Q&A with Siegel

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 am running for the Lake County Board because our district needs a strong voice. Our interests need to be represented and communicated at the county level. We must ensure that we get back a fair share. I will work full time for our interests and am committed to being present at meetings to do so. It is imperative that the people are listened to, communicated with and kept up-to-date on county 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.

Listening to the needs of the people in our district and supporting them by bringing our issues before the board is very important. I can be a persistent voice on the issues that matter to us. Unlike our current county board member, residents of the 20th District will have in me true representation - someone who listens to them and communicates about relevant issues. They will know who their county board member is. I will work well with my colleagues on the board to best represent the needs of Lake County residents. I will ask for input from our community before taking action that affects our residents and be prudent, educated and well-informed before voting or making decision.

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?

Since the original land deed from the Army stated that a golf course would be built and the residents are expecting one, I would lean toward keeping this promise. However, this issue has taken on many other dimensions since the original land deed. Any golf course that would be built needs to be done in a fiscally responsible way and needs to be able to become self-sufficient. This has become a very sensitive subject and needs to be handled delicately. Residents and the cities involved need to be listened to. Only after a proper analysis and recommendations, along with the input of all parties involved can the board make a decision that is mutually beneficial.

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 good time to ask the public for money. Right now is an extremely difficult time in our economy. Many people feel that parts of Lake County are overbuilt, with too many commercial properties that remain partially empty and housing developments that are having a hard time making sales. However, it is important to look at the long-term development of the county. Despite an economic slowdown, development continues. We need to take decisive action to preserve open space; if we do not, by the time we do decide, the land will already be developed. Additionally, as land is developed, community resources are also needed for police, fire, educational facilities, etc.- These add additional financial burden on the general public.

Our land is a finite resource. This decision is not to be taken lightly. Only after careful study and analysis should these expenditures be put to a vote by the board. What we do know is that by waiting, land costs as well as the cost of borrowing money may escalate. The county board must make financially responsible decisions not only for now, but in the long term.

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

We should make sure that we preserve our natural resources into the future for our children and grandchildren. It is imperative to obtain resident input on this issue.

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?

DuPage County has successfully done this and prospered from their decision. Perhaps it would allow the forest preserve board to more efficiently prioritize their initiatives and focus their attention on the conservation needs of our area. It would also help the county board focus their energies on road initiatives and other areas of importance to our residents. This is another area where a conversation with constituents would be warranted.

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 must play a significant role in helping provide relief from traffic congestion. We need to be more proactive in finding the answers that are out there. The local, county, state and federal governments all need to work together. It is unacceptable that too much time, gas and energy is being wasted by residents sitting in traffic. We need to respect wildlife and conservation concerns while being realistic about the ever-changing demographics and growing population. Mass transit options should be explored and expanded. We need to be out in front and lead this effort or we will be left with expensive retrofitting and making do with failing systems, instead of integrating a long-term plan. I will work to put in place new solutions so as to improve our services in the future.

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

Traffic Congestion/Safe Roads: As I go door to door in our community, people tell me over and over how concerned they are about road safety. Residents have been asking for bike lanes because they are terrified to ride on busy roads without or with inadequate sidewalks. We are worried about the safety of our children on many roads (for example: Aptakisic Road, where there seems to be an accident every other week). It's absurd that it takes close to 30 minutes to go less than 4 miles from the north end of Buffalo Grove to the south part of Buffalo Grove, and that's not even in rush hour. Carpool options and public transportation are a merely temporary solution. We need to work with all levels of government to come up with a solid long-term plan that will ease this growing challenge. I will put my efforts toward that.