2013 Election: James Hortsman

Name: James Hortsman

Position Sought: 6th Ward Alderman

Campaign Contact Information:

• email: hortsman6thward@gmail.com
• phone: 708-687-5307
• website: http://hortsman6thwardalderman.vpweb.com

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected?

We must work to have a transparent and responsive government in an economy that has put many hardships on the taxpayers. My main priority is to control spending and restrict increases in costs to the taxpayers—such as Water/Sewer, Economic Development, Petty Crime, Fees and investments in properties that require extensive taxpayer funding with no clear investment or re-development plans identified, that becomes an additional burden to the taxpayers.

Family Members:

• Wife Donna 
• 3 adult children: Stephanie, Samantha and James

Education

• University of Dayton’79: Bachelor of Science in Accounting 
• St. Xavier University: pursuing MBA

Current Occupation and Employer

• Account Executive for a Union Graphic Communication Company: commercial printing, graphic communications and direct mail
• Been in the Commercial printing business for 34 years in various functions – Accounting, Production and now Sales/Marketing. 
• Current Employer: CPC—started my 11th year, Union Graphic Communications Company

Political Party Affiliation
Independent

Why Are You Seeking Office?
I volunteered in Oak Forest for 15 years. I have given back to the community, have lived and raised my family here. Serving 8 years on the District 142 School Board, I understand the needs of communicating to constituents. I have been active in the community volunteering in youth, civic, high school organizations. I am a homeowner and taxpayer. I see the burden placed on the taxpayers, I live it. I want to help!

What sets you apart from the other candidates?
My extensive service to our community has been to do what is best for the taxpayers! I have served on School District 142’s Board, have vast experiences in following the laws, implementing polices which insured that I worked for the best interest of our community. Staying in touch with the direction of this city council clearly an independent alderman is a necessity. I am an independent, not sponsored by another official in this city.

What is the biggest issue facing Ward 6?
There is not one specific issue, but a group of issues relating to the expanding costs in our community. The 6th Ward infrastructure requires upgrading. Our home values have decreased in our community and we have a poor base of retail businesses to help these costs. This administration has increased our property tax burden by 18%, fees have increased and we are saddled with costly service contracts. This Administration must reduce their spending patterns!

How would you approach that issue?
This city must make hard decisions, change spending patterns which over-burden all property owners. I would look to review all of the service contracts that are currently in force with the City of Oak Forest. I would vote against any additional spending or taxing increases! We must insure as Aldermen we vote only with the taxpayers concerns in mind! We need to trim excesses and control over spending.

What does the city of Oak Forest need most?
Oak Forest needs to understand the concerns of the taxpayers and current businesses in town. They need to make the government a leaner entity most of all in a time frame where the taxpayers have had to tighten their belts. Government of this town must do more with less! Our city’s leaders must learn to live within their means. I will not be a “rubber stamp” alderman for any new spending projects!

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