Thomas A. Kaczka, 64
Daytona Beach
Retired
Challenger
Q. What do you see as the biggest issue for the office you are seeking?
A. For far too long, this city, as well as others, has relentlessly fought the battle to try to treat the diseases of apathy and complacency that have infected our run-down and economically depressed neighborhoods. This city needs to be more proactive by directing its resources to prevent the causes and conditions that breed apathy and complacency and replace them with visions of hope for the future.
Q. What are your qualifications for the office you are seeking.
A. A bachelor's in political Science and a master's degree in urban studies, both from Loyola University Chicago.
Employed by the Chicago Police Department from September 1970 through February 2001, and served in various positions through the years, and as such interacted with other city agencies as well with county, state and federal government agencies.
Q. If you win, what's the first issue you will tackle?
A. The city is at a critical juncture to either find new sources of revenue to deliver basic city services or be forced to pare down existing services. However, of utmost importance and an absolute need is for the city to act to restore public confidence in the American system of government (paraphrasing Abraham Lincoln) "of the people, for the people and by the people."
We must insure the quality of services delivered by the city to its residents is not diminished. We must insure public safety is not compromised by under-funding police and fire budgets, and we must solve problems rather than avoid them.
Q. If you lose, will you continue in politics.
A. No answer.