| Bryan Gutraj - Candidate Biography Chicago Tribune Editorial Board |
Name: Bryan A. Gutraj, CPA Date of Birth: 09-12-75 Home Address: 991 McKay Cir., Grayslake, IL 60030 (847) 421-9567 Business Address: 1039 N. Corporate Cir., Grayslake, IL 60030 (847) 986-3925 Email: bryan@gutraj.com Website: www.gutraj.com Campaign Contact: Bryan Gutraj (847) 421-9567 Candidate for what office: Lake County Board District Number: 6 Occupation: Certified Public Accountant Previous Political Experience:
Education:
Candidate Statement Having been born and raised in central Lake County, I am poised to bring a unique perspective to the board. In addition to his devoting countless hours of service to the Republican Party, I am a CPA who has worked in accounting and finance. Growing up, I learned firsthand the dedication and commitment required of public servants from my father, retired Grayslake Police Sergeant and former interim Police Chief, Conrad Gutraj. After graduating from Grayslake Community High School, I earned my Bachelor of Science degree from Eastern Illinois University and passed all four parts of the CPA Exam in November 2000. Earlier this month I completed the Juris Doctor curriculum at John Marshall Law School. Following graduation from Eastern Illinois, I returned to Grayslake and became involved with the Lions’ Club and Exchange Club. Through these organizations, I have been privileged to give back to the community that has given me so much. From selling tickets at the Lake County Fair to flipping hot cakes at pancake breakfasts, these organizations raise thousands of dollars annually to help with their primary philanthropies of sight and hearing impairment and child abuse prevention. I have been involved in the Republican Party since turning 18, when I was appointed, and subsequently elected, precinct committeeman in Avon Township. Now at the age of 28, I have worked on various campaigns from the Courthouse to Congress. Residing in the Washington Village subdivision in Grayslake, I founded an accounting and tax practice in Grayslake in 2002. Previously, I worked in accounting and finance for Baxter International and General Electric. More recently, I served as the financial controller of a medium sized direct marketing firm in Wood Dale overseeing all finance and accounting functions. Combining my knowledge of the area, with my business acumen and no-nonsense approach to government, I will be a public servant you can be proud of. There are many issues facing our community that remain unresolved by the current board. I can make significant contributions to address the lack of intergovernmental cooperation in the county, support proposals to diversify the tax base that would curb the rise in property taxes we have seen, and work to ease traffic congestion with both the extension of Rt. 53 and improving the existing roadways. TAXES & GROWTH With property taxes continuing to escalate, a solid plan is required to curb this growth. District 6 has experienced an enormous boom in residential population over the last decade; however the area has not seen a similar rise in business development. Through development of more small business and light industrial properties, future growth in property taxes can be minimized. ENVIRONMENT Keeping a balance between open space and growth will be a key priority for Bryan. By increased efficiencies and oversight, Bryan plans to improve the Lake County Forest Preserve and open space initiatives. TRAFFIC As everyone who drives on our roadways realize, traffic congestion is a major consideration. To alleviate this problem, Bryan will support the extension of Route 53 and work with the various highway agencies to improve the existing roadway structure as well. |