Valparaiso City Council, at large

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Updated: May 2, 2011 11:06AM

Name: James A. Burge

Home town: Valparaiso

Occupation: Director of Business Development, Litko Aerosystems Inc.

Office: Valparaiso City Council, at large; Republican

E-mail: jburge2011@gmail.com

Have you ever been elected to public office?

Yes, Porter County Councilman at large, 2004-2008

Limited only to the office you are seeking, where specifically would you cut budgets if needed?

For four years on the County Council I provided oversight on $30 million in taxpayer money annually for 90-plus county departments. We must prioritize based on needs, and be savvy when seeking federal and state grants to fund infrastructure needs.

Why are you running for public office? Why do you think you can make a difference in your community?

It is an honor to serve in public service. I bring budget and leadership experience, business acumen and an ability to think creatively to the council.

How would you balance serving your residents with serving the best interests of your town/city?

This question is odd – as the best interests of the city, and its residents, should be one in the same.

How can local cities and towns work together to improve the entire area, rather than just do what’s best for themselves?

While a Porter County Councilman I started a program called the “League of Councils.” The group was open to all city and town councils, mayors, and city clerk-treasurers and interested citizens. The purpose was to share information to aid each community with best practices and pitfall avoidance among other things. Many found the exchange beneficial, and I would suggest trying this again.

How can more jobs be attracted to the region?

Each community has unique job opportunities to explore, however, on a large scale -the RDA has the ability to act as coordinator if they can muster the political will to do so.

How do you view the work so far of the men and women elected to public office who have embraced the national Tea Party? Have they been effective or have they furthered a national polarization among the electorate?

Tea Party members are acting on principles – which is needed. To truly fix the problems at the national level – it will be painful, but necessary. The S&P report on the Federal Government that just came out seems to support what the Tea Party has been saying all along. Sometimes medicine tastes bad, but you know it’s needed to be well again. The Tea Party is the right doctor – at the right time.

Should Porter county continue to resist membership in the Regional Development Authority? Why or why not?

If the RDA can become focused on the big picture and select one major project with major job creation benefits it can be successful. It will exist and have impact on Porter County, with, or without us involved. Therefore, let us stay engaged and do our part to steer it in the right direction.

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Name: Jan M. Dick

Home town: Valparaiso

Occupation: Retired, but own and manage a small number of rental apartments

Office sought: Valparaiso City Council at large; Republican

Website or other social media link: N/A

Have you ever been elected to public office? Yes, I am a 5-term City Councilman

If you’ve held public office, please list offices and dates:

City Councilman at large 1983-1991 and 1999 to current

Limited only to the office you are seeking, where specifically would you cut budgets if needed?

The budget process in Valparaiso receives very close scrutiny from the Mayor, Clerk-Treasurer and the City Council. Very little if any “fat” is available to trim. I would continue to review the budget closely, emphasize on department heads the importance of submitting a minimal budget, continue to hire the best employees and pay them a decent salary, and research and actively seek any funds or grants available to attain the best return for every citizens’ hard-earned tax dollar.

Why are you running for public office? Why do you think you can make a difference in your community?

Valparaiso is the greatest hometown in Northwest Indiana. Having been involved in city politics for almost 20 years, I feel that I and many other local residents have contributed significantly to that greatness. The job isn’t done. Competition for attracting business to any city in the area is fierce. Valpo must continue to provide: the best schools, the best parks, and a great hometown atmosphere in order to attract these potential businesses. Business growth, which I actively support, will give our citizens and their children good jobs locally with decent wages and good benefits. I will continue working hard to keep Valpo strong, attract new business, and provide the citizens with the best return for their tax dollars.

How would you balance serving your residents with serving the best interests of your city?

In most instances, serving the best interests of Valparaiso serves the best interest of its residents. A strong and dynamic city keeps property values up, attracts business development to keep taxes low, and provides a wealth of city services. This is a win-win situation both for the city and for its residents. Very seldom does the good of the many have to take precedence over those of an individual.

How can local cities and towns work together to improve the entire area, rather than just do what’s best for themselves?

Everyone in the region and every municipality must understand that whatever makes any part of the region stronger or better, makes the entire region stronger and better. We need to begin the think regionally - though business attraction will continue to be a highly competitive local issue. The strength of the region will always be derived from the individual strengths of all the communities working together to make the area a unique business and residential destination. All political leaders throughout the region must work together for the best of Northwest Indiana.

How can more jobs be attracted to the region?

The communities in the region must continue to provide businesses with what is needed to not only attract, but to retain businesses. The tax situation in northwest Indiana is conducive to business development compared to our neighbors to the west. Communities in the region have to be able to provide businesses with the infrastructure necessary to conduct business. Municipalities must provide attractive residential areas for the attraction of a growing business workforce. Each city and town must continue to work diligently to provide a trained workforce, financial incentives, good schools, and all other amenities necessary for business development.

How do you view the work so far of the men and women elected to public office who have embraced the national Tea Party? Have they been effective or have they furthered a national polarization among the electorate?

You asked that I not attack my competitors and I totally agree. I choose not to comment on this issue as it does not apply in the Councilmanic race in Valparaiso.

Should Porter county continue to resist membership in the Regional Development Authority? Why or why not?

I believe that the RDA has been very successful in bringing more money into the communities in Northwest Indiana than the communities have paid in contributions. As noted earlier, we must begin to think and act regionally and the RDA is one of our best assets in that area.