James Moore: Candidate Profile

Back to Round Lake Park Village Board, 4-year terms

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: GrayslakeWebsite: http://www.focus2015.netOffice sought: Round Lake Park Village Board, 4-year terms Age: 74Family: Jim moved to Round Lake Park and the Saddlebrook Farm community in 2013 to be closer to his three daughters and grandchildren, who all reside in the Chicagoland area. He and his wife, Nancy, celebrated their 50 wedding anniversary in 2014.Occupation: Retired metallurgist from General Motor's Central Foundry in Tilton, IllinoisEducation: Candidate did not respond.Civic involvement: Jim learned the value of community service as a youth through the Boy Scouts of America, where he reached the rank of Eagle Scout. As an adult, he served as a Scout Master and Explorer Adviser. An active volunteer, Jim has worked with the Heart Fund of America, the YMCA, First Church of the Nazarene and coaching youth basketball through various organizations. He is currently an active member of the Grayslake Lions Club. Jim is also a U.S. Army veteran.Elected offices held: Candidate did not respond.Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?As a retiree, I can dedicate more time to serving the Village of Round Lake Park as trustee. Having just moved to the village in 2013, I can also bring new perspectives and insights to the board using my past work experiences and through the hard work and dedication I have exhibited throughout my life. I have served as a Scout Master, have work with youths at the YMCA and was Special Event Chairman for the Heart Fund.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.This topic should be discussed at the first board meeting. Our sales and property taxes are too low. It is my understanding that at present the village primarily has small businessesâ#128;#148;with the exception of Thortons Gas and Saddle Brook Farm Mfg. Homes Sales. The 1% we receive from those businesses is very low making it difficult for the village to meet its obilgations.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?The Village police and fire coverage are excellent. I have no public safety concerns at this time.Where, if anywhere, could the current budget be trimmed, and conversely, are there areas the budget does not give enough money to?I have attended Village Board meetings as a resident, and have come to understand that the police pension is underfunded due to low property taxes for Village. If the Village had the ability to increase these taxes (which they do not because of a cap), they would be able to fund the police pension which is their fiduciary responsibility. The shortfall in the police pension fund needs to be addressed.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?I would protect and maintain municipal services with careful financial management.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?What is important to me as a candidate is to be a voice of the people of Round Lake Park. I will seek to improve the quality of life for our residents through action, not words. With a lifelong involvement in sports and almost 50 years in the work force, I know how to set goals and take the necessary steps to achieve them.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner. I think he will do a lot of good for the state.What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Coming from a family with 13 childrenâ#128;#148;Take care of yourself.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Furthering my education.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?History. It has helped me embrace the vast changes that have occurred in my lifetime, from having no TV as a child to the Internet.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Be financially responsibility. Don't spend what you don't have.