Q&A with Leafblad

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?

Property tax accountability is my main priority. I must be re-elected because homeowners just got their assessments increased another 5 percent and they are wondering why. They see the value of their property dropping like a rock, unsold homes on their street, abandoned homes in their neighborhood ... yet they get an equalization saying THEIR VALUE INCREASED! They are angry and confused. So, I must continue working on property tax accountability. I got motivated on this issue in 2002 when I spent my own money and went to court for the people. Thanks to relentless pressure, the message has now reached Springfield. After re-election, the next step is for me to testify before the Senate Property Tax Relief and Reform Panel. Further, I am currently investigating what I believe is discriminatory and/or unconstitutional practices in the assessment of property.

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.

1. I demanded and got massive improvements in the tax assessment process with the cooperation of the chief county assessment office and many township offices. While FAR from complete, we have more accountability, more transparency and more consistency - but not enough "real" fundamental change. I will stay connected to this problem. I will never quit this fight.

2. In 1991, I was the person who brought CASA to Lake County. That stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates ... the people who counsel families and children of people involved in court cases. From one tiny desk in the corner, CASA grew to what is now a huge, wonderful organization for which I take great pride. I did nothing but open the right doors and CASA volunteers took it from there. Thanks to the late Judge Bill Block, Judge Margaret Mullins and to former county board member Mary Beatty of Lake Forest. Interested people can volunteer by visiting the CASA site casalakecounty.com

3. In 2002, I stopped Mid-Lakes Health Clinic from being moved from the Greater Round Lake area to Lake Villa. When I discovered the plans ... I stood in the way until we negotiated a purchase of the abandoned Round Lake Beach Village Hall. A sparkling newly renovated clinic was built, which this past year served over 15,000 individuals of all kinds.

4. I am proud to be a part* of the largest road construction program in Lake County history. *ALMOST ALL ACCOMPLISHMENTS are the result of a team of public servants (Republicans and Democrats together) who work on the county board in true representative government. This county board has superb fiscal management resulting in the highest credit rating available in America. This means millions of dollars in savings. That means we are frugal with taxpayers' money. That means we are living within our means.

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?

I believe we are obligated to build a modest golf course at Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve, even in the face a national downturn in the golfing industry. We have a moral commitment to all people of Lake County (not just the residents of The Town of Fort Sheridan). Further, we have a legal document from the Department of Defense. I believe citizens would be happy with an affordable course and a modest clubhouse. The bottom line is we accepted a gift on behalf of Lake County's taxpayers and we must DO THE RIGHT THING. We must adhere to the conditions of that agreement, wiggle room or not.

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?

RE: The $185M question: Yes, it is the right time. However, I recognize these are tough times for everyone. What makes this oddly correct is - this is also the BEST opportunity to acquire land for the future of all generations. (Developers who would have built HOMES on the land are now at our door unloading their acres.) This is a very unusual time, AND THERE WILL BE ZERO NEW TAXES. The people must seize the moment. Open land is the ultimate tax cap. Open spaces limits cars on our roads, eliminates additional students from our schools and eliminates the need for more services such as libraries, streets and emergency services (to name a few).

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

New purchases will be made anywhere in Lake County. We have a priority list with a half-billion dollars worth of lands identified. We know we can't and won't buy it all. However, we will negotiate the best deal in the best location for the taxpayers. Those locations are usually next to existing preserves or are lands big enough to help us create an entirely new preserves for the people to enjoy.

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 favor keeping it the way it is. The synergy of the boards - and the obvious teamwork we have - is a huge advantage. By the way, the forest preserve is already its own agency.

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

The board CAN and IS pushing hard for state government to MATCH the $9 BILLION in federal dollars that are lying "on the table." Not doing so, the state legislature will severely cripple our future traffic and transit solutions we have worked so hard to create. WE WILL BE DOING MORE on Lake County Passage, our award-winning traffic management solution encompassing a complete interagency REGIONAL traffic strategy. Since LAKE COUNTY is the only agency doing anything about roads in the county, the taxpayers may be interested in visiting co.lake.il.us/dot to see what we're actually doing for the drivers. We are making transportation history in Lake County with our $240 Million program. MY PERSONAL PRIORITY is the Route 120 Bypass. I am a member of the governing council. (Route 120 will be a state road, not a county road.)

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

The most pressing issue is uncontrolled property taxes. People are frantic. I had a constituent call my home yesterday in tears. People cannot understand why - especially with housing values dropping like a rock. Real estate sales are dead in the water. People are losing their homes. Banks are foreclosing. After working a lifetime, people are just picking up and walking away from their house. But somehow, our assessors think our properties are worth more again this year. When I say it's tragic, it is. When I say the system is broken and confusing, it is. And, there's nobody who knows more about how bad it is than me. I have a poster on the wall that says, "It's only hopeless if we don't do something." I am asking everyone to re-elect me because I am actually doing something to tackle this problem. And while I'm making some progress, it will take time and more patience. Again, I pledge that I will never quit the fight.