2017 Election Questionnaire: Becky Hruby, Geneva Alderman 3rd Ward

Name: Becky Hruby

Age: 43

Town of residence: Geneva

Position sought: Alderman, Third Ward

Family:

Husband: Sean
Son: Calvin, 12
Daughter: Elaina, 4
Dog: Brew (who howls every time my son practices his sax)

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?: No

Education: B.S. Public Relations, Illinois State University

Occupation: Small business owner, homemaker

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The Southeast Subarea Plan was adopted in 2012. Deliberate progress is being made, but it will be years before the industrial park will fulfill one of its main objectives: to diversify the city's tax base with an addition of more commercial and industrial property while providing some property tax relief for residents. As one voice, I don't have power or ability to control anything, but I do believe strongly in the need for and benefits of the Plan coming to fruition. I will act in support of every effort to keep the project moving forward.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I cannot speak for Alderman Seno or what being appointed to the position entails, but as a candidate, I am making every effort to learn the ropes of city government through meeting with department heads (police and fire chiefs, city directors and city administrator), spending my evenings reading one plan after another and attending City Council meetings on Monday nights. I have worked very hard to understand the plans, goals and challenges we face. I believe you get out of things what you put into them and I am putting in 100%. In addition, I have school-aged children (currently the same applies to only one of our ten aldermen); I would offer valuable diversity on the council to those with families and I pledge to be an educated voice for all my constituents.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)?

I would not label any person who devotes his or her time to public service to be a failure. I can only say I hope to be an advocate for my ward and give all Third Ward residents a voice in Geneva's future via my role on the City Council.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

Every voice should be represented on the council. Roughly 40% of Geneva's population is comprised of families with children under the age of 18. Our current Council has only one of ten members that fit this demographic. I think it's important to balance the council with members of all stages and phases of life and to adequately represent this segment of our community.
Additionally, I believe we should all give in any capacity we can. Whether it be time, resources or tangible items, every person has value. I believe serving as alderman is a meaningful way for me to give back to my community.

Any issue that positively affects my ward would be a huge success for me. As an alderman, I feel it's important to be the voice for your ward. That requires ease and accessibility in communication. I'd feel a huge sense of accomplishment through obtaining regular, open communications with all my constituents.

Please share with voters a story about wisdom gained from a mistake you made in your life or career.

I learned when you are a waitress in college and the upscale restaurant owner is discussing catering of their daughter's wedding with a couple, you should not dump an entire tray of food and a pitcher of water in their laps. Oh, wait...that's just embarrassing! I guess the wisdom there is we are all human and we all make mistakes. With that in mind, we all deserve a little forgiveness or a second chance now and then.

Why should voters trust you?

I'm very open, honest and candid. I'll admit when I make a mistake. I believe in responsibility and accountability for myself and others. I've established a lot of great friendships and relationships in my 15 years in Geneva East...many people will vouch for my character and abilities.

Share a quote that defines your philosophy:

"I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do." Edward Everett Hale

What questions should be asked of current government employees accountable to your board?

What can be done or implemented (how can we best communicate with each other and with the community) to problem solve and/or educate all involved parties?

Explain your attitudes toward fiscal policy, government spending and how taxpayer dollars should be handled by your office (or board)?

I grew up very cautious with money and have demonstrated financial responsibility my entire life. If elected, I would feel no differently about taxpayer dollars than I would about my own. Some of those dollars are my own! Or were, anyway. I have never been in debt outside of a car payment or mortgage. While debt-free may not be realistic for a government, I would thoroughly research and evaluate each expense as well as the implications of timing and spending.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I’m confident my intelligence will get me through the technical aspects of being an alderman. I can learn every detail needed to understand each topic. I think my biggest strengths, or accomplishments, are my natural and learned abilities to communicate with and work with people. I am approachable, a good listener, and I like to get things done. I’m also very organized and detail oriented. I have implemented these skills into many facets of professional and volunteer work to streamline efforts that were previously accomplished by regularly “recreating the wheel”.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

Things are not always what they appear to be.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

As an alderman, my “positions” don’t carry a lot of weight. One vote out of ten will not make me a sole decision maker. That is good, because it’s all about balance. I do vow to make every effort to communicate with my ward and present our viewpoints (because that’s the value of an alderman) to the Council. I look forward to conversations and compromises within my ward as well as within the Council. I do not think this will be an easy task, and most if not all issues will be filled with gray areas. However, looking at the big picture and thinking long-term will help us make the best decisions and keep us moving forward in our highly desirable community.

More via Hruby's campaign website.

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