Election 2013: JT del Alcazar

JT del Alcazar is running for the North District seat on Wheaton City Council in the 2013 municipal election Apr. 9. Del Alcazar, 41, is an attorney and business owner who lives in Wheaton with his wife, Jessica and three children, Madison, 7, Evan, 5 and Zane, 2. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Valparaiso University in 1993 and with his Juris Doctor from DePaul University College of Law in 1996. Del Alcazar is one of four candidates in the North District race.

Name: J.T. del Alcazar

Position sought: Wheaton City Councilman, North District

Age: 41

Family (name, relationship and age): I am married to Jessica del Alcazar. We have three children: Madison (7), Evan (5), and Zane (2).

Education (degree and school):

• Valparaiso University, Bachelor’s Degree, 1993
• DePaul University College of Law, Juris Doctor, 1996

Occupation: Attorney and business owner

Political party affiliation, If any: Republican

Previous elected offices: None

Applicable experience qualifying you for the position:

As an attorney, I have the legal background in reviewing and negotiating contracts. As a business owner I have the operations and finance experience that enable me to scrutinize budgets, make difficult staffing decisions and ensure profitability. As a real estate consultant, I have the experience in zoning, planning and permitting. Being a good Christian, husband, and parent, provides me with the proper temperament, talent and conviction to make well-rounded decisions.

What is the primary reason you are running for this office?

I have always been interested in politics. I am a leader that is interested in serving the public, not my own personal interest or political advancement. Everyone would agree that there is uncontrolled spending at the state and federal level. I will make sure it doesn’t happen at the local level, as I will scrutinize all city spending. The incumbent has been representing the district for 8 years and it is now time for a fresh approach, new ideas and new vision.

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

I want to address and solve the weather related issues that Wheaton experiences while maintaining a slim and well balanced budget. The specific weather related issues I am referring to are flooding and power outages.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I am friendly, approachable and open-minded. In addition, I have the direct relevant business experience in running a successful company. This business is very similar to running a city. On a weekly basis, I make decisions from purchasing new vehicles and machinery to reviewing contracts and bids from vendors. I review the budget bi-weekly, not just once a year. The one important thing that I learned about budgets is that just because you budgeted for a line item, does not mean that costs have to be incurred. If you can postpone or cancel the line item without issues, then you are doing a great service to the City’s bottom line.

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How long have you lived in Wheaton? If applicable, how long have you been involved with Wheaton?

I have lived in Wheaton for 8 years. My company has been a major donor of computers for the People’s Resource Center. Also, for the past few years, I have been a volunteer karate instructor for kids for the Illinois Shotokan Karate Club. These classes are offered through the Wheaton Park District at the Wheaton Community Center.

What’s your favorite thing about Wheaton?

I enjoy going to downtown Wheaton. There are great restaurants, dessert shops and stores to do your shopping. At least once a week we go to dinner downtown and see friends and neighbors. It is a great city that I believe could be even better.

What is the biggest problem in Wheaton?

The biggest problems in Wheaton are those that are caused by the weather, specifically power outages and flooding. Both of these problems need an updated resolution roadmap that includes a reasonable timeframe and budget to address and rectify.

Related:

• Election Central: City Council
• Election 2013: Alberta Adamson
• Election 2013: Ted Rodgers
• Election 2013: Philip Suess
• Wheaton Election Central: 2013 Elections