Jeff Werfel: Candidate Profile

Note: Answers provided have not been edited for grammar, misspellings or typos. In some instances, candidate claims that could not be immediately verified have been omitted. Jump to:BioKey IssuesQA Bio City: GrayslakeWebsite: http://www.WerfelForLakeCounty.comOffice sought: Lake County board District 6Age: 49Family: Married 16 years to wife, Jennifer. Two children -- Emily (age 14) Chase (age 11)Occupation: Legislative Aide/Community Outreach Manager - Illinois House of Representatives (State Rep. Sandy Cole - 62nd District)Education: Bachelor of Arts in Government 1984, Georgetown University, Washington, DC Masters in Business Administration (MBA) in Marketing Strategic Management 1997, Loyola University, Chicago, IllinoisCivic involvement: Liberty Prairie Conservancy Board Member (2003 - present) Grayslake Chamber of Commerce Grayslake Historical Society Central Lake County Joint Action Water Agency Board of Directors -Alternate Director (2003 - present)Elected offices held: Grayslake Village Trustee (2003 -- present)Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Responsibly managing Lake County's budget and finances while continuing to deliver high quality county services. I believe county government needs to be as innovative and cost-effective as possible in the delivery of the services for which it is responsible.This is true for all levels of government.As a County Board Member I will focus and work on keeping county government taxes low while maintaining high service levels for our families and businesses. As a Village Board member in Grayslake over the past 8 years, we have been very successful in achieving these ends.Key Issue 2 The continuing need for more business/commercial development in Lake County to add jobs, improve the overall economy and assist in relieving more of the onerous residential property tax burden on our citizens. Good progress in the County Board District 6 area has been made with the approval and building of significant economic development projects, such as the new Fedex facility and the Cornerstone project by The Alter Group in Grayslake.I am proud of the role I have played in these positive developments, but there is still more that can be done.Key Issue 3 Continue to improve the county's roads and transportation infrastructure to reduce traffic congestion and encourage business/commecial development. I will support the efforts of the county to improve the roads it is responsible for, as well as all efforts by other levels of governemnt to improve the local roads they are responsible for, such as the recent widening of Route 45 by the state. I support the Route 120 Bypass and the currently in process efforts of the Route 53 Blue Ribbon Commission.Questions Answers The county remains in the black, but property taxes across the region are high. Should programs be cut to save taxpayers money? If so, which ones and why?In Grayslake, we have consistently accomplished balanced village budgets while maintaining high resident service levels, low taxes, a high bond rating and no debt.We have relentlessly and creatively made local government more cost-efficient.We are constantly improving the way we deliver government services, always making it 'better, faster, cheaper' to the taxpayer.This hard government management work is what I will advocate for as a County Board member.What should be done with the Fort Sheridan golf course? If no building or management proposals come back from vendors, do you propose abandoning golf? If so, are you concerned about a lawsuit? If you propose building a course, how should it be funded?As of this time, no proposals have been submitted to the county.Given the current state of the national and local economy, it is unlikely developing a project like this would be financially successful at this time.For example, in District 6, there are a number of previously approved business/commercial projects that won't be able to actually "break ground" until the overall economic environment improves.The same situation applies here.The site possess a fairly unique combination of natural beauty and historical significance that could make it an extraordinary resource for the people of Lake County at the appropriate time economically.The Winchester House nursing home recently was turned over to a private company for operation. Should other county or forest district departments be privatized to save taxpayers money? Please explain.I believe all potential methods and options available for the delivery of county provided services should be fully investigated and vetted, especially if it improves or maintains high service levels and cost-efficiency.Is there a specific type of service or amenity that is lacking in your district? If so, how do you propose to provide and fund that?The above identified campaign issue number 3 applies best to this question.Should the county continue to pursue open space policies' Why or why not?Yes.I believe we improve the county's quality of life by supporting and encouraging "balanced development," which I define as adding and improving open space, bike and pedestrian trails, and other people-friendly amenities, along with the business/commercial development we are able to bring into the county.