On the issues

Golinski discusses bike trails, sewer and water bonds and relationships among City Council members here.

Campaign Info

• Website: www.golinskiformayor.com

• E-mail address: ggolinski@comcast.net

• Phone: 630-553-1037

• Address:502 Redhorse Lane, Yorkville, IL

Personal Info

• Age: 43

• Family: Susan, wife, 45; Sean, son, 11; Samuel, son, 9; Andrew, son, 7

• Education:My formal education consists of a bachelor of science degree in electronics engineering technology from DeVry Institute of Technology. I also hold a master's degree in business administration with a concentration in finance from the Keller Graduate School of Management where I graduated with distinction.

• Occupation: I am employed in the business services section of Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory as a manager in the Property/Inventory Control Department. In this capacity I am responsible for negotiating, awarding and administering contracts on behalf of the laboratory and overseeing the receipt, protection and disposition of government owned property in the custody of Fermilab.

• Political party affiliation (if any): Republican

• Previous elected/appointed offices: Ward 2 alderman, 2007-Present; Park Board member, 2005-2007

• Applicable experience qualifying you for the position:I began serving the United City of Yorkville in 2005 when I was appointed to the park board. As much as I enjoyed serving on the board, I made the decision to terminate my service early and accept an appointment to the City Council. The City Council voted unanimously in March 2007 to appoint me as an alderman for Ward 2. I was re-elected to a full term in April 2009.

I currently serve as the chairman of the city’s Economic Development Committee, as a member of the Administration Committee and the Integrated Transportation Plan Committee. I also serve as the city’s liaison for the Yorkville Economic Development Corporation and the Yorkville Plan Commission. I have served as mayor pro tem and as a voting member on the board of directors for the Aurora Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Southwest Fox Valley Cable and Telecommunications Consortium.

Candidate questions:

• What is the primary reason you are running for this office?

I am running for mayor because I have the experience and educational background necessary to confront the city’s current financial condition and to spur economic development while preserving the character of our city. I have the knowledge, desire and dedication to lead the city in a way that will bring the council together for the betterment of all the citizens of Yorkville. I look forward to leading Yorkville through the challenges of the future.

• What will be your most important priority if you get elected?

 Getting the city out of debt and putting Yorkville in a position to prosper as the economy recovers. We must make an aggressive commitment to more efficient, more effective, and a less expensive government in order to reduce the burden on the families and businesses of Yorkville. The city will not be successful in attracting new businesses, retaining existing businesses or encouraging people to build or relocate to our city if we continue to raise every tax and fee.

• What sets you apart from the other candidates?

My leadership style and financial expertise are what sets me apart from the current mayor. What Yorkville needs now is a fiscal disciplinarian who will do what it takes to make the city live within its means. I will not support any increase in taxes or fees until I’m confident that the city has done everything it can to reduce and control spending. I will tackle the challenges we face by working together with the council and the community.

• How long have you lived in Yorkville?

I have resided at 502 Redhorse Lane since 2003. I've been married to my wife Susan since 1994, and we have three young sons. We moved here because we truly believe that Yorkville is a great place to live, work, play and, most importantly, raise our children.

• What's your favorite thing about Yorkville?

 The people of Yorkville are what truly make this a great place to live and raise a family. So many good people have touched my life in this community that it truly is a blessing. Whether it's people I’ve met while coaching youth baseball, serving the city or attending a function at one of the fraternal organizations that I belong to, there’s no doubt in my mind that the people of Yorkville are the city’s greatest asset.

• What is the biggest problem in Yorkville?

 The biggest problem Yorkville is facing right now is its image in the eyes of prospective businesses, investors and residents. Prior to 2007, Yorkville had a lot of momentum. All of that momentum has been lost and it must be recaptured. I will proactively court good, strong companies to locate here and create the conditions for the private sector to flourish. Furthermore, we must recognize the value of our existing businesses and fully support our schools and library.