Michael Hanrahan: Candidate profile
Bio
Name: Michael Hanrahan
City: Batavia
Office sought: 5th ward alderman
Age: 59
Family: 25-year-old daughter (social worker), 23-year-old daughter (teacher) and 21-year-old son (firefighter)
Occupation: self employed painting contractor
Education: Bachelor's of Business degree from Western Illinois University, 1981
Civic involvement: Past member of BFEE, Chamber of Commerce; Rotary; and current Member of Batavia Moose
Previous elected offices held: None
Incumbent? No
Website: N/A
Facebook: N/A
Twitter: N/A
Issue questions
What are the most important issues facing your community and how do you intend to address them?
I believe the city is well run now. I think Washington project needs to be resolved and of course it would be nice to see a new bridge. Although the funding for that most come from the State or Federal government.
What makes you the best candidate for the job?
I've been a resident of Batavia for the past 28 years, raised my family here, lived in the same house and have meet many, many residents through my work, children activities, and various organizations. I spend literally every day in someone's house giving estimates or working so I'm very comfortable meeting constituents in person and discussing the issues and their concerns.
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.
I believe I'm very independent and am very willing to listen to all sides. In the end all my decisions will be what is best for the 5th ward and the beautiful city we live in!
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?
Again I'm not running because the city has any financial problems or isn't well run. The services from streets and sanitation, electric, city hall, police and fire are top notch. There are no major issues there that I am aware of.
What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?
I'd be a strong advocate of keeping the dam or if it has to be taken down that it would be replace with a similar structure. In my opinion it's the most beautiful spot in Batavia along with all the Riverwalk and pavilion.