Q&A with Stolman

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 re-election because I am an experienced, effective and productive commissioner and will continue to promote the interests of the citizens in my district. My main priorities are transportation initiatives, economic development and intergovernmental agreements that mutually benefit the county and the villages within my district. I will continue to implement transportation initiatives that will improve traffic flow and alleviate congestion. I have successfully promoted economic development within my district such as public/private partnerships that have reduced taxpayer burden, and will continue to focus on this goal. Successful intergovernmental agreements that benefit the county and the villages promote efficiency and provide better services for the constituents.

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.

Currently I am the Lake County and Forest Preserve representative on the 2016 Olympic Bid Committee. I have also been selected by the president of the National Association of Counties to serve on the National Steering Committee in order to secure federal funding for transportation initiatives. In addition I have: Initiated development of Independence Grove;

Led initiative that resulted in a 254-acre donation by Grainger Corp. to Lake County Forest Preserve District;

Introduced location for Depke Juvenile Detention Center and led efforts to establish a sales-tax revenue stream to fund the project;

As the county's chairman of finance, secured a balanced budget and a AAA bond rating;

Implemented intergovernmental agreement between the county and Buffalo Grove to establish a fire training facility;

Secured $20 million in road improvement funds that provided a major expansion of Deerfield Parkway, stoplights at dangerous intersections, intersection improvements, lane expansions, resurfacing of roadways, provided the first installations in Lake County of ITS (computer integrated traffic signalization), and the reconfiguration of Port Clinton/ Prairie Road which now connects with the first new north/south corridor (Fairway Drive) in Lake County in decades;

Promoted unprecedented intergovernmental agreement that provided roadway maintenance for my district;

Led efforts that will result in improvements to the Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve and the surrounding area;

Led efforts to develop and implement a South Branch Court serving the citizens in southern 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 fully support the development of a new golf course at the Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve. I served on the forest board at the time the land was acquired from the federal government and believe that the conditions of the purchase should be adhered to; those conditions being: to preserve the ravines, the cemetery, and the then existing golf course. Additionally, representations were made to neighboring homeowners who purchased property in Fort Sheridan who were promised a new golf course.

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?

In July I supported the decision to place this referendum on the Nov. 4 ballot. Approximately $148 million would be allotted to land acquisition, and $37 million would be allocated to replace older bonds. A recent countywide survey indicated that registered voters, by a 2 to 1 margin, support continued funding for land acquisition, habitat restoration, trails and other preserve improvements through a bond replacement proposal that would not increase property taxes. If the referendum passes, we would be able to take advantage of great land bargains now available, as well as open new preserves, add trails and restore natural areas throughout the county WITHOUT impacting taxpayers. Without this approval, purchase of new forest preserve lands would stop.

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

If the proposal passes, the forest preserve would use the additional funds to acquire 2500-3000 acres of land equitably throughout the county. In order to promote the interests of the residents of my district, I am working to secure improvements to the Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve funded by this additional revenue.(If the referendum passes, the Buffalo Creek improvements will go forward, even if the joint venture between the Forest Preserve and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District is not concluded.)

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 have always been a strong proponent of a separate Forest and County board. There are inherent conflicts of interest, and many times individuals seek election to the County board in order to promote their agenda on Forest Preserve issues only. Separate boards would empower each commissioner to focus their expertise and skills on the unique issues relevant to each entity.

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 a leadership role in promoting the extension of Route 53. I am a proponent of having a referendum in order to decide the future of the Route 53 extension. At recent public forums, survey results reflected strong public sentiment in favor of discussing and keeping the Route 53 extension on the priority list of road extensions. The extension of Route 53 would relieve congestion on the Lake-Cook corridor, Route 12, old Route 53 and Route 83.

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

The most pressing county board-related issue in my district is transportation improvement resulting in traffic congestion relief. As vice chairman of the transportation committee, I have been able to add various projects to the county's transportation improvement plan. Due to the recent RTA sales tax, I was able to prioritize these projects for funding. The current challenge is to accelerate the project dates as well as to spearhead the reconfiguration of the Lake Cook Rd./Arlington Heights Rd. intersection in cooperation with Cook County. The realization of each of these proposals will significantly alleviate the traffic congestion plaguing my district.