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Politics & Government

Election Issues: Robert Allen

Yorkville Patch asked all the candidates in contested city races the same four questions. Here are Robert Allen's answers in the race for Ward 1 alderman.

With election season in full swing, Yorkville Patch wanted to give readers a clear view of how local candidates compared on recent issues that surfaced before the City Council. Below are the answers from , who is running against for alderman in Ward 1. Colosimo's answers can be found here.

Come back tomorrow to see how the Ward 2 alderman candidates answered the same questions.

Alderman Candidate Robert Allen

•  Would you have voted to place a binding bike trails referendum on the April 5 ballot? Why?

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I would have voted to put the binding bike trails referendum on the ballot.  Under the state's bike trails offer, we get $5 of infrastructure for every $1 we spend.  This is a "no-brainer." It is just a matter of time before someone falls victim to an accident along the highway because of no trails.  In a cost/benefit analysis, the bike trails are a good investment.

• Looking at the water and sewer bond problem the City Council faced this winter in the 2011-2012 fiscal year, what do you think is the best solution?

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The water and sewer bond problem that the city faces today did not happen overnight.  It is alarming that a few desperate politicians are try to spin this falsehood.  The previous administration painted a rosy picture of our money situation.  But there were millions on paper that we are never, ever getting.  I am glad that the city is now telling the truth, although the truth hurts.  I definitely do not want our city to default on any bonds.

• Looking at the water and sewer bond problem for fiscal year 2012-2013 and beyond, what do you think is the best solution? Do you favor the proposed sales tax increase?

Looking at the water and sewer bond problems in future budgets, we have to be realistic.  The last administration did not listen when the community asked it to control growth.  Things got out of control.  Now, we owe $25 million.   The sales tax issue is under discussion, but I need more information about it before I can support it.

• How would you characterize the working relationships among current City Council members? How do you think you work/would work within that environment? 

Despite a few inconsolable characters, the majority of the city council members understand that they have an important job to do.  It is a shame that the trouble makers have to take every opportunity to bad-mouth the city staff.  No matter who is mayor, they will make trouble.  They need to put their personal needs for attention behind the needs of our taxpayers.  I can work fine in this environment.

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