ElectKrischel

Issue questions

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

Warrenville is a growing community, and there are some growing pains associated. The rate and type of recent residential development has caused some concern among citizens. However, I feel it is important to understand the city's strategic/economic development plan, which includes goals of encouraging economic development, upholding fiscal conservatism, and continuing to provide diversity among all residents of the community. Making sure that all future developments meet the requirements of this plan is what will make it successful for all residents of Warrenville.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

I have already served the citizens of Warrenville for 13 years as a member of the Warrenville Fire Protection District. In this capacity, I have seen changes and been part of decisions that directly affect residents and businesses in Warrenville. I'm also a proven IT leader who participates in strategic plan and direction for a higher education University, including contract negotiations, vendor management, and budget impacts. I have a Bachelor's degree in management, which has prepared me with a forward thinking mindset; one that I feel is critical in the role of Alderman. I am ready to engage with residents and business owners, take concerns to the council, and find the right solutions that benefit all residents of Warrenville.

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.

In my experience, I have found that having an adaptable leadership style works best for me. I always try to get as much information about the task so I can pull in the right colleagues with the right skills to achieve effective results. Understanding the requirements is key, as well as being able to identify any hurdles and how they will affect the outcome. Equally important is knowing the strengths of my team so I can decide who to tap for the most efficient use of resources. This is dynamic and can change with each unique situation or problem. Being able to adapt to each unique circumstance is what makes my leadership style successful for me.

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?

I am proud that the city of Warrenville has no debt. We must continue to examine the city budget every year to ensure that tax dollars are spent efficiently, keeping the city debt free. While doing this, the city must ensure that the services and level of services remains high and within constraints of the budget. We cannot afford to get behind and start using tax dollars to pay interest instead of providing services. Continued fiscal conservatism is what will keep Warrenville operating without debt.

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

Warrenville is ranked one of the 50 safest cities in Illinois and is named a Bronze Level Bicycle Friendly Community by Ride Illinois. This is based on the extensive trails and paths throughout the city. I would be interested in taking advantage of this by bringing a bike sharing service to Warrenville. Services already exist in other cities and are popular among visitors and guests. Bicycle rentals could allow people to enjoy our trails and paths as a way to explore what Warrenville has to offer, including the proposed Trailhead feature that is planned for development.