Fox Lake Village Board of Trustees
I have been involved with the Village of Fox Lake at a governmental level for the last 7 years, beginning with the 911 board, the Zoning Board of Appeals, and currently the Village Board. I have over 20 years of business management experience, covering, finance, personnel, and planning. I have been instrumental in the creating and implementing of annual budgets as large as $75 million. I am focused on the future of Fox Lake, and feel I have had a very positive affect over the last 4 years.
First and foremost on my agenda is the continued pursuit and acquisition of a hotel/restaurant development for the Lakefront park area, as it is extremely important for us to create some new development and revenue streams for the Village. New revenue and new jobs will help lift some of the burden of funding essential services from the residents. We’ve met with many developers, investors and consultants, and the unanimous consensus is that the Lakefront Park area is the best place to begin our redevelopment of Fox Lake. This was also recognized in our recently completed Comprehensive Plan, which was passed unanimously by our Village Board. It is of the utmost importance that this first new venture be successful if we are to bring more and different investments to town.
Second on my agenda is to build upon the Hotel development and revitalize our downtown area with complimentary developments for our existing businesses. Our Comprehensive Plan identifies a mix of commercial, residential and retail development that will help our current business owners bring in new customers, and hopefully create a “destination” of our downtown. The general thinking is; with a Hotel, the train, Rt 12 and the water, it would be a natural progression to move down Nippersink to Grand, then spread East and West from there. But again, the importance lies in doing our best to bring in complimentary
It is an election time cliche, and irresponsible pandering to say we can freeze or reduce taxes without having a definitive plan on how to replace the revenues. Essential services are just that, essential. Skimping on these services today will cost exponentially more to re-implement later. Having said that,however, I always look for ways to responsibly lower the burden on residents. This is the reason new development is so important to our future. This new revenue can replace other streams, to reduce or remove the utility tax, vehicle sticker program and/or the Village\\\'s portion of property taxes. But any lowering or removal of existing revenue for the Village MUST be done responsibly. Removing existing sources without corresponding cuts in services or a replacement will land our Village right back in the financial quagmire we just pulled ourselves out of.
As a board, we have made many decisions over the last 4 years. I’ve agreed with some and I’ve disagreed with others, which is what makes our system work. But the thing that makes me comfortable with ALL the decisions we have made is the mutual respect our team has for each others position. I believe that all members of this board have done their homework and truly believe in their vote. We have an issue, we research it, discuss it, debate it, and vote it. If we voted for it, we need to make sure it is implemented as intended; if we voted against it, we need to make sure our concerns regarding it do not come to fruition. When a vote is completed, there is no noticeable resentment. We accept the outcome and move to the next issue.
Our biggest accomplishment, which has been ongoing for the last three years, has been our ability to drag the Village from the financial wreckage we encountered when we took office. We have gone from an unknown fund balance (roughly $100,000) to $3.9 million. This accounts for about 2 ½ months of General Fund operations. We have implemented checks and balances in our Business Office for accountability. We have outsourced payroll and auditing for even more accountability. These steps have led to the Village being much more fiscally responsible, the last 2 budgets being balanced and a projected third for next year. In addition, our increased financial stability has led to an A1 rating from Moody’s. This excellent rating has allowed the Village to refinance existing bonds at better interest rates and eliminate bond insurance, saving us over six figures over the life of the bonds. This has been a great start, but financial stability over the long haul requires an ever vigil board with control and restraint. Balanced budgets, fiscally responsible decisions, and creating new sources of revenue will keep the Village on track.
I have dedicated the last 4 years to improving the financial stability of the Village, increasing our accountability, and maintaining our fiscal responsibility. In addition, I have worked with the Planning Board on our Comprehensive Plan, and the Mayor and Building Commissioner on developing a successful marketing strategy for our Village. We have had an excellent response to our Comprehensive Plan, and continue to meet with numerous developers and investors on plans to invest in our Village. I am a firm believer in our potential, but also a staunch advocate of RESPONSIBLE development. It must be done right; a win-win for the Village and the Investors. One cannot succeed without the other. I am dedicated to making this happen.
With my 2 years on the Planning Board and 4 years as Trustee for the Village of Fox Lake, I have first hand knowledge of what it takes to be an elected official of the Village. I will use my business background and experience to stay focused on the future direction of Fox Lake.
1. Public Safety
2. Thriving Business Community
3. Street Improvements
Since Fox Lake is not a Home Rule community, our options with regard to sales tax increases are limited. Sales tax is our municipalities primary source of revenue, but I would rather focus on improving our business climate to attract new vibrant businesses to increase our overall revenue rather than considering any type of tax freeze.
Being on the Village Board for the last 4 years we have stayed focused as a team to do what’s best for our residents and businesses. While there may be some issues that I don’t vote in favor of, overall the decisions we have made as a Board I support.
I believe each member of the Village Board has brought forth their ideas. We have made numerous accomplishments over the past 4 years, including updating our Comprehensive Plan to attract new businesses, balancing our budget, lake front piers, street and sewer infrastructure improvements, bringing in new clients to our 911 Center and numerous events and activities provided by our Parks Department. The welcome addition of the new Thornton’s and interest in a new waterfront hotel/restaurant/banquet facility, we have a lot to be proud of.
I am humbled, proud and passionate about representing and being a part of the decision making for Fox Lake today, tomorrow and the future. While I am passionate about many issues, I do not allow my decision making to be about personal opinion or based on emotions of the moment. I do my homework on all matters. I make objective decisions for what I believe is the best for the Village of Fox Lake.
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I am a life long resident and have worked in the village for 27 years.My family has over 30 years of community service and I have benefitted from there experience.I also interact with the residents and hear their concerns through volunteer and business relations.
I would like a more open form of government,both between department heads and the public.The senoir/handicapped bus really needs to come back to teh village I have heard from many that the township bus is good, but not as effieciant as the old fox lake bus.And finally we need an economic developer is needed to fill up the vacant properties all over the village
Yes I would, in these tough economic times people are struggling to make ends meet, they don’t need more taxes.
Giving a 150,000 dollar tax incentive to the 13th gas station in the village limits.
The new Thorntons gas station I guess?
Like I said before I have lived here my whole life and I know a lot of people, which makes me very approachable for residents to tell me their concerns.Both personal and business contacts.I have volunteered my time coaching softball and being a cheer dad for my two daughters,seeing their needs and the parents needs as well.
I have 30 years experience in Business. I was a Buyer/Planner for Two corporations. I know the importance of getting a job done in a timely manner. I have the knowledge and understanding of contracts which demonstrates strict attention to detail. I have over three years experience of being on the Board of Leisure Village, We deal with over 360 units and over 500 Residents.
1) More open government & better lines of communication, residents and businesses need to feel they can contact us about issues that concern them and items that will apply to their homes or business.
I believe the tax rates continue to rise in Fox Lake with the Utility Tax and 911 taxes, why isn’t the Board fixing our roads, adding more water users to our system…there seems to be no plan for the taxation other than the general fund. I also feel that we need to seek new sources of revenue.
Most of our residents feel we have a problem with our senior citizens apartments (Lakeland Apartments) changing to section 8, as well as the apartment complex on Devlin Rd. I believe the board of Fox Lake should have been more proactive with these changes, it really impacts our community. Why is this happening, what can we do for the seniors and residents that currently live in these complexes?
I was not on the Board. I can’t comment on this.
I have a great Love for Fox Lake. I feel I would be a great asset to Fox Lake. I’m retired and I feel I have quite a bit of time and experience to devote to Fox Lake. I have 30 years experience in Business Management. As Trustee I would like to be a voice for all residents. I would like to be a part of the growth and the future of Fox Lake.
I have been involved with the Village of Fox Lake for over 14 years as a Firefighter, a Street Department laborer and most recently a Village Trustee. I am a hands on person and I am very familiar with the inner workings of the Village and the wants and needs of the community.
My top priorities if re-elected as a Village Trustee are as follows. First, We will continue to encourage the improvement of the appearance of the Village of Fox Lake including an aggressive streets and sidewalk maintenance and replacement program, Second, we will continue to provide a business friendly environment for existing businesses and to encourage new business growth through the use of our new comprehensive plan. Third, we will continue to act fiscally responsible as a Village. When we took office our budget was in the red, currently the Village budget is in the black and we must continue to be responsible and accountable for the taxpayer’s monies if we wish to continue to grow as a community.
I would be in favor of removing our utility tax that was imposed almost 4 years ago. I was the only ‘no’ vote against this tax.
My biggest disagreement with the Village board was when we updated our village codes including life safety codes. We adopted new building codes that were less restrictive and no longer included a zero square foot ordinance for fire sprinkler systems for commercial occupancies and we accepted and amended the 2011 International Residential Code to be less restrictive than the model code regarding fire sprinklers in new residential applications. I understand that times are tough but saving money with less life safety is not a solution only a problem. I have been a firefighter for over fifteen years and have seen the devastation that fire causes to life and property first hand and believe me, it can be absolutely horrifying at times. Fire sprinkler systems are designed to save lives and protect property and should not be considered to be a ‘bargaining chip’ or an unnecessary expense.
There are many accomplishments of the Village board that are positive, most importantly we continue to run a balanced budget that is in the black. Without a balanced budget it is significantly more difficult to accomplish our goals.
I would like to be re-elected as I have worked on and wish to continue to work on several projects that are beneficial to the people of the Village of Fox Lake. I enjoy communicating with and helping the public with their needs as I take the job of Village Trustee very seriously dedicating much time to serving the community in a positive manor. I personally handle issues and concerns with the residents face to face or over the phone, I guide them in the right direction and do my best to see that their needs are met or issues are addressed in a timely fashion.
I have served on various appointed boards in Fox Lake for (28) years, and offer the most experience of planning & zoning than any of the candidates running for Trustee. I have raised my kids to college level, and I am looking to give more back to the town I have called home my entire life!
1) The Senior bus program used to be able to serve ALL village residents, now it only serves the seniors in Grant Township. This ruling by the current board eliminated the bus service to the entire Leisure Village community and everyone living in Antioch Township that is in the municipal boundary of Fox Lake.
2)The local sales taxation should be causing a Tea party in town…..this administration has instituted a 911 tax on every cell phone in the area to pay for the 911 center. This administration has also instituted a utility tax that was to be temporary and appears on every gas & electric bill within Fox Lake. This was to be temporary; no they call it reserve funds….so much for temporary!
I do not feel that the levy needs to be frozen.
But! I would be against any increase to the levy.
The housing market should not dictate whether we raise
Or lower rate. It will be a few years before that market
comes around., we need to be aware of what we are receiving ,
It will be awhile before it increases.
The most recent decision was the chicken issue.
The Planning Board had worked gathering information over 9 months on this.
They had done a lot of research. They spoke to adjacent neighbors.
Also with a few neighboring towns. Planning Board came up with a very adequate recommendation for the 2 chickens. I felt this was a gross neglect of micro- managing a supportive board. The majority of Village Board voted it down in seconds, it seemed like they just did not want to deal with it.
Dealing a contract for the electric aggregation.
It should be a small reduction in the electric bills for the residents.
Over the years have seen a lot of change some good and bad. I’m tiered of seeing a quick fix on areas.
It seems as if we always take the first development that offers something new. Instead of what is best for the village. A lot of projects have come to the village great ideas but then become predestined to fail. Is this because we draw a second rate development! Its time that we start drawing some first class projects to be development. This Village needs to be one we are all proud of living in. Through transparency we need to develop our village. To be the one we are all proud of living in.
