2019 Chicago Heights Elections Guide: Jim Dee, Treasurer

CHICAGO HEIGHTS, IL — Patch asked all candidates running for elected office in the April 2, 2019 municipal elections to participate in our voters guide. All submissions are voluntary. Those whose names are not listed chose not to respond or did not respond to requests for information. Responses are edited for style or space only.

Get to know your candidates:

Name: Jim Dee

Age: 56

Position Sought: City Treasurer - Chicago Heights

Party Affiliation: Unity Party

Family: Married 32 years to wife Cathy, 4 children and 2 grandchildren all live in town

Education: BBA Accounting from University of Notre Dame; Certified Public Accountant

Occupation: CFO of a local aluminum company

List Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Offices: Chicago Heights City Treasurer since 2011; Chicago Heights Park District Commissioner 1999-2002

Campaign Website: www.myunityparty.com

Names and offices of all family members who work in politics or government: none

The most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and what I intend to do about it: Restoring tax delinquent property to tax roles. We are currently auditing the entire list of property ID numbers in the city to determine who is delinquent in paying. Our tax collection rate has declined steadily over the past 5 years, impacting the amount paid by the remaining law-abiding citizens and businesses. Our administration has worked closely with the Chicago Heights Development Corporation to recruit new businesses and obtain title to vacant land in order to search for new occupants

What are the key differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post? unopposed

Explain your attitudes toward fiscal policy, government spending and how taxpayer dollars should be handled by your office (or board)? I like to tell everyone that we are in charge of the City's checkbook. And just like any of us at home, we must manage the checkbook as best we can with the resources available. There are required bills we must pay every month (payroll, pension plans, heating, electricity, etc.). There are things we borrow money for (new fire and police equipment, computers, etc.). And there are things we want but need to save money for (road and sewer improvements). We do our best to be sure we are not wasting taxpayer dollars and that we are planning for our future while working within a pretty tight budget.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform: There are other issues outside of our control that directly affect our ability to fund necessary costs of running our city. We need statewide pension reform, improvement in our state fiscal management and improvement in the Cook County property assessment model.

If you win this position, how would you define your term in office as a success? Improve our financial position and livability of our city

Why should voters trust you? Lifelong resident of Chicago Heights with a history of ethical professional work and community involvement. I have 4 generations of my family currently living in the city and will do everything I can to make our city a place to be proud of.

Which accomplishments do you cite as evidence you can handle this job? Last 8 years in office and 35 years as a CPA