Election Issues: Gary Golinski

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 (Ward 2), who is running against for mayor. Burd's answers can be found here.

Come back tomorrow to see how the Ward 1 alderman candidates answered the same questions.

•  Did you vote to place a binding bike trails referendum on the April 5 ballot? Why?

As someone who has served on the city’s Park Board, currently serves on the Integrated Transportation Plan Implementation Committee and has three young boys, there’s nobody who wants to see a more bike and pedestrian friendly city than myself.  I voted in favor of putting the referendum on the November ballot, because I felt the citizens should be heard on the issue.  I was successful in convincing the council to reduce the amount from $8M to $1M and limit it to projects where we are receiving 80% funding.  I voted no the second time, because the citizens already voiced their opinion.

• 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?

The bond problem didn’t happen overnight and it won’t be fixed overnight.  What I proposed is additional cuts to the General Fund before the city passed along a huge increase in real estate taxes.  At least then, we could look residents in the eye and tell them we’re doing everything we can to reduce and control spending.  I will work with elected officials and staff to implement a deficit elimination plan for all funds. I’m confident that I will be proactive in seeking input and solutions from the entire city council, the citizens and the business community as well as looking at all financial options.  

• 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?

Ideally, the best solution is to attract good development to Yorkville.  If that happens, development fees can help pay the bond payments, as was intended.  If you look outside of Yorkville, there’s plenty of good development going on.  There is a lot of smart money sitting on the sidelines right now, ready to invest.  The city must be proactive in identifying, courting and bringing quality businesses and investment to our city.  I voted against putting the sales tax referendum on the ballot because there was no input from the business community on the impact it will have on our local businesses.

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

There’s no doubt it’s been a rocky four years.  I genuinely like every member of the council and can work with anyone that will put Yorkville first.  What you can expect from me, if I’m elected, is a more participative and non-confrontational leadership style.  The council is made of nine members and all bring differing strengths and viewpoints.  The mayor must be able to lead a group of leaders, which is not always an easy task.  Governing is a team effort and a good leader helps people understand that by working together we can be stronger, smarter and accomplish the goals necessary to guarantee the success of our community.