Arlington Heights Patch Follow-Up: Ron Drake, Candidate for Mayor

Term Limits:

I believe term limits are good for any form of government, including the Village of Arlington Heights. Term limits help to engage a community in their government by allowing positions to become available that might not have, should there be no term limits in place.  The length of a term or number of terms to be served by the elected officials in Arlington Heights should be determined by one thing, a vote by the people.  To me, 8 years in one position is an admirable contribution of a citizen's time and talents to their community. If it good enough for the President of the United States, it should be good enough for any elected official in Arlington Heights.

Example of Background that Qualifies You for Mayor/Village President:

I have been involved from concept to completion of many projects and buildings in a community.  For example I was on the Council when we built a new City Hall, City Courthouse and Police Administration building. We built it on time and ON BUDGET. We also built a new fire station, remodeled a police station, remodeled a library, built another Regional Library in conjunction with the County, re-designed 5 City Parks, built a 55-acre regional park with funding from the Tourism and Sports Authority and remodeled a Community Center. Along with those projects I was a spokesperson for the County's 16 Billion Dollar Regional Transportation Plan, the lead spokesperson of a 22-City and Town coalition for the siting of the AZ Cardinals Stadium in our region of Phoenix, where I might add, it was built.
I also initiated and brought to the Council which they ultimately adopted a City of Character Program and the Healthier US program that was being promoted by the White House. Avondale became the first City of Character and first Healthy City in the State of AZ.

Vision for the Future of Arlington Heights:

If I could make one change it would be to enhance business development enough to reduce the tax burden on the homeowners and small business owners in Arlington Heights. Or, reduce or modify the tax burden so that we can attract and retain businesses.  I have talked to changing the business climate in Arlington Heights since day one of this campaign.  The reputation of our Village being too difficult to do business in has to change.  We have to adopt the attitude and the practices that Arlington Heights is "Open for Business." 
I see so many great assets we have in Arlington Heights that sweeping changes are not necessary. Improving our business climate to me can cure a lot of ills.  If we had a greater sales tax base, homeowners could worry less about the unfunded pension liabilities and employees could worry less that the promises we make to them today will be kept by the Village tomorrow. If we could attract more employers we could drive fewer miles to work and by doing so, reduce our carbon footprint and spend more time with the family.
But the vision for Arlington Heights has to come from the citizens.  We will develop and implement a marketing strategy that will encompass the desires and the will of all the citizens in Arlington Heights, not just a select few.  The Village will host open houses, community meetings, focus groups and stakeholder meetings to assess, identify, plan and measure where we go in the next 20 years.  Then we will move forward to meet the future with a bold new plan, one that we all have had a stake in.  

Open Statement: To the Voters of Arlington Heights

AN OPEN LETTER TO THE RESIDENTS OF ARLINGTON HEIGHTS:

It has been an honor to have had the opportunity to be a candidate for Village President of Arlington Heights.  I thank you all for your different contributions to my life and the campaign. When this campaign started 6 months ago I never imagined I would have met so many wonderful people, a majority of those who cared about one thing, the betterment of their community. Day-in and day-out, person after person asking to help with the campaign or telling me of their current involvement in the community.  It motivated me to push on even when I felt I couldn't.
But today, 6 months later, after all these wonderful interactions with the community, I'm even more convinced that I am the right person to lead this great Village.  This campaign is about the future, not the past. As we debated and discussed our backgrounds and credentials for this election, I hope it became clear that one person and only one person has the qualifications and experience to lead a community like Arlington Heights successfully. Only one person has been elected twice by the citizens to lead their community. Only one person has offered solutions and ideas during the campaign, not political rhetoric.  Finally, only one person has led on bringing projects and programs to his community and seen those come to fruition. That person is me.
Your government should be taking away worries from you, not creating more. Higher and higher taxes, the lack of business and employment are not the concerns you should be having, especially in a Village like Arlington Heights. Worries if you will be able to afford your home when you retire never entered into our thoughts 20 years ago.
So the question is, are you better off now than when you first arrived?  Is the future as bright for you and your children?  I still think it is.  If elected, I see us moving forward, leading in the Northwest Suburbs, being the thought leader and the action leader.
So on April 9th, please make sure your vote counts for the future, not the past. We need a Village President who has proven leadership skills.  One who can guide us through the challenges of today so we can be successful tomorrow.
Vote Ron Drake