Q&A with Douglass

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?

There is not a particular issue that motivates me. It is about service, making sure that every person has a voice (even if they disagree with my decision) and working as hard as I can to be prepared and knowledgeable about the issues.

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.

As a board of 23, we all work together. Since being appointed 18 months ago I have been actively involved in the tax assessment process. The CAP organization is in my district. I have worked with the Chief Assessors Office and the individual people that have concerns. I sit on the Route 120 Corridor Council and have been working with citizens making sure that their issues are raised and discussed. Taking on the issues of my constituents and those of the county and critically studying them so that I can make an educated decision is my goal.

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 real question is do we honor the legal commitment that we made when the forest preserve was given the property at Fort Sheridan? This is a legal precedent that would have far-reaching implications. The district has other properties that have deed restrictions that would be impacted by a removal of that restriction. The forest preserve takes its commitments seriously and will carefully study what type of course should go there. It would be premature to decide what type of course should go in, until we have a thorough analysis done of the whole area.

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?

There is never a right time to ask for money, but it is always good to ask the voters if they want to purchase more land. This is an individual decision based on the economic times. There may be more land available and the price may be less than in the past. Even if they choose to raise $185 million to add to the current public land, the levy would go down 75 cents.

5. If that proposal passes, where (geographically) would the forest board focus its immediate energies and money? Why?

The Land Preservation and Acquisition Committee has a list of people who have contacted them to say they would be interested in working with the forest preserve to protect their property into the future. The forest preserve has built a positive reputation for working with landowners and achieving fair deals for both the taxpayer and the landowner. Each piece of property is judged on its own merits, as well as what it contributes to the whole preserve.

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?

In 2010 a census will be done and in 2012 all of the board members are re-elected. The forest preserve and the county board are valuable contributors to the entire county's health. Two boards must provide a balance between allegiance to its mission and respect for the citizens. I definitely think this issue has merit and needs further study. There are too many positives and negatives to make a quick decision.

7. Are there additional steps, besides those already under way, that the county board can or should take to provide traffic congestion relief?

The county has been a leader in getting transportation projects done. This year the county has had additional funds come in from the RTA 1/4 cent sales tax. Our priority is maintaining the taxpayer's investment, so that the cost is lowered in the long run and putting technology to work to improve the flow of traffic and information. Our award winning passage system puts real time information on the radio on 1620 AM so that everyone driving in Lake County has up-to-the-minute information on congestion and incidents that might impact getting from one place to another.

8. What is the most pressing county board-related issue in your district?

There are many individual issues that I deal with on a daily basis. For many of my constituents I am their only representative. It is important to respect each person and their issue while at the same time looking at the county as a whole.

From a global perspective, taxes and transportation remain at the top of the list of concerns for residents. They can no longer afford to stay in their homes as the tax burden has increased on property owners; and wasting time in a car, trying to get to work or just to grocery shop is time that cannot be recovered. Both of these impact the quality of life in Lake County.