Island Lake mayor seeks community help

During her eventually successful campaign for mayor, Island Lake's Debbie Herrmann acknowledged the political squabbling that's long marred village board meetings in her hometown.

But she also said there's little she could do about it if elected.

Now that she is in office, Herrmann hopes board members can learn to politely "agree to disagree."

Herrmann recently fielded questions about the campaign, the political fighting and the future of Island Lake. Her answers follow.

Q. What did you learn from the campaign that you hope to put into action as mayor?

A. We were made aware that our community is looking forward to having our village in the news for all the good things that happen here. One of the first things I will be focusing on is to work with our current village commissions to recruit from our village residents in order to add additional members. The commissions and advisory boards are a key component of our village government.

Q. What is your vision for Island Lake?

A. We plan to enhance the community spirit by strengthening the relationships between the village and our business community, nonprofit youth organizations, community senior programs. Regular meetings with these groups in a proactive sense rather than reactive will help create that spirit.

Q. What will be your first priority as mayor?

A. Better communication, starting with the village board and the advisory boards.

Q. What will be the first initiative, project or proposal you develop?

A. Rewriting the village ordinance and code book.

Q. There was talk earlier this year about building a new police station and remodeling village hall, but the project died. Should that project move forward?

A. Not at this time. New views and ideas will be conveyed as the new board comes together to discuss unfinished business.

Q. The squabbling on the board is legendary. During the campaign, you said there'd be little you could do as mayor to resolve it. Do you still feel that way? What will you do the next time board members start attacking each other or acting improperly at a meeting?

A. I would like to believe that the dust will settle. I will say that I as well as the trustees elected from the "Right Choice for Island Lake" Party have a commitment to make decisions on what is good for the entire village of Island Lake and do not have a personal agenda. I believe that the board needs to agree or agree to disagree, call a vote, and move on. There are many village items that have been left unfinished over the past two years because the members could not agree to disagree; we have a lot of catching up to do to finish old business. We need to focus.

Q. Name and explain one thing for which you admire your predecessor, Tom Hyde. But also, what one thing do you want to do better than your predecessor?

A. I most admire Mayor Hyde for his commitment to community. It is unfortunate that he was not able to complete the goals he set out to do when he was elected to office in 2005. I hope to have to opportunity to achieve our goals.

Q. How will you put your mark on this office?

A. I am looking forward to working together with the village board, department heads and advisory boards to enhance village service, programs and infrastructure. Communication is key.