Meet Crystal Lake City Council Candidate Robert Brechbiel

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL — Four candidates are running for three open seats on the Crystal Lake City Council this election. Patch.com sent out questionnaires to all candidates.

Here are the responses for Robert Brechbiel:

Age (as of Election Day)

45

Town/City of Residence

Crystal Lake

Office Sought

Village board or city council

Party Affiliation (if a partisan race)

Non-Partisan

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

I do

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Occupation

Crystal Lake Firefighter/Paramedic for 15 years

Campaign website

N/A

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

N/A

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

I do not believe that the current council represents the majority of Crystal Lake. They seem blind to what lies ahead in the near term and lack the imagination needed to plan for the foreseeable future

Do you support Black Lives Matter and what are your thoughts on the demonstrations held since the death of George Floyd and the shooting of Jacob Blake?

I do support the Black Lives Matter movement, not some of the tactics that have been used. I find it odd that this question was asked, yet no question about MAGA, Proud Boys, or other right wing group's demonstrations.

Do you think the current board has done enough to support racial equality, and if not, what specifically should be done to do so?

I am not aware of anything the council has done to support racial equality. I believe racial inequality exists and that steps should be taken to ensure there are opportunities present for all.

What are your thoughts on the national and local coronavirus response? Do you favor measures such as limiting operation of non-essential businesses and restricting indoor/outdoor dining? And do you favor a local mask mandate?

I am all for trusting the experts, following the science and using logic. No one wants businesses shuttered just as no one wants to take unwarranted risks. The things we can do safely, we should do taking what ever precautions are necessary. I wish a local mask mandate wasn't necessary because everyone could see the benefit, however there are always some people who ruin things for everyone.

What are your thoughts on the state and local coronavirus vaccine distribution, and how do you think local governments should work together to handle vaccine rollout?

Although the vaccine rollout hasn't been perfect, I think it has been performed very well at the state and local level. Because of my job, I was fortunate to be in the first group to be vaccinated. I was able to receive the two shots without complication and without a long wait.

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

I believe I have a better understanding of the needs of the city so that it can handle the growth that is not just on the horizon, but also planning for the future.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

Mr. Haleblian stated, after he was appointed to Mayor due to the passing of then Mayor Shepley, that the Mayor had assembled a great team, referring to the make-up of city council. If the current city council views themselves as a team, who are they competing against? It's clear they have been in their positions too long, we're appointed, or groomed to go along with the vision of the person who put them in their position.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

Making better use of the Downtown area with more community events (post COVID or at least with best safety practices during COVID). Re-establishing the Rt. 14 corridor while showcasing Three Oaks Recreation Area.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

In my current profession, I am tasked with making sound decisions and solving problems under pressure. It would be a nice change of pace to do the same, but with less pressure

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success?

I would consider it an accomplishment if I could educate my fellow council members on topics that they may not be fully knowledgeable about so they could make decisions on topics with the most available facts at their disposal.

Why should voters trust you?

I have worked as a Firefighter/Paramedic in Crystal Lake for the past 15 years. The people, sometimes at their worst, trusted me to care for them or their loved one's wellbeing. In this position, I have always done my best and treated those who called on me the way I would care for someone in my family.

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the use of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking?

I certainly believe that government has a responsibility to handle tax payers money wisely and with care. That does not mean cheapest is always the way to get things done. I've witnessed that way of doing things and it always ends up costing more in the long run than if you would have just paid a little more up front.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?

No

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Never stop asking questions even if the answers lead to more questions.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I live in this town, I work in this town, I plan to continue raising my kids in this town and I plan on remaining in this town after I retire. I am greatfull for everything this town has done for me and I want to make sure the same opportunities are available to the next and future generations.