Q&A with Pedersen

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?

I have been involved in government through my job for the last 10 years as legislative aide to the late state Rep. Timothy Osmond and currently with Rep. Jo Ann Osmond and have found it very fulfilling. I currently served as Antioch Township trustee and serve as chairman of the township Senior Committee. So far I have enjoy all aspects of government that I have been involved in. I feel with my experience in state and local government I will be able deal with the important issues that are currently facing the county such as transportation, economic development, environment, forest preserves, etc.

I would like to concentrate on our transportation issues, not only our county roads and gridlock, but also lobby our state officials on the importance of upgrading and maintaining our state infrastructure. I would also like to work with other legislative issues that are important to our county.

I fully support the county's strategic plan and hope to spend much time in making sure we follow through with these 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.

I would be willing to work on whatever committees that I would be assigned to and work hard on the issues that face that specific committee. I bring with me 10 years experience in state government, 3 years in township government and 3 years on the CDGB board, I would hope with that experience and being committed to the position of county board commissioner, I will make many contributions on behalf of District 1 and all of Lake County.

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 understand a promise was made for a golf course but I also know that the cost of the project came in $5 million over budget. I think we need to really look at this issue since most golf courses are not bringing in great revenue. We need to be generating the cost of maintaining these courses with greens fees and with so many courses in the area that at this time are not doing well, if a course is constructed we might want it to be a premier course that draws people from all over the state and other states. I would like to see figures on other premier courses to see their revenues and if this course could be maintained on just greens fees. I certainly would not want to break a promise that was made, but we need to be fiscally responsible to all of our taxpayers in the county before we take on a project such as this at this time.

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?

I know there is great support in the county on this issue. With the growth in Lake County in the past few years, which has very much contributed to the gridlock and condition of our roads, it is a major issue. Open space has become a very important issue in my district and most of Lake County. Even though these are not the best economic times there is no better time to purchase land with the current real estate prices. If the referendum fails we will be out of funds for land purchase by 2009. Taxes will decrease in a $200,000 home if the referendum fails and if it passes and if it passes there would be no tax increase. This referendum would not only allow the forest preserve to purchase additional property, it will also give them the opportunity to restore wetlands, create new trail systems and make other improvements. I feel we need to give the voters an opportunity to tell us what they want.

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

I don't think there is much open space left in some of the districts. The northern and western parts of the county seem to have most of the undeveloped land and we should only be purchasing property from willing sellers. If property becomes available throughout the county they should take careful consideration on each piece and how it will benefit that specific area. I would hope they will put some of the money aside for improvement of existing forest preserves.

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 believe with how our forest preserves have grown in Lake County in the last few years, and all the other issues that the county board has to deal with, it would be beneficial for the boards to split. The forest preserve board should be comprised of members that are willing to concentrate on issues specific to the forest preserve to make sure that this program continues to grow and our existing sites are maintained to good standards.

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

Get the projects off the wish list and onto the bid list! I know this is easier said than done, but hopefully with the new revenue that is coming in from the RTA tax increase this can start to happen. Also we need to lobby the state for a capital bill which is way over due.

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

Transportation by far is the most pressing issue. Not only do we need to repair our roads, we need to also need to work on the gridlock problems. I feel the county is doing a better job than the state.