Mark Carroll: Candidate profile

Bio

Name: Mark J. Carroll

City: Village of North Aurora

Office sought: Trustee

Age: 44

Family: Married to Andrea K. Carroll, with 3 sons ages 15, 12 and 7.

Occupation: Attorney

Education: J.D. from Northern Illinois University College of Law - 2001

Civic involvement: Past President of North Aurora Lions Club, Baseball Coach for North Aurora Baseball and Fox Valley Freedom Travel Baseball Association, involved in our Church, Immanuel Lutheran Church and School in Batavia

Previous elected offices held: Running for my second full term as trustee. Prior to being elected trustee, I sat on the North Aurora Planning Commission for 5 years.

Incumbent? If yes, when were you first elected? I was appointed to an open Trustee position in 2014. I was elected in the 2015 Consolidated Election.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VoteMarkCarroll/

Issue questions

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

I believe that one of the most important issues facing North Aurora residents is the continual rise of residential real estate taxes for our residents. I intend to continue to encourage the growth of commercial and retail business in North Aurora. Specifically, I would continue the direction the Village Board has taken toward the revitalization of the Rte. 31 corridor and the North Aurora Towne Center.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

I bring ten years of experience in North Aurora government, having sat on the Planning Commission and the Village Board. In addition, I am out in the community listening to residents concerns every day, through my work as an attorney and in my community involvement as a coach. I care very deeply about ensuring that the place where we are raising our children is one of the safest and most vibrant communities in the Fox Valley.

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.

Prior to making any decision, I listen. I listen to individuals and/or businesses who come before the Board; I listen to citizens' concerns; and I listen to the opinions of my fellow Board members. I try to keep an open mind until I have been fully informed and feel like I can make a reasonable, well-informed decision. Our Board has worked very well together over the past 4 years, and has moved the Village in a very good direction.

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?

The Village of North Aurora is in a very strong financial position. I would continue to support the Village's very capable and professional staff and police. As the Village grows, our strong financial position is critical as we look to continue to add police and public works workers so that we can continue to provide the level of service our Village needs.

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

I would like to see Amazon bring its second headquarters to North Aurora. One can dream!