Kirstin Wood Carfagnini: 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: East DundeeWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Twitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: East Dundee Village Board Age: 48Family: Candidate did not respond.Occupation: Federal Agent-Dept. of Homeland SecurityEducation: Bachelor's Degree-Kansas State University (Criminal Justice/Sociology)Civic involvement: Village Trustee-East Dundee 2013-presentElected offices held: Village of East Dundee TrusteeQuestions Answers Many municipalities are met with the challenge of maintaining steady revenue streams while trying to lower the tax burden on businesses and property owners. How has the village handled that balancing act so far, and how would you improve/maintain that situation?Our village continues to make investing in our community through new business and residential projects an attractive prospect for potential investors. Over the past 3+ years we have strived to offer opportunities for interested investors that would increase our revenues through sales taxes and allow for no increase in property taxes for homeowners. Additionally, through general market rises and our investments into the vitality of our downtown, property values for homeowners have increased.The village in recent years has taken some significant steps in terms of economic activity. What, if anything, is currently lacking in the village's economic portfolio, and how do you envision your community developing economically over the next four years?There are several major business goals that the village is still working extremely hard at bringing to fruition. We are currently researching and exploring uses and proposals for the shopping center located on the corner of Rt. 25 and Rt. 72 which previously housed the Dominick's grocery store as well as the former Wal-Mart location just south of the Rt. 72 on Rt. 25. I feel very strongly that over the next 4 years we will have both of those sites developed and new businesses established which will significantly increase our tax base, leading to more economic opportunity for East Dundee.Describe your ideas for improving or developing the downtown. What steps can the village take to support the downtown businesses and bring more people to the area?I firmly believe the Village Board and Village President of the past 4 years have done an outstanding job in improving, developing and supporting the existing and new businesses in our downtown area. We need to continue to promote East Dundee as a "destination town on the river" with amazing culinary and shopping options. Our duty as a Village Board is to continue to hold village sponsored events on a year-round basis which will bring both East Dundee and surrounding communities into our downtown area, providing them with opportunities to take a new, fresh look at what East Dundee has to offer. We have established a marketing and business department that focuses on communicating and promoting all of our East Dundee businesses and solicits input from these business owners in order to include all invested parties thoughts and ideas into our year-round village sponsored events. It is extremely important to me as a village trustee candidate to continue to promote community involvement through volunteering and participation by our residents. I am very proud to have had the opportunity to witness and be a part of the tremendous growth of our downtown and the excitement it has received from our community. My goal is to continue to support the beautification of our downtown area by the additions of green space where possible as well as continue to take the necessary steps to make our downtown business opportunities both enticing and viable for future investors.Where in the village's budget, if anywhere, could expenses be trimmed? And on the other hand, should the budget allot more money toward any particular area, service or village department?I believe the current village administration has done a tremendous job of balancing the fiscal needs of each department within the village. We are a village that is continuing to grow and strive for improvements that will reach far into the future. Although the village has invested significant money in infrastructure improvements such as burying the electric lines within the downtown area and repaving/curbing roadways within the village, I would like to continue to have an adequate and reasonable budget for infrastructure improvements that will take our village successfully into the future.What is one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?I would like to see the village increase the residential opportunities within the immediate downtown areas, along River Street and Barrington Avenue. These residential areas should fit with the tone and vibe of downtown with vintage charm and loft-like spaces, providing young professionals residential space so they can add to the excitement and fun of our downtown businesses and events. I strongly believe that people become far more invested in an area if they live there. These residents would be a welcome addition to our downtown, providing diversity and economic growth for our businesses.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Candidate did not respond.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Lael MillerWhat is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Work hard and you will succeed.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Getting my Master's degree immediately after my Bachelor'sWhat was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?English/Writing gave me the opportunity to communicate effectively.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Have the ability to truly listen to others beliefs and opinions prior to feeling compelled to voice your own or disregard theirs.