Election 2011: Stan Bond

Editor's note: This is the first in a series of profiles of 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 Trustee.
• Website: www.stanbond.com
• E-mail address: stan@stanbond.com
• Phone: 630 440-1007

• Age: 61

• Family: Wife Marion, 58, teaches. Three daughters, Erin, Elizabeth and Sarah, all college educated, grown and with homes and careers of their own.
• Length of Residence: Since November 2004.

• Education: Bachelor of Science, Mass Communication, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, IL. Masters Level Coursework, Mass Communication, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. Graduate Teaching Assistant, Interpersonal Communications, Southern Illinois University. Leadership Training, Purdue University. Federal, State & Local Procurement Practices, Business2Government Institute. Certified Business Communicator, Business Marketing Association of America.

• Occupation: President, Hamilton & Bond Advertising, Inc. (26 Years)

• Political party affiliation: Since this is a non-partisan race, my political affiliation is not as relevant as my core values which are pro business expansion and jobs growth, limited spending of the public’s money, limited size and scope of government and extensive communication with the taxpayer.

• Previous elected offices: Trustee, Batavia Public Library District; Precinct Committeeman, Batavia Township Precinct 20; Precinct Committeeman, Sugar Grove Precinct 2 (Montgomery).
• Related experience: With my business background I can help set, measure and achieve important new goals. I have overseen budgets and staff for many years. My communications experience may help Montgomery improve its internal and external communication, my 41 years of working with industrial and business leaders will benefit Montgomery’s struggle to attract new employers and more jobs. As Batavia Library Trustee I helped develop a successful five-year Strategic Plan for public outreach and citizen participation.

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

Many voters I speak with know that we are ready for change and fresh leadership. We are drifting away from the priorities and core values that originally made Montgomery special and the Village Board seems less engaged with the public than in previous times. Our spending priorities need to be refocused on public works and public safety and we need to find economies in all areas to stretch precious public dollars and relieve taxpayers from burdensome costs.

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

I believe the relationship between Montgomery governance and its residents is no longer as personal, respectful or as productive as it used to be. To re-invigorate our community and its business climate, we need to restore the sensitivity of village management for the true priorities and desires of citizens. Our Village requires citizens to ask permission in writing nearly a week in advance to speak at meetings. Participation isn’t even welcome at some meetings. Why?

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I have big ears, I like to listen and learn what voters have to say. I have recognized opportunities to improve the quality of life in Montgomery through organizing volunteers to achieve common goals, including Community Oriented Policing programs such as Neighborhood Watch, environmental efforts such as shoreline and roadside litter pickup, and community safety and security education
programs. I have strong record of attendance at public meetings and of voting in local elections.

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

The natural beauty of our area, the diversity of our neighborhoods and people, and friendly local businesses who recognize their patrons and treasure their role in the community.

What is the biggest problem in Montgomery?

I believe Montgomery has begun to lose its sense of priority and balance with regards to spending and the core mission of government. The Village Board must re-assert itself in setting budgetary policy, spending oversight and cost reduction. Also, while many are using the phrase, I do not believe there is good understanding of what “business friendly” really entails or how to make existing business feel welcome and prospective business feel compelled to locate here.