Lincoln Knight: 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: WaucondaWebsite: http://www.unitedwauconda.comOffice sought: Wauconda Village Board (4-year Terms)Age: 50Family: Six children, thirteen grandchildrenOccupation: SalesEducation: Candidate did not respond.Civic involvement: Wauconda Federated Church, Wauconda Lions Club, Wauconda Area Youth Soccer Club, WaucondaFest Committee, Wauconda Triathlon CommitteeElected offices held: Wauconda Park District Commissioner 2001-2005(President2005) Wauconda Village Trustee 2005 - PresentHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Continuing to control the cost of core government services while also maintaining the quality of those services.Key Issue 2 Carrying out Wauconda voter's mandate to bring us Lake Michigan water by 2016 within the budget requirements they've established, and continuing to look for ways to beat that budgetary goal.Key Issue 3 Partnering with existing local businesses to promote economic development by finding ways to support those businesses, implementing a marketing plan to attract new businesses, and developing a TIF district to encourage private investments in underdeveloped areas.Questions Answers Name one policy or issue where your stance differs from the rest of your slate? Please explain.We share a united vision of a Wauconda which remains one of the best communities in Lake County, as relfected in the Daily Herald's Reader's Choice Awards for that category. This award did not happen by accident. It happened because there was a cohesive, comprehensive plan which the Village worked hard to implement. But we all come at this mission from a different perspective, with different motivations. What drives me to do the job I'm seeking is I've lived here for over twenty years and have raised my children here and I'd like to see our community keep moving forward for future generations. This not only pertains to families, but our business community as well, it takes a committment from everyone and currently there is a tremendous amount of community-pride and I would like to see this continue.Talking with your friends and neighbors, what seems to be their biggest public safety concern? Explain the concern as you see it, and discuss how you think it should be addressed?Keeping our children safe from the dangers of drug abuse. A recent analysis of drug related deaths in Lake County determined that Wauconda has experienced four deaths from heroin overdose in 2012. In response to a concern for our kids, the Mayor has commissioned a panel joining the schools with hospital, police, religous leaders and service clubs to increase awareness of this very real danger. This initiative will focus on both parents and youth to acquaint each with the dangers associated with experimental or first-time use, and find ways to effectively combat those dangers.In these tight economic times, municipal budgets have to be prioritized. Where, if anywhere, could the current budget be trimmed? Conversely, is there something that should be reinstated or have resources directed toward?Over the last 4 years Wauconda has reduced village staff by 25%, eliminated a $1,000,000.00 deficit and reduced the utility tax by 50%, all without negatively impacting services. These initiatives have conditioned us and the village administration to constantly focus on efficiencies in delivering village services. The success of these efforts has been recognized by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA)with a fourth consecutive Award for Excellence in Government Finance, confirming the wisdom of the policies and practices we have put in place to enhance fiscally sound management of public resources. Going forward as to what should be reinstated as resource become available, we believe that the capital improvement fund (CIF) should be increased to address future needs of the Village without placing any additional tax burden on the residents. We will continue to find new ways to leverage regional and state resources by partnering with other public bodies and private enterprise in an effort to bring needed services using the most fiscally responsible means.What changes do you think should be made in the Bang's Lake management to ensure its health and well-being and further enhance it as an important community and recreational resource?We're complying with Illinois Department of Natural Resources mandates by hiring an environmental consultant using available recycling rebates-- which mitigates the impact on taxpayers- to develop a comprehensive Lake management plan. The plan will help us to continue ongoing efforts to evaluate the current conditions of the lake, idntify problems and offer prioritized solutions. Working with the Bangs Lake Advisory Committee, we are forging partnerships with lakefront homeowners' associations in order to identify concerns and implement best practices for maintaining and improving the quality of the lake.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?The board and staff of the Village of Wauconda constantly look for avenues of controlling the cost (tax payer dollars) of core government services, while still building an environment for economic growth. In order to take these steps for the Village the formation of Public Private Partnerships (PPP) cooperatives is essential. These partnerships will aid in offsetting the revenues needed to build a vibrant economic future. A Summit was convened last October, facilitated by the Village, which included retail, commercial, industrial businesses, as well as civic organizations. The purpose of this meeting was to lay the groundwork for the creation of public private partnerships in Wauconda and eventually leading to the formation of a Wauconda Development Corporation. To date the following cooperative partnerships are in place; the Wauconda Main Street Attractions Group,where residents and business owners have worked with the village to beautify Main St by providing plantings, watering, decorations describing what some have called a revised Main St. Also, we are currently working with property/business owners in developing a TIF district to encourage growth in an underdeveloped area. This partnership has generated $20,000.00 (20%)already, which is a savings for our taxpayers. We are also working with the Lake County Municpal League in a cooperative purchasing program, which will save additional taxpayer dollars.