James McDonald: 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: Lake VillaWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Twitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Lake Villa Mayor Age: 57Family: Married, two children, and three grandchildrenOccupation: Residential Property Manager (36 years)Education: Antioch High School Graduate 1977Civic involvement: Celebration of Summer(Fireworks ,Concert , etc..)St. Patrick`s Day Parade ActivitiesTree Lighting CeremonyEaster Egg HuntHistorical Society Board of Directors MemberL/LV Chamber of Commerce memberElected offices held: Village of Lake Villa Trustee ( 1993- Present )Finance Chairman (2009-Present)Chairman of Public Safety(1997-Present)Chairman of planning Public Property(1993-2005)Plan Commission Zoning Board of Appeals(1989-1993)Lake Villa Historical Society Director (2007-Present)Former Historical Society Charter Vice President (2003-2007)Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?My 24 years experience as a Village Trustee will help me continue to promote economic development and keep the Village fiscally sound.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?I would describe the villages budget on target, it is projected to end this fiscal year with a $180,000 surplus. To provide the level of services the communitywants and has, the village must continue to increase revenue sources.Where, if anywhere, could the current budget be trimmed, and conversely, are there areas the budget does not give enough money to?The village has always been proud of being a low budget operation and making cuts when savings were identified. The village recently went out to bid for utility billing printing and reduced costs by $10,000 per year. The budget could always use more motor fuel tax (MFT) money for street repaving and repairs. Motor fuel tax revenue is distributed to the village on a per capita basis based on the total amount of proceeds received by the State from the sale of motor fuel.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.My leadership will be a participative style. All board members are given the opportunity to participate, ideas are exchanged freely, and discussion is encouraged. This way board members having shared ideas and opinions are more engaged in the process.What is one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?I would like to make the village more pedestrian friendly with sidewalks and bike / walking trails.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Promoting growth in our TIF district and finalizing the lake Michigan water project. I would also like to start and complete the villages downtown streetscape project.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Bill Gates one of the most generous billionaires in all history.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Hard work ethics, dedication and strong integrity pay off in the long run.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Although life is a great educator, if I had a do-over it would be to invest in higher education.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Consumer education because it taught you real life responsibilities and obligations.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Enjoy your children why they are young and cherish every moment.