Q&A with Whitmore
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?
Probably the main reason I am running for a third term is to finish work I started in 2002. I mainly work on bringing new businesses to Lake County or keep businesses from Leaving our county. I spend usually 15 hours a week with new companies or ones who are moving to new sites. I try and help business cut through all the red tape and keep our departments at the county moving things along.
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 helped form the "173 Corridor council" which is going to help Lake County compete with Wisconsin and keep business here in our newly formed 900-acre park. I was the driving force for bringing the Disaster Training facility to Lake County which will train all of our first responders. This will be a regional facility which will train people from all over the United States. Another project I am proud of is the new permitting facility going up in Libertyville. This project will streamline the way Lake County does business with all agencies in one building for permitting.
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?
No. Due to the decline of golf in the United States and our own courses having problems, I do not believe the taxpayers need another 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?
No. I voted no to the $185 million tax increase. People in Lake County need and deserve any kind of tax relief. I meet hundreds of people a day and I know this recession has been very brutal to a lot of our residents.
5. If that proposal passes, where (geographically) would the forest board focus its immediate energies and money? Why?
They need to open preserves in many places where land has been sitting since they bought them. I would like to see the Waukegan Savanah get some attention.
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 it should. It would give those of us who would rather bring in new business and help our tax base more time to focus on those issues.
7. Are there additional steps, besides those already under way, that the county board can or should take to provide traffic congestion relief?
Not really, we now have an additional $25 million a year to spend on roads and infrastructure. We have made it our top priority to mitigate traffic with better roads and traffic management. As you well know we have been limited due to lack of funding.
8. What is the most pressing county board-related issue in your district?
Keeping jobs in Lake County and traffic would have to be our main concern. Wisconsin has been kickin' our butts for too many years and we have to get aggressive on retaining our businesses and bringing in new ones.