Ray Lang: Candidate Profile

Back to Wheeling Village Board

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:BioQA Bio City: WheelingWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Wheeling Village Board Age: 55Family: Married to Deb, 22 years. Lauren 20, attends SIU-C, Andy 19, attends UIC, Nick 17, attends St. Viator H.S.Occupation: Marketing PrintEducation: Southern Illinois University, Bachelor of Science in Communications (1978-1982) Major:Journalism Minors:Advertising, Marketing Political ScienceCivic involvement: Support the Wheeling/Prospect Hts. Chamber of Commerce along with the Wheeling Historical SocietyElected offices held: 1989-2009--eleven years on Wheeling's Zoning Board of Appeals followed by nine years on the combined Wheeling Plan Commission, chairman for the last four of the nine years. 2013-Present--Chicago Executive Airport Board of DirectorsQuestions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?I am a positive, forward-thinking person who looks for opportunity as no good comes from negative thoughts and complaining. And, as a life-long resident, a current trustee for the previous 5 years, former part time employee of the village throughout college followed by 20 years as a volunteer Zoning and Plan Commissionerâ#128;brvbar;I know Wheeling very well! Plus, I am not indebted to anyone except fair and equitable treatment to all stakeholders living or doing business in Wheeling. I am simply giving back to my community to make Wheeling a better place to live.What is your opinion of your community's present level of local sales and property taxes? Is the tax just right, too low or too high? Explain.I do not believe our businesses are over-taxed, and do believe our sales taxes are comparable to our surrounding Cook County communities. In today's economy, we need to be very aware how difficult it is for both businesses and residents to pay higher taxes. The best way to offset any need for additional levied revenue is to attract more retail, commercial and industrial businesses to Wheeling. BUT, Wheeling residents need to show support for these businesses and â#128;~Shop Wheeling' whenever possible. In reviewing my personal tax bill and highlighting the portion allocated to Village of Wheeling, I do believe Wheeling is a bargain to live in compared to surrounding communities. Much of the taxes are charged from the other taxing bodies, especially schools, not the Village of Wheeling's portion.Rate the efficiency of your town's police and fire coverage. Are the departments well prepared for the next decade? What, if anything, should be changed? Do you have specific public safety concerns?Wheeling is fortunate to have first class police and fire departments along with equally professional public works, community development, human services, financial and village management to stay on top of potential issues and keep our village running smoothly. They are all very proactive to assure our community avoids public safety issues before they occur. And, we kept our core services at 100 percent again this year, not sacrificing any employees simply to pass our annual budget. I have built stronger relationships with village departments, especially police and fire and have worked in their boots to understand their challenges and bring it back to the board on how we can work even better together.Where, if anywhere, could the current budget be trimmed, and conversely, are there areas the budget does not give enough money to?Controlling spending and debt is key. My family lives within our means in our own household and still has a great life. We are thankful for what we have while growing and striving for more. And, we've saved for our children's future so they will have an equal if not better life. This totally applies to municipal budgets. In both cases you spend what you can afford to build a better community but you do so based on staying out of debt and keeping an eye on growth for your future. More than 70% of Wheeling's operating budget comes solely from staff that supports all of the key services, which keep our community strong. Careful evaluation of is staffing is very important so we continue to get the best from our employees.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?To be positive and professional as your Trustee for the Village of Wheeling. We need forward-thinking leaders on our village board and our community to position Wheeling for a strong future. We need to properly allocate TIF funding to support strong projects that bring additional revenue while reducing the need to levy more funds from our residents. In addition, you can trust that I will conduct village business IN the counsel chambers...NOT on my driveway, NOT out and around town and NOT on internet blogs!What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Proud of our current board as we are getting a lot accomplished. We work as a team where many surrounding communities cannot always make this statement. We unfortunately lost long time Trustee Bob Heer and now must find the right person with the same positive outlook to keep our team working together. Accomplishments include spending more than $11 million last year on infrastructure to invest back into our future. We've boosted Economic Development focus to improve the industrial vacancy rate to 5% from 6% and are adding new upscale housing to improve and balance our demographics, which will attract better retailers. Capitalize on our assets including Milwaukee Avenue Restaurant Association and Chicago Executive Airport. We are currently conducting a master plan at the airport to determine the best use of this asset. We have a live TIF making parts of the airport ripe for redevelopment. Included in this study are our resident's concerns including noise and quality of life issues and how we can become better neighbors. Plus, we are working with our state legislators to support the same soundproofing solutions that O'Hare neighbors may also be entitled to. Hard to believe, but we have not completed a comprehensive plan with the airport in nearly 30 years! In addition, our new strategic plan outlines short and long-term goals works to improve our resident's connection with the village as a safe and welcoming place where all residents have ample opportunity and desire to enjoy, live in and participate in the community."Please name one current leader who most inspires you.IL State Rep. Elaine Nekritz gives her heart to her district. She seeks the best for her residents in and honest, positive way!What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?My father instilled on me to be positive and give your heart to your community. Make it the best place for your family to live!If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I am extremely happy with my life and my family and could not change a thing. I am very fortunate!What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?In college I raced to my political science classes to discuss issues of the day with my professor and classmates.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Staying positive and moving forward is the message I have instilled on my children every day. You don't get anywhere in life being negative!