Ronald Naylor: Candidate for DeKalb 5th Ward alderman (incumbent)

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Bradley University in 1965

EXPERIENCE: Naylor said he has lived in DeKalb for over 45 years. He has raised a family here and has been involved in many aspects of the community. He worked for the city for over 24 years and has served on the Sanitary District Board, DeKalb Township Board, DeKalb School District Facilities Committee and as 5th Ward alderman for one term. Naylor said he tries to stay in touch with 5th Ward citizens by holding Saturday morning coffee get-togethers. Naylor said these experiences with the residents have given him insight into the pulse of the neighborhood.

WHY HE IS RUNNING: A resident for over 45 years, Naylor said his years of experience dealing with public issues provide a sound basis for making responsible and often difficult decisions. Naylor said he is running for alderman to represent 5th Ward citizens in the decision-making process.

BIGGEST ISSUE: Naylor said that with the difficult economic times, there are many issues to be addressed which he believes can be placed in to six priority areas: ensure financial stability, provide for public safety, enhance economic growth, protect our neighborhoods, improve city communications and tackle infrastructure needs.

Robert Fischer:  (challenger)

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in English from NIU in 2002

EXPERIENCE: Served on Hinckley’s Board of Trustees. He has also been a freelance writer for a newspaper and currently manages a sales territory for an electrical and heating manufacturers firm.

WHY HE IS RUNNING: Fischer said as a father and homeowner in the 5th Ward, he is troubled that city council’s inappropriate default response to any budget shortfall is to reach into DeKalb residents pockets for a few more dollars each and every time. He said this takes money from families and households like his, which they could be using to buy things they need here in the community, which would in turn, help stimulate the economy. Fischer said he is running to be part of DeKalb’s future, where city council will no longer continue to take money from its citizens’ pockets, all in the name of ‘a few dollars more.’

ROLE OF AN ALDERMAN: Fischer said an alderman acts as the liaison between his/her constituents and city government. His or her duty is to listen to the constituents in the same way a business would listen to its customers. The alderman abides by their wishes and listens to the residents concerns regarding safety, money and other events that may arise. Fischer said ultimately, the alderman is a public servant and should do his or her best job in communicating city happenings to his or her constituents.

BIGGEST ISSUE: Fischer said the constant barrage of ‘nickel and dime’ taxes is an issue which must become non-existent at city hall. He said in an economy where unemployment levels have consistently been at nine to 10 percent, this is not the time to be asking residents to cough up more money out of their pockets that they don’t have so members of local government can continue to have exorbitant meal expenses. Fischer said as a homeowner and father of two residing in DeKalb’s 5th Ward, he is feeling that pinch along with many others and can no longer afford to have any more taken out of his pocket.