Libertyville board candidates loaded with government experience
The four candidates running for three trustee seats on the Libertyville village board all have experience with village government, though the extent, type and timing vary.
Incumbents James 'Jay' Justice and Rich Moras, who were swept into office when running as part of a slate eight years ago, are seeking third terms on the panel. They are joined on the April 4 ballot by former police chief Pat Carey, who was appointed to the board last fall to fill a vacancy, and Gary Franzen, a former District 128 school board member who served on the village board from 1998-2002.
Maintaining financial stability and the need for community input on proposed developments are common themes among the candidates.
"The hot issues now are development," said Carey, whose served as police chief from 1996 until 2010, then moved to Florida before returning to Libertyville.
The density of housing proposals west of Butterfield Road at Lake Street and near the downtown Metra station have been questioned by residents.
Carey said trustees are not experts, and the village review process, which includes staff and advisory committee oversight and recommendations, is comprehensive enough.
However, "many people are misinformed" about how it works, noting that density and traffic, for example, are among the aspects considered for any proposal.
Franzen left elected office to spend time with family, but said he loves the community and decided to return to public life.
"I don't have an agenda" or problems with the existing board, he said.
"The only thing we need to do is make sure the community is aware of what's going on and get it out there," he said of development proposals, adding that he believes trustees should have taken more time considering townhouses being built on the former Bolander Park.
"I don't think we should sell park land for development," he said.
Justice, who retired as vice president of operations for Advocate Condell Medical Center, said maintaining the village's financial stability is a priority.
Revising the development approval process is not, he added, as advisory committees are well-staffed and experienced. Developers for the Lake Street/Butterfield plan have spoken with Mundelein officials and could de-annex, Justice said, adding that it would be better for Libertyville to deal with the project than another community.
Transparency is not an issue, and communication with residents is adequate, according to Justice, who said he would welcome more public input at village board meetings.
As head of the village board's finance committee, Moras, a financial adviser, helped guide Libertyville through the recession. The village's financial future needs to be the focus, particularly given the possibility state funding could be reduced, he said.
The development review process works well, but better citizen education regarding their property rights and other aspects is needed, he added.
"I think there's a lot of misconception of things that go on," he said. "I am pleased as punch when we have a roomful of people."