Election Central 2013: Fred Anderson

Name: Fred Anderson

Position sought: Alderman, ward 1 Yorkville

Age: 70

Family: wife, Mary Ellen, three sons

Education: BS Illinois State University, MS degree Northern Illinois Universaity

Occupation: Retired Teacher at the middle school, high school and university levels, seasonal Vendor for Mid American Growers.

Political party affiliation, If any: Independent

Previous elected offices: Treasurer for Aurora Educational Association

Applicable experience qualifying you for the position: negotiated 3 teacher contracts, served as ScoutMaster of Boy Scout Troop 40 for 10 years, 10 years of sales experience

What is the primary reason you are running for this office? I believe that it's the the local government that most effects the quality of life, which is the key to a strong community. We must deliver City Services with out a blank check. The infrastructure has been in trouble for many years.

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected? We need to have the empty residential and business lots filled with homes and businesses.  This will help the city with the budget and provide more revenue to repair our infrastructure all with out raising taxes.

What sets you apart from the other candidates? I have been a resident of Yorkville for 35 years.  I have seen the growth, and understand the needs of the community.  I have more time invested in Yorkville than any other candidate,

How long have you lived in Yorkville? 35 years

What's your favorite thing about Yorkville? A small town feel with the offerings of a larger community.

What is the biggest problem in Yorkville? Keeping Rt 47 and Rt 34 from being like any other town that you might drive through.  Rt 47 & Rt 34 could become a race track to get to other places.  The development of the downtown of Yorkville may help to make us to become a destination spot.  It has the potential to be unique.  The businesses along Rt 34 maybe able to capitalize on some of this draw. This in turn could keep the taxes low. The City can not keep raising taxes on all of us.  We have not given them a blank check with no limit.  There are many people living on a fixed income that will be priced out of Yorkville.