Winnetka Village Trustee Candidate Q&A: Arthur Braun

On April 5, Winnetka voters will vote for three candidates for village trustee. The candidates on the ballot are Richard Kates, Linda Pedian, Jennifer Spinney and Arthur Braun. Below is a Q&A with Arthur Braun. For information on the rest of the candidates, check Winnetka-Glencoe Patch this week.

Winnetka-Glencoe Patch: How would you assess the Village Budget?

Arthur Braun: Due to our philosophies of “pay as you go” and “hold tax increases to below the rate of inflation” it is probably the best in the state. These mottos have allowed Winnetka to operate without debt and with minimal tax increases while providing a high level of service and maintaining a reasonable reserve. As a result Winnetka enjoys an excellent credit rating, giving it the ability to issue municipal bonds with the highest rating, without insurance at very low interest rates. Winnetka is in the excellent position of issuing bonds for only capital expenditures and not for operating expenses.

Patch: If expenses need to be reduced, exactly what would you cut?

Braun: Services to residents must be maintained at current levels or better. However, if necessary, capital expenditures and major repairs could be delayed by putting them into longer schedules thereby reducing current expenses.

Patch: If more revenue needs to be raised, exactly what would you propose?

Braun: It is important to look at increasing the generation of sales tax revenues. Improving the business climate in the Village should lead to this increased revenue. As a trustee, I will work to encourage commercial owners to redevelop their properties and thereby attract a broader base of businesses to our community, leading to more interest from shoppers outside of the Village, greater foot traffic in the business districts, and, ultimately greater sales tax receipts.

Patch: What, if anything, does the Village need to do to adequately fund police and fire pensions?

Braun: Given the current state of our economy, yielding a very low return on investment compared to what was expected and which has been responsible for most of the pension underfunding, we must work together with the State legislature and our employees to modify our pension plan with a formula that continues to provide a comparable benefit to employees yet allows the Village to close the
underfunding gap.

Patch: Does the Village need to start or intensity economic development efforts? What ideas do you have to foster economic development?

Braun: Economic Development of the business districts is very much needed. Technological advances (e-commerce) together with lack of sales tax have adversely affected “bricks & mortar” retail. A responsible and strategic re-development plan is needed for the three Business Community Districts. This plan must be developed, in conjunction with planning experts, taking into account technological and marketing advances of the 21st century. Branding should be used to market Winnetka as a place to shop, visit and enjoy. Pages should be added to the Village web site that market the merchants, services and amenities of the Village.

Patch: Briefly tell us what in your background or education has prepared you to make a contribution on this board. Can you offer an expertise that would be a resource to other board members?

Braun: During my past two years of service on the –Business Community Development Commission we worked on marketing and branding concepts for Winnetka businesses among many other issues. I was also a member of the Winnetka Caucus Council Candidate Committee in 2005. With 22 years in high-tech R&D, and 20 years as owner of a successful investment and property
management company, I have acquired the business, financial and operations acumen necessary to understand and solve the business challenges facing the Winnetka.

In non-profit leadership I have shown the diligence necessary to ensure long-term realization of our vision. For example I was president of our Home Owners Association in Denver that managed 150 homes surrounded by extensive green space and walking paths.

I hold Ph.D., M.S. and B.S. degrees in Electrical Engineering from the University of Michigan and Executive MBA from the University of Western Ontario, Canada.

Patch: How would you assess the public services the village offers residents, including police, fire trash pick up, snow removal, responsiveness of Village Hall? What needs to be improved? Are residents getting adequate value for their tax dollars?

Braun: Of all the places that we have lived in across the country, Winnetka has the best public services keeping in mind that the Village of Winnetka only receives 14¢ of every tax dollar. There’s always room for improvement and tighter management of expenses. Given the pressures of the national economy, we must become more efficient in providing the high level of services that our residents enjoy. I would
explore opportunities to achieve economies of scale by working with other governmental entities within Winnetka, and, potentially, with our neighboring communities.

Today’s consumer expects to engage in dialog with their leaders as decisions are considered. The Village could do a better job of using its Web site and electronic communications to facilitate two-way conversations with residents.

Patch: What else would you like voters to know about your positions on issues or point of view?

Braun: Several areas within the Village are severally affected by storm flooding. This challenge has to be resolved by balancing the technical and financial requirements of the issue. Based on the results of a study that will become available within two months and which will provide alternative approaches to address the challenge, an alternative that best provides this balance should be selected and
implemented.

Patch: How long have you been a Winnetka resident and what is your favorite part of living here?

Braun: As my home of 20 years, I love Winnetka, “a village in a natural setting, committed...to citizen involvement,” as our 2020 Vision describes us. The people of Winnetka are its greatest asset. They are dedicated and committed to excellence.

We enjoy our natural surroundings all year long. We can cross country ski on the golf course and forest preserve in the winter and enjoy the same areas to golf, walk or bike in the summer. Of course, we also have our wonderful beaches, which hopefully we can enjoy soon.