W. Dundee candidates want new revenue streams

Diversifying the West Dundee's tax base is a primary issue facing the village, some village board candidates say.

During a candidates forum Wednesday hosted by the Carpentersville-Dundee Area League of Women Voters, two village president candidates and five village trustee hopefuls said finding additional revenue streams is needed to lighten the village's dependency on local retailers - especially Spring Hill Mall - as well as the expected sales tax revenues from the planned Wal-Mart Supercenter.

"I was taught to never put all of your eggs in one basket," said Michael Elmore, a candidate for village president who is challenging incumbent Larry Keller as a write-in. "I would propose a light industrial park where if one business does leave another can come in and pick up the slack, rather than having one big box store."

But Keller, who has served as village president for the past 11 years, said the $1.2 million in revenue Wal-Mart is expected to generate annually would go a long way to help cover the $300,000 deficit the village is currently digging out of.

Candidates for village trustee proposed creating an entertainment area, further establishing the village's light industrial areas and revitalizing the downtown area.

"We need to develop the downtown area so that it is more of a destination," said Lisa Geisler, a vociferous opponent of the Wal-Mart proposed near the intersection of Elm Avenue and Huntley Road. "We should work with East Dundee to bring businesses downtown, to revitalize the area."

Challenger Steve Geati, who is a plaintiff in a lawsuit against the village and Wal-Mart, along with Geisler, also suggested the village seek grant money that would take the burden off the taxpayers and retail sales.

Julie Voss, a resident for more than two decades, said an entertainment area that included restaurants like the ESPNZone or Dave & Buster's would allow residents, especially those with growing families, to stay close to home and keep their money in the village.

Incumbents reminded challengers and audience members that the board in recent years has worked to add sources of revenue.

"The board realizes that Spring Hill Mall has been great for the community," said Trustee Patrick Hanley, who is seeking a third term on the board. "But we have made steps to diversify the tax base, such as the Leafs Hockey rink, light industrial and professional offices."

Trustee Norm Osth also said the village's land along Randall Road remains largely undeveloped, but he added opportunities exist to build mixed-use developments that include office spaces, retailers and light industrial.

"We need to maintain the existing businesses and set the table for new businesses," Osth said.