Kathleen Johnson: 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: Lake ZurichWebsite: http://www.facebook/unitedlakezurichOffice sought: Lake Zurich Village Clerk (4-year Term)Age: 68Family: Husband, Ray, marrried 46 years and have lived in Lake Zurich for all those years. 3 adult children- Steve, Victoria (Paul), Dave; 2 grandchildren - Elizabeth and Christopher.Occupation: Retired in '07 after 23 years in Early Childhood,last 12 years as Director of a local Early Childhood Center.Education: A.A. Early Childhood from Accrington and Rossendale College, UKCivic involvement: Past President of Lake Zurich AFS (foreign exchange group). Past Treasurer of McHenry County Director's Association. Past State Secretary of a National fraternal organisation. Emmaus House, Lake Zurich.Elected offices held: Village Clerk April 2011 - present. Acting Village Clerk October 2010 - April 2011Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 The United Lake Zurich's first campaign issue is Competent Financial Management by increased revenue sources; continue to implement municipal efficiences and plan and pass a balanced budget.Key Issue 2 Sound growth and development in TIF and community by creating and enhancing a business friendly environment to attract, expand and retain businesses. Take advantage of opportunities when presented and develop an active approach to TIF development.Key Issue 3 A collaborative leadership by having candidates of character and integrity with professional business experience who will be predictable and consistent in decision making and making them in a reasonable time. Being business and community friendly with consistency and simplicity with development and permit approval process; evaluating and acting to evaluations; welcome citizen participation; manage special events and have more, and better, communication with residents and businesses.Questions Answers Some communities have contracted out for certain services, such as snowplowing, to save money. What innovative methods would you propose to reduce your office's budget? Explain your answer.The clerk's budget is designated for items required by Municipal Code and State Statute.The state's revised Freedom of Information Act guidelines renewed focus on open government. Name one specific step you would take if elected to increase government transparency in your office.The Village of Lake Zurich is fortunate to video tape Board meetings, and other meetings, which are available on the village's website and on Comcast. The agenda, with attachments, is posted on line and is available at the Village Hall counter and at Ela Public Library (2nd floor). Minutes are posted online within days of being approved. FOIA's are quickly processed.There is a link on the website to aid in requesting a FOIA. The Village is meeting and exceeding the FOIA guidelines.Do you believe the village clerk should be an elected or appointed position? Please explain your answer.In these economic times, an appointed Village Clerk would be costly with salary and benefits. An elected village clerk is the best, and more economical, choice.What steps would you take as village clerk to improve and increase the flow of information to residents?Continue to be available at home, when not at the Village Hall, to answer resident's questions and to direct them to the department which can help them. Keep the information posted to the village's website. Continue to work with village staff with getting information out to the public.If you are a newcomer, what prompted you to run for village clerk? If you're an incumbent, list your accomplishments or key initiatives in which you played a leadership role.To help with staff time spent on preparing the packet for Board meetings, I help copy, scan and collate the packets for Board members and staff. In the past the Lake Zurich Police Dept. picked up and delivered the packets using valuable staff time. For almost two years, when the packets are ready I deliver them to the Police Station for pick up by the Trustees by Thursday afternoon prior to the next meeting.