Allen Murvine: Candidate Profile

Note: Answers provided have not been edited for grammar, misspellings or typos. In some instances, candidate claims that could not be immediately verified have been omitted. Jump to:BioKey IssuesQA Bio City: Island LakeWebsite: http://www.peoplesvoiceforislandlake.com/Office sought: Island Lake Village boardAge: 46Family: Married, 2 childrenOccupation: Director of ITEducation: Bachelor of Science, from NIU 1987Civic involvement: NIU Computer Science Alumni Council - Board of DirctorsMember of the Island Lake Strategic Planning CommittePast Assistant Cub Scout LeaderPast Assistant Girls Softball CoachElected offices held: Candidate did not respond.Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Help shape and be part of a highyly collaborative and functioning government that's able to execute on behalf of the our citizens.Key Issue 2 Set a high standard of fiscal responsibility. Implementing process/procedures including checks and balances, forcasting, budgeting, planned and approved spending all with full disclosure.Key Issue 3 I would like to bring a fresh perspective and dynamic to the board in creating an atmosphere that fosters teamwork and good decision making that will take the village forward in the postive direction ultimately attracting families and new businesses to our communityQuestions Answers Village board meetings are contentious and often filled with anger. If elected, what will you do to ensure the board operates professionally?Please see 1 and 3 campaign issues above.I work in a higly collaborative industry. My leadership role in my career reqiures me to build and lead teams to reach a common goal, usually involving numerous challenges including risk and unrealisic deadlines. Successfully achieving the common goal requires laser sharp planning, excellent communication, problem solving and decision making skills. I believe this experience will be a powerful asset in creating an collaborative and effective Village Board.What do you think the village should do to improve government transparency?Leverage existing and develop new communication channels for the citizens and public, this includes the news papers,media, Village web site, and village meetings. Communication needs to bi-directional, I believe we can further improve transparency and communication by creating a forum or channel for the citizens to ask questions, become of aware of Village activity and business, make recommendations and provide feedback.What can the village do to fill vacant storefronts and attract new business and development?Continue moving forward with the Strategic Planning process set forth this past year. In working with the Plan Commission, the Strategic Planning Committee has made great strides in strategizing ways to bring new business and development to Island Lake. I look forward to seeing this project through to fuition.Name one area of the village you#146;d improve, and how would you accomplish that task? If the project requires funding, explain the source.I believe there is opportunity for me to leverage my IT background by assessing and analyzing the Village's IT systems and infrastructure. Then by gaining an understanding and assisting in setting the Village's long term direction for technology, we can update and enhance the systems and infrastucture, re-negotiate hardward, software and service/support contracts. This will lead to reduced costs by consolidating platforms, moving to newer less expensive technology and creating more reusability and less maintenance and support needs.What suggestions do you have for increasing revenue and/or decreasing expenses?By following the structure set forth by the Strategic Planning Committee and adopting a Commercial Area Master Plan we will provide a more diverse tax base. This will ultimately strengthen the local economy in the Village and provide the Village with additional tax revenue, lessening the tax burden on residential properties and providing funding for capital improvement projects and community facilities and services. Additionally, residents will be able to purchase desired goods and services in Island Lake rather than venturing to another community.