Election 2011: Martin Flowers

Editor's Note: This is the fourth in a series of profiles on the seven candidates for Montgomery Village Board. Each candidate had the opportunity to answer the same questions, but were asked to abide by a 75-word guideline. The answers will be provided here unabridged.

• Position sought: Village of Montgomery Trustee

• E-mail address: communityoutreach2010@gmx.com

• Phone: 630-897-1627

• Address: 68 Red Fox Run Montgomery Il, 60538

• Age: 36

• Family: Three sisters: Jennifer, Elizabeth, and Catherine; Brother Timothy
• Length of Residence: 20 years.

• Education: Benedictine University

• Occupation: Editor in chief of the Kendall Times

• Political party affiliation, if any: Democrat

• Previous elected offices: County Chairman of Kendall County Democratic Central Committee for 3 terms 2000-2006, and President of the young Democrats of Illinois

• Related experience: None provided.

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

I am running because the village has an opportunity to become a leader in how we conduct the day to day operations of our municipality. With long term planning and encouraging a regional discussion on how to create economic opportunities, the village will be poised to successfully guide itself through this economic slowdown. I believe that my ideas will be beneficial to the long term planning for Montgomery.

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

Right now we face tough decisions in terms of where the resources of the village should be spent. My top priority is to work with my fellow board members, department heads, chamber of commerce, small business, and civic leaders to develop short term and long term planning goals to ensure that the services of the village and obligations we have to our residents continue to be met.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

Having seven candidates step forward to seek this position shows the level of commitment to public service is something I and my fellow candidates share. This race is not about any one candidate, it is more about framing a discussion with seven candidates and the residents of the village. With seven candidates running the opportunity to hear ideas and exchange information means we have so many more options to choose from to make Montgomery great.

What's your favorite thing about the village of Montgomery?

The people who make up our small and yet growing community. Having lived here for 20 years and served in the community in different capacity’s, it has been my honor to learn about the heritage, history, as well as get to know the residents. As one of the fastest growing communities in the Fox Valley we have had tremendous growth; yet we maintain a small town atmosphere and are welcoming our new residents.

What is the biggest problem in Montgomery?

Much discussion has been placed on the growth and how to deal with the challenges it has afforded the current board. As one of the fastest growing communities in the region this is an opportunity to become a leader in regional discussion on issues of transportation, economic development, infrastructure, and basic quality of life issues. We along with our neighbors have grown and share many of the same issues of coping with this economic slowdown.