Election 2011: Rob Watermann

Editor's Note: This is the seventh in a series of profiles of the seven candidates for the 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: Montgomery village trustee.
• E-mail: RWatermann@aol.com
• Phone: 630-585-8750

• Age: 37
• Family: Wife Holly, children Abigail, 4; and Jackson, 9 months. 
• Length of residence: 16 years.
• Education: Bachelors Degree, double major, Business Administration, Political Science & History from Eureka College; EMT B certification from Waubonsee Community College; University of Illinois' Illinois Fire Service Institute; National Fire Academy; FEMA National Incident Management System
• Occupation: Fire chief, Aurora Township Fire Department; General manager, Johno’s / Midwest Awards Corporation.
• Political party affiliation, if any: None provided.
• Previous elected offices: Trustee from 2001-2004, and 2006-present. Appointed as Village Clerk from 2004-2006; appointed to Village Plan Commission from 1999-2001; Kane County election judge.
• Related experience: Finance Committee chairman from 2001-2004; Development Committee chairman from 2006-present; worked on Menards, Super Walmart, JC Penney, Orchard Road Corridor commercial development. As a fire chief, my first responsibility on the scene is to perform a scene size up. This task is necessary to gain a full and complete understanding of the crisis at hand. I approach being a trustee the same way. Issues, challenges and decisions must be looked at 360 degrees. It is then when you have a firm understanding you can proceed to focusing on how to accomplish results.

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

A village board member has to be educated and knowledgeable in many different areas such as finance, maintenance, business administration, human resources, budget and public infrastructure. Village trustees have to be good listeners, yet they must impose common sense for the greater good of the residents. An effective trustee is not a “Yes” person. A trustee must be honest and a hard worker. I feel these necessary traits describe my qualifications, experience and passion to serve our residents.

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

Maintaining a balanced budget by wise, controlled and reduced spending as well as fiscal sustainability are my most important priorities at this time while keeping the residents tax bills from rising. We must identify and prioritize our community needs such as roads, business growth, jobs and village services. Aggressive marketing and incentives are needed to land the big business we need to increase revenue. Our location to rail, state highway and interstate is a strength to focus on.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I have volunteered and worked tremendously hard to get projects done for our community as well as to improve our level of services and ability to respond to the residents' needs. I have stood up to the large corporations such as Inland Real Estate and fought them to develop commercial along Orchard Road instead of more houses. I have dedicated the time to enhance my qualifications that you should insist in a trustee. I listen and try to understand and issue from every angle.

What is your favorite thing about the village of Montgomery?

Above all, the beautiful undeveloped Fox River that flows through our village. While the hustle and bustle occurs on our outskirts, the calm and quiet river is a natural jewel we all can be proud of. The preservation of Gray’s Mill and Settlers Cottage gives us a daily reminder of our blue collar roots and evolution as a community.

What is the biggest problem in Montgomery?

Currently the biggest challenge in Montgomery is funding the capital improvement program. We need to be creative in every decision we make. Just this week we discussed improving the village website. It will take $11,000. Trustee Felten and myself propose using sponsorship through ad space instead of draining the general fund. With upcoming union negotiations, the village is vulnerable to increased labor costs.  As a trustee, I will donate 10% of my pay throughout my term to show my commitment and leadership.