2017 Election Questionnaire: Doug Warlick, Geneva Alderman 5th Ward

Name: DOUG WARLICK

Age: 60

Town of residence: Geneva

Position Sought: Alderman 5th Ward

Family: Married to the love of my life, Colleen Thomas. We reside In the Fox Run subdivision where I hope to reside for the rest of my life. My oldest child, Shari, graduated from GHS in 2005, and my youngest child just started at UNL. He is enrolled in the business school in a 3 plus 3 program to enable him to join my law office in just 6 years instead of 7.

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

Education:

Lake Forest College B.A. (19780
Chicago-Kent College of Law J.D. (1981)

Attorney since 1981
Also, I have been self-employed or running a small business throughout my career.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: Precinct Committeeman

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it: There are many issues; however, if I had to name only one, it is taxes. Real estate property taxes rob our seniors of the opportunity to reside in their homes well into retirement. Government spends "other people's money" like a kid in a candy store--the more you give, the more that will be spent.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?: I have over 35 years experience as a trial attorney. I negotiate contracts and I can do more than just read and understand financial statements, I can cross examine witnesses who authored financial statements. More important, I will be a strong advocate for the residents of the 5th Ward. I am honest and I am not afraid to speak the truth. I was the only aldermanic candidate at the League of Women Voters forum that did not answer the sanctuary city question with a squeamish PC reply because I believe in the rule of law. I have earned awards for my service and integrity while my opponent wrongfully used the City of Geneva seal in his campaign literature to imply that he is endorsed by the City, stating that the residents of the 5th Ward support him. Although some residents would support him, he literally misrepresented the facts which is something that I have never done and I would never do.

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

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform: 1. Oppose taxes and wasteful spending; 2. Revitalize the east side; 3. Be a strong advocate when the development of the landfill begins; 4. Oppose the expansion of the Historic Preservation District (we all love our beautiful, quaint downtown Geneva, but historic preservation should not trump a homeowner's property rights); and 5. Bring economic development to Geneva.

If you gain this position, what accomplishment would define your term in office as a success?: I expect to do nothing less than accomplish the issues defined in my platform stated above as well as use my skills as a trial attorney on behalf of the residents of the 5th Ward.

Please share with voters a story about wisdom gained from a mistake you made in your life or career: At the age of 60, there are too many mistakes to recount; however, I learn from every mistake. On the other hand, I have very few regrets.

Why should voters trust you?: I am the Geneva Lions Club "We Serve" Foundation Board president as well as a past president of the Club. I have never stopped serving the residents of this community and beyond through Lionism. I have been honored with numerous awards, including the Lions of Illinois District 1-J George Lazansky Dsitinguished Service Award (I was the first member in the Geneva Lions Club to receive that honor). That is a testament to my integrity.

Share a quote that defines your philosophy: Always do your best; you reap what you sow!

What questions should be asked of current government employees accountable to your board?: All employees are accountable to the City Council but more important, the City Council is accountable to the residents.

Explain your attitudes toward fiscal policy, government spending and how taxpayer dollars should be handled by your office (or board)?: As I noted above, I am a small business owner and I understand fiscal responsibility. Some of those lessons need to be brought to local government.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?: In addition to managing a successful business for over 35 years, I have worked on several professional oranizations and I have been responsible for growing the Geneva Lions Club during my presidency. Service included the board of directors of the Kane County Bar Assoc., Chairman of two different committees of the DCBA, and appointment to the FLSC of the Illinois State Bar Assoc. which is a committee principally responsible for family law legislation. My advocacy skills as a trial attorney would serve the residents of the 5th Ward very well.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...: The best conversationalist asks questions.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?: I humbly serve as the attorney for our church and I have never stopped serving through the Geneva Lions Club and professional organizations, including providing legal services to the indigent. I believe in community service and I have a record of service. This job involves the best of community service.

More via Doug Warlick's campaign website