Mike Carlson: Candidate Profile

Back to Lily Lake Village President

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: Lily LakeWebsite: None.Office sought: Lily Lake Village President Age: 55Family: Lillian - Wife Kristin - DaughterOccupation: Carpenter - MillrightEducation: West Lieden High School Washburn Trade School Elk Grove Training FacilityCivic involvement: Fundraising Grace Lutheran Church by donating repair work on the parish rental that creates income for the Church. I organized groups of neighbors to assist during town emergencies such as removing fallen trees or branches from roads. During the snowstorm emergency of 2011, I organized group of snowmobilers to rescue motorists stranded on snowbound highways. We received the thanks of Campton Township award for our efforts. I have a group of snowmobilers who will assist the Elburn Fire Department in similar emergencies. I attend Plan Commission meetings on a regular basis, Public Works and Board meetings when possible.Elected offices held: Campton Township Republican Party Committeeman since 2011. Board Member and Trail boss, Dukane Snowmobile Club for six years.Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?Commitment to Lily Lake. My love for the town. I am a 15 year resident.How would you describe the condition of your community's budget, and what are the most important specific actions the town should take to assure providing the level of services that people want?We have no Treasurer anymore. The Village President signs the checks. There is a lack of transparency.Where, if anywhere, could the current budget be trimmed, and conversely, are there areas the budget does not give enough money to?There has not been a Treasurer's Report at any meeting I have attended. There is not a basis to know the answer to this question. One of the first things I will do is request an audit.Describe your leadership style and explain how you think that will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions with your village board or city council.I have been a foreman and a Superintendent on construction jobs. I find the best people for the job. I can do that here by encouraging people instead of demeaning them. I have a positive attitude. I am nice to people.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?An audit.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Inform Board members of the issues and allow open discussion instead of dictating to the Board.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Bruce RaunerWhat's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Always be willing to help your neighbors.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Invest in gold.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Construction in high school. It taught me leadership.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Don't loose your dreams.