Traffic, roads top safety concern for Volo candidates

Three of four candidates running for village trustee in Volo say traffic is the public’s number one safety concern.

Incumbents Stephen Henley, Carol Porter and Bruce Buschick and newcomer Cathy Wimer are seeking three trustees seats at stake in the April 9 election.

In a Daily Herald candidate questionnaire, each was asked: 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.

Henley, 63, said getting traffic signals at Molidor Road, Sullivan Lake Road and Route 12 will go a long way to reduce traffic accidents in town.

“The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has designated this intersection in the top five of safety concerns,” wrote Henley, a senior bank vice president, former chairman of Lake County YMCA and former Vernon Hills trustee. “IDOT currently is in Phase 2 planning of this intersection. Construction funding is scheduled in 2014 with completion of the signalization of this intersection sometime in 2015. The Village of Volo staff and consultants and various elected officials continue working and monitoring the progress of this project.”

Wimer, 54, said the rapid congestion of traffic in Volo and the inadequate amount of roads to handle it is most bothersome.

“Attracting more businesses to the area could cut down on the need for longer commutes to work and take some of the pressure off the congested roads,” added Wimer, a supply and chain logistics technician who holds a bachelor of science in public relations.

Porter, a realtor who holds a bachelor of arts in management, agreed that Route 12 and Molidor Road is a dangerous intersection.

“We’re currently working on traffic control devices at that intersection,” she added.

Buschick, a 58-year-old marine business manager, said “crime is a concern in all the villages in our area,” but also praised the work the Lake County Sheriff does patrolling the community.

“To date I feel they are doing an excellent job and if the quality of their services continues, and I don’t see why it shouldn’t, there are no major concerns to be addressed,” added Buschick, who served as a trustee from 2007 through 2011, then was appointed again in January.