Douglas Rowley: 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: Round LakeWebsite: http://4allroundlake.comOffice sought: Round Lake Village boardAge: 63Family: Married, two children, 2 grandchildrenOccupation: RetiredEducation: Master Degree in Public Administration, Roosevelt UniversityCivic involvement: NoneElected offices held: NoneHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 I believe economic growth is essential to the vitalilty of a community. During the past few years the Village has had a great deal of residential growth, however, commercial growth has lagged behind. The Village has developed a comprehensive business and traffic plan for the downtown shopping area as well as identified other business districts throughout the community. Round Lake should be prepared to encourage business investment as the economy recovers over the next few years.Key Issue 2 There is no doubt that many communities are struggling to maintain the level of service for their residents in today#146;s difficult economic times. I believe in order to provide public safety and maintain streets, sewer and water systems and open areas the Village must be financially responsible. I believe the Village must operate within a balanced budget and resist the temptation to raise taxes unnecessarily.Key Issue 3 I am a life long resident of the Round Lake area and am very proud of the direction the village has grown. I think it is important to develop and enrich the sense of #147;community#148; as the village contiunes to grow and develop. Round Lake is a dynamic community in western Lake County that has a wonderful opportunity to become a destination for people and business.Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?My more than 25 years in municipal government provides a unique experience in developing and implementing a multimillion dollar budget. I have a clear understanding of the importance co-operation and trust between the village board and staff to maintain the Village assests while applying sound fiscal judgement. Being retired will allow me to devote the time and energy necessary to serve all the residents of Round Lake.I am excited about this opportunity to join two experienced individuals, Mike Blum and Dale Multerer, in serving the community that has been my home for so many years.Given the delicate balance between the need for revenue and over-taxing local businesses, what is your opinion of your community's present level of local sales taxes? Is the tax just right, too low or too high? Explain.I am of the opinion that present sales tax levels are appropriate and within the state#146;s minimum rate. Encouraging commercial growth will improve revenues and reduce dependency on real estate taxes as a sole source of income.Talking with your friends and neighbors, what seems to be their biggest public safety concern? Explain the concern as you see it, and discuss how you think it should be addressed.Throughout the country, home foreclosures have had a negative impact on home values and Round Lake is no diffferent. Vacant and abondoned homes are a nuisance and an eyesore in any neighborhood. The Village should maintain its open public areas and streetscapes to enhance the appearance of neighborhoods. These actions will help reduce vandalism and protect home values throughout the community. I believe by working with homeowners associations and the business community will go a long way toward accomplishing this.In these tight economic times, municipal budgets have to be prioritized. Where, if anywhere, could the current budget be trimmed, and conversely, are there areas the budget does not give enough money to?I have had an opportunity to review the Village#146;s budgets from the past few years. It appears as though many capital expenditures, such as road improvements, have been completed. Much of this work has been in the older, established areas of the community that improves home values and quality of life. I think this is a significant expenditure that is important for the residents of Round Lake. The Village has made these capital improvements while creating a reserve in the General Fund and holding a AA Bond Rating from Moody#146;s.What#146;s one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?During the past ten years the Village of Round Lake has grown from a population of 5,000 to approximately 17,000 residents. Many of these residents live in various postal zones, school districts, fire protection districts, townships and other political districts. I think this deters from having the sense of being part of a community. I would like to encourage neighborhood groups and homeowners associations to meet at least three to four times a year to interact with the Village Board to create a sense of #147;one#148; community.