Charles Amrich: 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: Island LakeWebsite: Office sought: Island Lake Mayor (4-year Term)Age: 65Family: Four daughters age 30-28-24-21 Occupation: Auto salesEducation: Wauconda High School grad 1966; Triton College 3 years Civic involvement: Island Lake Lions Club, Past presidentWauconda Fire Dept 1969-1985, Retired as Assistant ChiefLake County Community Developement Block Grant CommissionMcHenry County Municipal Association, President 1990-1991 Elected offices held: Village of Island Lake Trustee, 1981-1985Village of Island Lake Mayor, 1985-2005 Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: Arrested for Official Misconduct, June 2007; Found Not Guilty, June 2011 Candidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Excessive spending on the attorneys. Key Issue 2 Open public comment at board meetings to include dialogue from elected officials and department heads.Key Issue 3 Save our parks from private development or village structures that could be placed elsewhere. Questions Answers The current administration has been investigating building a new village hall in Water Tower Park. A funding mechanism has not been determined, nor has the board decided if the proposal should become a reality. Should that investigation continue?Not in these economic times. Families are going through financial problems and are tightening their belts. The village should be no different. The present hall is a solid structure that has been ignored for four years. The proposed park should not be the location. Over $30K has been spent on a proposal that 76% of the people have voted no in referendum. Do you support Police Chief McCorkle and the work he has done or do you believe a new chief is needed?It seems that Chief McCorkle is acting in a political capacity. The resignations and terminations under his command appear to have occurred by an over reactive discipline procedure. I have also noticed that the department morale seems to be at an all time low.Political bickering, legal battles and other political issues have hurt the morale of village employees and the town's image. What steps would you take to improve Island Lake's image?I would like to meet with all village employees and listen to their concerns. I would urge them to continue to do their jobs to the best of their abilities and stay out of politics.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?There should be a strong emphasis on our schools and plans should be in place on how to react when needed. Parents should be encouraged to meet with a police officer or school faculty to discuss concerns with their children. Community Policing is an effective tool in crime prevention and investigation.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?I would like the Trustees, Clerk, police officers and other village employees to be more interactive with the concerns of the residents and work with them to find solutions.