Jacki Brunk: Candidate Profile

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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: HainesvilleWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Hainesville Village BoardAge: 47Family: Husband Bob, children Max and LaurenOccupation: Licensed Clinical Social WorkerEducation: Bachelors degree, social work Masters degree, social workCivic involvement: volunteer with Village of Hainesville; Salvation Army; Chicago Marathon; Parent involvement and volunteer at Prairieview School; Frederick School; Grayslake Middle School; Grayslake Central High School.Elected offices held: n/aQuestions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?I have lived in Hainesville for over 14 years and myself and my family have been involved in a variety of community events. While I have never served in a government position before, I have managed my own business for over 10 years, as an independent social worker. I understand the importance of organization, efficiency and fiscal management on top of serving my clients needs. Within my community, I try to remain abreast of current issues affecting my community and become involved in those issues meaningful to me. By participating on the Village Board, I will gain additional knowledge about local government and work with other members as well as community members to maintain the integrity of our small village, while helping to improve the quality of life for everyone living here.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.Lake County property taxes have been high since I moved here, and continue to increase. Taxes help support services for community members and the county at large, so this income is necessary to help maintain necessary services and support. As a social worker, I understand that different people need different things, and some services are more favorable than others. It can often be difficult to please everyone, and in fact some people will believe that money is spent frivolously if it doesn't directly benefit them. If elected to the board, I will understand more about the government responsibility to its citizens while helping to problem solve those issues that negatively affect all community members.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?As a member of this community, I value the hard work our local police and fire department does. Hainesville has been responsible in contributing its share to the operating expenses for both of these organizations. I am not aware of any issues negatively impacting either the police department (which is managed through the Grayslake Police Department) or the fire coverage for our area.Where, if anywhere, could the current budget be trimmed, and conversely, are there areas the budget does not give enough money to?As the cost of living continues to increase, money is carefully managed to ensure that necessary services and operating expenses remain feasible in our small town. I have seen the village cut costs by decreasing the hours in which the village is open so that money wouldn't be cut elsewhere. I intend to help keep close watch on how the budget is determined, and to listen to the community to make sure the board is meeting the needs of the community at large.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?One good idea I had was to run for Village Trustee. By participating in local government, ideas are shared at the local level that directly benefit all community members. As a social worker, I understand that each individual has a voice and should be respected within their own community. I'm excited about the chance to support my local community and take action on issues and events that directly effect myself, my family, my friends and my community.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?I am interested in getting more community members active in participating and contributing to the village in ways that positively effect them. I recently took part in a housing development meeting, looking at the housing needs of Hainesville and surrounding towns. The meeting discussed recent housing availability as well as looked to see what changes needed to take place to ensure our community members had sufficient housing for now and for the future.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.President Barack ObamaWhat's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?A small town can be a big support.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?travel more, to see other environments and culturesWhat was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?sociology, it taught me about peopleIf you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?I would tell my children to say what they mean and mean what they say, to promote honesty and integrity.