Charles Cermak: 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.comOffice sought: Island Lake Village boardAge: 66Family: 3 children, four grandchildrenOccupation: Business Owner - Barber/Hair stylistEducation: Graduate of Chicago Barber CollegeCivic involvement: Served 16 years of the Wauconda Fire Department as a Lieutenant. Elected to the WFD Board of Trustees, A current member of the Island Lake Lions Club for the past 36 years, former Island Lake Little League Coach, current member of the Island Lake Chamber of Commerce and an appointed member of the Island Lake Liquor Commission since 1997.Elected offices held: Waucond Fire Department TrusteeHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 To bring new viable business and fill vacancies in our current business district as well as create and provide jobs for our residents young and old. Improve the overall image and quality of the Village's Commercial area'sKey Issue 2 Work to create a unified atmosphere among the village board in order to provide true representation for all the citizens of Island Lake, recreating the positive image of Island Lake and sense of community pride. The Community Pride can be reestablished by actively organizing and supporting community events and activities within the community.Key Issue 3 Develope a long range realistic plan a pedestrian oriented environment along Route 176 within the village creating a safe environment for our children and senior citizens.Questions Answers Village board meetings are contentious and often filled with anger. If elected, what will you do to ensure the board operates professionally?Strive to educate other board members to work toward common goals for the betterment of the village and not one's personal agenda.What do you think the village should do to improve government transparency?I attend the board meetings and feel there is transparency at our village board meetings. The meetings are open to the public and I will encourage more residents to attend regularly and not rely on second or third party heresay.What can the village do to fill vacant storefronts and attract new business and development?I would recommend we work with property owners of our vacant storefront buildings,the Island Lake Chamber of Commerce and Current Business owners in developing and maintaining a database of commercial properties in the Village that are readily available to developers, business owners and other interested parties.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.Create a detailed, long-range plan for the improvement and redevelopment of our existing downtown commercial district.What suggestions do you have for increasing revenue and/or decreasing expenses?Increase revenue by actively attracting and retaining businesses that provide sales tax to the village and decrease expenses by monitoring monthly expenses.