2013 Election Profile: Ryan Kauffman

Address:  200 block of Devoe Drive, Oswego

Campaign contact information: www.vote4ryan.weebly.com/

Family: Fiancee: Kristin Kolman 30; Mother: Cindy Tegler 58; Father: Terry Kauffman 62; Brother: Steve Kauffman 31

Education: North Central College, Masters of Business Administration, 2008. North Central College, finance and economics double major, 2004. Waubonsie Valley High School, class of 1998.

Occupation: Northern Trust Corporation, Accountant (Team Lead) 2005-Present

Campaign Questions 

Why are you seeking office?

I am seeking office for one reason: an intense desire to serve the people of Oswego to the best of my ability. I want to be the ear that hears the working families of Oswego, and the voice that informs the government of their opinion. 

What set you apart from other candidates?

I am the youngest person running, and I am the only one with a significant background in economics. When combined with my strong passion to serve the people of Oswego, it makes me the logical choice for Trustee. I know what it takes to improve the local economy, and I will work in partnership with local businesses to make sure they have the resources they need to be successful going forward. 

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

Bringing a train station to Oswego.

What do you consider to be the main issues facing the Village of Oswego today?

1) The lack of a train station. 2) The extremely high property taxes. 3) The much needed revitalization of downtown Oswego.

Going forward, what can the Village do to help improve the state of current businesses and work to attract new ones? How responsible should the Village be in regards to helping new businesses get off the ground, so to speak?

An immediate thing we can do is to revive the Oswego Economic Development Corporation, which provided incentives for businesses to locate in Oswego. The current board severed the connection with private capital and brought the enterprise "in-house." I think a reconnection with the private side would go a long way towards demonstrating that we are business-friendly. The government has a responsibility to create a framework in which people feel confident enough to not only start new businesses, but expand existing ones.

The Village levied the same dollar amount in the 2012 tax levy as they did in 2011, resulting in a very low increase for Oswego homeowners. Yet homeowners say they are still being taxed too high: what suggestions do you have to help ease taxpayer burden on Oswego homeowners?

If the Board strives to work in partnership with the business community, we can encourage businesses to locate in Oswego, which will expand our tax base, thus lowering for everyone. An expansion of the tax base lowers taxes for everyone for the same reason that having 3 roommates instead of 1 makes rent less expensive. Let's just hope no one wants to crash on our couch!