Kirstin Wood: 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: East DundeeWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: East Dundee Village Board (4-year Terms)Age: 44Family: Divorced, 1 childOccupation: Federal Government EmployeeEducation: Bachelors of Arts Degree, Sociology/Criminal Justice, Kansas State University 1991Civic involvement: NoneElected offices held: NoneHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Downtown Revitalization: I am extremely excited about the revitalization of the downtown East Dundee area and the future plans of the village to make this area beautiful, functional, interesting and prosperous. I feel it is vital to bring in businesses that will benefit our community and it is our responsibility to make this area appealing to new businesses through incentives and support from the Village of East Dundee. We need to ensure that funds are spent responsibly in this effort and that the businesses we bring into our village remain in place and establish a foundation for other businesses to benefit from. With a downtown area that has all the uniqueness and history that East Dundee has, it is time that we ensure we bring it back to the success and potential the residents of East Dundee deserve.Key Issue 2 Community Involvement: I feel that the core of a successful, thriving community lies within the desire of its members to get involved and become truly invested in the place they call home. I have been extremely impressed during these times of economic struggles across the country that East Dundee continues to strive to build new housing and businesses that will benefit all facets of the community. I feel that continuing the community outreach and getting people informed and educated about their local government will bring interest in participating and make East Dundee the best it can be for its residents and visitors.Key Issue 3 Change is Good: I feel East Dundee is on the cusp of good solid changes that will benefit its community for many years to come. However, I also understand that many residents may not embrace change and would prefer to see things remain the same. I feel it is imperative as a village representative to take the time and patience needed to inform and educate the residents on the benefits of change to the community in both the short term and long term. I feel this task can be accomplished through innovative ways/events to gather our residents together to communicate effectively the future plans of the village, answer their questions and alleviate their concerns regarding these plans.Questions Answers What is your governing philosophy or leadership style? How do you think it differs from your opponent's?I feel my leadership style embraces the concept that individual differences of opinion and ideas add value and overall balance to the governing process. It is through the exploration of all ideas that the best solutions are found. As a Village Trustee, I will bring a new, fresh outlook to the table with the ultimate shared goal of making our village the best it can be. I have no specific agenda in my candidacy to become a part of the Board of Trustees, just a true desire to give our community the best opportunity for success and prosperity through smart, responsible governing.The relationship between East Dundee and Barrington Hills has been strained as a result of the Insurance Auto Auctions proposal to store and auction off cars at a former gravel pit. What should be done to mend fences?Effective communication between both entities is essential to this process. I feel there are valid concerns on both sides of this issue, however, with the knowledge that all communities are struggling right now, I feel it is imperative that each community be given the opportunity to help its residents and ease the economic crunch if such opportunity arises.Should there have been a town hall meeting to further explain the IAA project to residents from East Dundee and Barrington Hills? Why or why not?I firmly believe that every opportunity to educate people on issues that are causing concern should be taken. A town hall meeting would provide the platform for every concerned resident to voice their views in an environment that promotes the sharing of information.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.The River Haven subdivision appears to be giving some residents concern due to the "affordable housing" label it has been given. However, I strongly feel that this addition to East Dundee will be a positive one. I have been provided the opportunity to tour these homes during the construction process and am impressed with the quality of the construction and the amenities that will be available to the residents of this development. Again, through education and information sharing between the Village and it's residents regarding this project, many concerns could be alleviated. I feel a community "open house" sponsored by the Village once the units are finished would go a long way in establishing the trust levels within the community to ensure our residents that this development will be a positive addition to East Dundee.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?Along with the revitalization of the East Dundee downtown area, it would give me great pleasure to spearhead a program that gives homeowners an opportunity to revitalize their properties within the historical areas of our village. I feel that establishing a program that provides some economic incentives to our residents to restore and beautify their homes leads to community pride and a sense of being part of a team.