We asked candidates for the April 7 election a series of questions we hope will help voters make an informed voting decision. Up now: Aurora 8th ward alderman. Find their surveys attached after the jump.
There are two candidates for the position.
Rick Mervine, 56, is a self employed management consultant, strategic planning and marketing. He has served as an alderman for less than a year, after filling a vacancy on the council. Said Mervine: "As a 22-year Aurora resident and the current 8th Ward Alderman, I possess a unique understanding of the needs and concerns of both the Ward, and the City of Aurora. My 20 years of community service to both the city and the Ward has led me to this position and will continue to help fuel my passion for listening to the needs and concerns of our residents."
Jason Minalga, born in 1981, is a senior integration analyst for Nipsco in Hammond, Ind. He has never held elected office. Said Minalga: "I will not vote for tax increases. I will do the right thing in every decision I make through objectivity and above all what is in the best long-term interest of the residents of Aurora."
Omg. They filled out their own questionnaires? I couldn't even read Jason's, the handwriting was too distracting.
Employed in Indiana? Can you be an Alderman if you spend one-sixth of the day commuting?
I'm not even a member of that ward but I'm concerned.
As a resident of the ward, this was one chance that I received to get to know the position of the candidates on the issues. They sure haven't made themselves available within the ward. I began to read the responses with an open mind because I really didn't know either of the candidates. Candidate Minalga seems to have squandered the opportunity to get his message out to his constituents. If he can't take the time to put his thoughts out to the electors before the election, how will he have the time to represent the electors after the elections?