Q&A with Rotheimer
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?
An overall issue that motivates me is fiscal responsibility. My main priority is to ensure that the needs of the residents in my district are met above self interests, to include but not limited to political agendas, and that the safety, health and prosperity of the community is not compromised.
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 community advocate, I vigorously fight for residents' safety and the protection of their Constitutional rights by actively pursuing legislative efforts, and participation in community-based organizations and awareness campaigns.
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 way I see it is, a promise is a promise. If the board promised a golf course, they should build a golf course. The board should decide on the golf course it provides after thoroughly researching the different types and costs, and keeping fiscal responsibility in mind.
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 advantages of putting forest preserves in is that they preserve land and residents don't have to deal with additional homes being developed which brings more families with children in to the communities. Thereby creating the need to build additional schools and raise taxes.
5. If that proposal passes, where (geographically) would the forest board focus its immediate energies and money? Why?
The board should focus its energies and monies where they can get good forest preserve property at the best price.
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?
Yes, I believe the forest board should split off from the county board and relieve current board members from any conflicts of interests that may arise. Since these two entities are not governed by same statutes.
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 board should take preventive steps to give the county a voice in future buyouts that would hinder good transportation that already exists. Had this effort been made previously, the county could have voiced and supported residents on their position concerning the EJ&E buy out.
8. What is the most pressing county board-related issue in your district?
The most pressing issue in my district is traffic.