2017 Election Questionnaire: Robert Swanson, Geneva Alderman 5th Ward

Name: Robert (Bob) Swanson

Age: 55

Town of residence: Geneva

Position Sought: Alderman, 5th Ward, Geneva, IL

Party Affiliation: N/A

Family: Wife: Mary, married for 26 years
Son: Christopher 23
Daughter: Amy 21
Son: Jeremy 19

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

Education: Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Loyola University of Chicago

Occupation:

Co-Owner with wife Mary: Riverbank Laboratories, a Geneva tuning fork manufacturer, since 1999 and United Valve Service, a water valve manufacturer, since 1993.
FCC National Bank, a subsidiary if First Chicago National Bank - Manager of Forecasting and Analysis, 1989 - 1993
Price Waterhouse Chicago - Financial Auditor, 1983 - 1989

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: None

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

Planning for the future of Geneva in a financially responsible manner.

The residential property owners in Geneva have been funding an increasing proportion of the City of Geneva revenues. We need to reduce this reliance on residential property taxes by developing the industrial park on the south east side, and continuing to make Geneva a destination for shopping, dining and entertainment.

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

I have met my opponent twice, so I am not familiar with his positions on the issues. In my brief encounters, I did notice one major difference. My opponent has stated that new taxes are not necessary to offset reduced tax revenues, and spending cuts would be the appropriate response. A local newspaper labeled this position as "stringent", while I might call his message "extreme". I would use my financial and business experience to ensure that the operations of the city are run as efficiently as possible. However, I would also investigate alternative revenue sources before cutting essential city services.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

I am running to be the 5th Ward alderman because I feel that I have the education and experience in the three areas that surround the issues facing Geneva today:

- Finances/Taxes/Budgets
- Preservation of the character of the downtown and neighborhoods
- Business Development.

If you gain this position, what accomplishment would define your term in office as a success?

I will consider my first term on the City Council of Geneva a success after:
- Redevelopment of major vacant sites will have been started,
including the Cetron, Mill Race, and South east industrial park sites
- The annual budget will rely less on residential property tax revenue
- Our city services will remain excellent.

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

During the first six months after purchasing Riverbank Laboratories, we were struggling financially. Our largest customer had declared bankruptcy, we had to relocate the company for the first time in over 70 years, and an economic downturn was just beginning in our industry. We addressed each issue one by one, and methodically strengthened our company. I learned that organization, devotion, and perseverance eventually pay off.

Why should voters trust you?

Honesty, Integrity and Fairness are the pillars of how I run my businesses. Customers, employees and the community are all considered stakeholders. This approach has been successful for me for over 20 years. I will operate in the same manner as an elected official.

Share a quote that defines your philosophy:

"It takes considerable knowledge just to realize the extent of your own ignorance" Thomas Sowell

I will utilize the excellent staff of Geneva, who have experience in running the activities of a city, to supplement and improve my understanding of city operations. This will help me make meaningful decisions to improve our community.

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

How can we improve the partnership between residents and employees of the city?

What impedes your ability to perform your job better, or more efficiently?

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

I have successfully operated my own businesses for over 20 years. I have extensive experience in the areas of finance and budgeting. I will strive to maintain our excellent city services in the most efficient manner possible. I also will demand that there is real economic value being provided to the taxpayers of Geneva before I approve any future sales tax rebate agreements.

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

I have held leadership posts in charitable organizations. During my tenure on the Board of Directors at one organization, the Board and staff were able to develop and implement a plan to eliminate ongoing annual deficits. The plan was successful, deficits were eliminated, and the organization is much stronger today.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

"Work hard and don't give up"

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

I am committed to making the community that my wife Mary and I chose to establish roots in 26 years ago an even better place than we enjoyed.

For more information, visit Swanson's website

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