Volo trustee candidates pitch their 'unique' idea to improve village

Four candidates for Volo village board seats agree on many issues: more sales tax revenue is needed to enhance services, Lake Michigan water is a priority, and local property tax rates shouldn't change.

However, the three trustee incumbents and soon-to-be former mayor had a few different views when asked to offer a unique idea to improve Volo in the next four years.

Incumbents Mike Wagner, 44. Dustin Heuser, 34, and Kurt Johnson, 47, are seeking re-election April 7. The challenger is Burnell Russell, 86, the town's only mayor since the village incorporated in 1993. He decided to not seek re-election in 2015.

The candidates discussed issues with the Daily Herald editorial board and answered election-related questions via a written questionnaire.

Wagner, a firefighter/paramedic with the Wauconda Fire Department, said the village needs to finish its parks plan.

"Years ago, a study was done to find the needs of the community for our parks," he said.

"Unfortunately, due to low staffing and lack of a committee structure for parks, nothing has been done with the parks besides routine maintenance."

Wagner said he would push for a capital development plan he has completed for the main Municipal Park.

Johnson, an insurance claims manager, also focused on village parks, but said he wants to hear more input from residents.

"A Congo River or volcano-themed Putt-Putt golf course," are suggestions he wrote on his questionnaire. "Many ideas are discussed and gaining traction, but we need more ideas from residents themselves."

Heuser, a wireless network operations technician, said the village needs to implement and utilize social media.

"Many people use one form or another of social media and I think it would be a great way for people to be involved in the village and also keep up to date with things that may be going on," he said. "If done correctly, I believe it can be a very useful tool for both the village and the community."

Russell said he would look into adding staff.

"Explore the position of a part-time maintenance person," he said.