FIve Questions With Verona Candidate Al De Old

Al De Old, a Verona resident of more than 40 years, announced early last week he would be a candidate for the Verona Township Council in the May 2013 election.

De Old, who has worked as an industrial arts and technology teacher for 38 years, has served on the Verona Township Council Budget Review Committee and on the Verona Board of Education 24/7 Policy Review Committee.

“I have attended town council meetings for the last four to five years,” he said. “Over the last few years I felt there was a need for change because many council decisions were for unnecessary expenditures.”

What issues are important to you as a resident?
The major issue, in my opinion. is the escalating tax rate. My goal is to maintain a good quality of life for Verona residents while controlling expenses to keep the tax rate stable. This should make it possible for our residents to remain in Verona. I also feel that there is too much bonded debt which requires the residents to pay large interest costs as part of their taxes.

What will you do for the township if elected?
I want to be a voice for the citizens of Verona and bring their concerns to the council. I will ask the "hard" questions as issues are presented to ensure that expenditures are necessary. Any citizen can reach me at docforthetaxpayer@gmail.com and I'll do my best to answer their questions or voice their concerns.

Why do you want to be on the council?
While attending the town council meetings I found that I only had a small degree of effectiveness when standing at the podium asking questions. To effect real change that benefits the tax payers, I know that I need a voting voice by being part of the council.

What makes you qualified for this position?
Aside from being a long time resident, I have attended and participated in the public comment portion of the council meetings. I have also studied the budgets of the last several years to better understand how expenses can be controlled while providing quality services to the residents.

What changes do you plan to make if elected?
The council makes decisions on a variety of issues. Some of these issues, such as using VTV, transparency, hiring practices, overtime, level of surplus dollars, bonded debt, project contracts and capitol expenditures, need close oversight. I would take the necessary time and effort to ensure that these items were handled to the benefit of the citizens of Verona.