Village clerk hopeful pledges to support community
There are two candidates for village clerk in Campton Hills in the Feb. 5 election -- Karen Dowd and Carolyn Higgins. The Daily Herald asked questions to each of them and only Dowd sent back a response.
Q. Why are you running for this office, whether for re-election or election the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you, and if so, what? What will be your main priority?
Karen Dowd. I am running for village clerk. My main priority will be to take minutes at the two monthly meetings and to support the board. The reason I am running for office is to actively support the community I reside in.
Carolyn Higgins. Did not respond.
Q. For incumbents and non-incumbents. If you are an incumbent, describe your main contributions. Tell us of important initiatives you've led. If you are not an incumbent, tell us what contributions you would make.
Dowd. I am not an incumbent. Make sure that minutes are accurately documented and the annual reports are prepared in a timely manner. Certify nominating papers during elections. Actively support the board and community as much as possible creating a positive environment.
Higgins. Did not respond.
Q. Did you support the village's incorporation? Why or why not? If you did not support the incorporation, why are you running for office?
Dowd. Yes I did support the village incorporation. The reason I supported it is to preserve the area I reside in and have the ability and have a voice in the community I live in.
Higgins. Did not respond.
Q. How do you think the village should respond to neighborhoods seeking to disconnect from the village? Explain.
Dowd. I feel that we all live in the community and need to pull together as one and make this a great community to reside and retire in.
Higgins. Did not respond.
Q. What is your vision for future development -- residential and commercial -- for the village? How would you assure that vision comes to fruition?
Dowd. I would like to see this area remain fairly rural with open space and quiet. I would like to see the village community decide co-operatively on how and where residential and commercial developments are located. The vision contained and the comprehensive plan must align with the goals and voice of the community. Supporting the goals and voice of the community as a citizen in the village of Campton Hills.
Higgins. Did not respond.
Q. The current appointed leadership filled the Feb 5. ballot with advisory referendums. Do you see that as an attempt to prevent a dissolution referendum from making the ballot, a sincere attempt to determine sentiment or something else? If not an incumbent, would you have supported placing those advisory votes on the ballot at his time?
Dowd. I feel very strongly that we, as citizens of the village of Campton Hills, were provided adequate information and had a responsibility to get out and vote last April for the referendum to make this a village. The referendum passed and now those that either did not vote or voted against it are unhappy. We need to move past the ill feelings and pull together to make this a successful community. I feel this board has the best interest of the business owners and the residents of the community.
Higgins. Did not respond.
Q. Can the village rise above the division separating incorporation opponents and proponents? Why do you think so? What would you do personally to help the community move forward?
Dowd. As a retired member of the community, I feel that it is a shame that this division has occurred. I think that the adults need to move through this and come together to protect all of our investments and the future of our community and to set an example for our children. I would listen to the issues and gather the facts required to present the truth of the issue.
Higgins. Did not respond.
Q. Beyond the division in the previous question, what do you believe is the most important issue facing the village in the next year? The next four years? Explain why you think so and how you would address it.
Dowd. Establishing a strong community spirit. Identifying the roles of residents to support the needs of the community, and coming together in unity for the success of the village. The next 4 years: Involving the community to enhance the comprehensive plan to meet the needs of all the residents for the long-term vision of the village.
Higgins. Did not respond.