Q&A with Bush
1. 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 is that? What will be your main priority in office?
It's time central Lake County had a strong voice to represent them on the county board. We need someone who does more than talk about issues. Someone who will build relationships and work closely with municipal and state officials to get things done. In addition I am creating a community partners program that will be made up of residents from each "neighborhood" in the district. This will allow me to stay in touch with changing district issues and challenges. My main priority is to provide thoughtful and forward-thinking representation for this area. I am not driven by a single issue. If I had to pick priority one it would be traffic and road congestion. We need to work to get the 120 bypass built and deal with the traffic issues created but not adequately addressed over the past 20 years. I'm also concerned about taxes and the myriad complex issues to be considered.
2. 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.
I am concerned about and believe I can have an impact in many different areas. I am a supporter of open land and believe we need a balance in Lake County. The Lake County board has not done enough in planning for, attracting, and keeping job-producing commercial here in Lake County. The Lake County Partners is a good idea, but underfunded. We need to be more aggressive in keeping and expanding jobs. District 6 is a very diverse area. The Round Lake Park area is impoverished. I plan to be work with Affordable Housing Corp. of Lake County in order to bring better options for those in need. I'd also like to ask new questions and look at other ways of doing things. Such as salt for road which is SO expensive this year. Shouldn't we be looking and researching other options? McHenry County has implemented a program that uses some local agricultural resources in addition to salt. They are saving money, investing in their local economy, lessening the impact on our environment and reducing the damage done to roads from salt. I am a problem-solver and I will bring energy and a desire to look at and question old ideas when they are not working.
3. Should a new golf course be built at the Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve? Why or why not? If so, what type of course should be built? If not, what about the promise to residents and the Army?
The original land donation to the forest preserve included a restriction that a golf course should be included in developing this land. I think that the first thing we should do is look into the viability of changing the deed in order to preserve this land as open space. We should consider a nonbinding referendum question for public input. If a golf course is built in should be priced moderately for Lake County residents.
4. In November, Lake County residents will be asked to approve a $185 million plan that will raise money for land purchases and development. Is this the right economic time to make such a request? Why or why not?
The $185 million will be a tax "wash" for a $200,000 home. With falling real estate prices and more willing sellers now is an excellent time to acquire additional land.
5. If that proposal passes, where (geographically) would the forest board focus its immediate energies and money? Why?
The forest preserve needs to assess all areas to make sure that we are addressing the open space needs of each area. Then monies should be geared to areas that have been identified as environmentally important.
6. Within the next few years, Lake County will have a large enough population to allow the forest board to split off from the county board and become its own agency. Should it do so? Why or why not?
I am slightly ambivalent as I believe I am someone who sees both sides of the development issue. That is the need for balance and a comprehensive plan that addresses both the need for development and land preservation. Having said that I can see that is not always the case for everyone. I would most probably be supportive of a separate forest preserve board providing salaries for the county board were reduced accordingly. I would need more information on the cost to the taxpayers.
7. Are there additional steps, besides those already under way, that the county board can or should take to provide traffic congestion relief?
Yes. Working closely with the state to get more funds in this county. Route 45 was identified in 2005 as a first priority. Three years later nothing has been done.
8. What is the most pressing county board-related issue in your district?
Taxes and road congestion.