Jeanne Holzkamp-Maki: 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: HampshireWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Hampshire Village boardAge: 51Family: I am married with three children Kellye Herrmann, Jessica Holzkamp,and Andrew Holzkamp. One Grandson, Liam. My husband Roy and step-son Brad MakiOccupation: Firefighter/Paramedic Business OwnerEducation: Associates in Arts, Elgin Community College, 2001Associates of Applied Science Fire Science Safety with Honors, Elgin Community College, 2010, Phi Theta Kappa MemberCivic involvement: Hampshire Area Chamber of Commerce, Hampshire Fire Protection District Association, Illinois Association of Fire Fighters, Make-A wish Foundation, American Heart Association-CPR Instructor, Adopt-A-Highway, Coon Creek Country Days Committee and Parade Announcer, Recipient of Earl C. Engel Award of Excellence for Community InvolvementElected offices held: Hampshire Area Chamber of Commerce, President Vice President, Secretary,Hampshire Fire Department Pension President, Secretary, Hampshire Fire Protection Association, SecretaryHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NeverCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Revive the Hampshire Community by attempting to bring in more business to help with the taxing issues and ease the already over-whelming burden on the taxpayer. Introduce prospective businesses to Village and County Loan Programs, in which to bring their business to HampshireKey Issue 2 Find a balance between community development and retaining the country feel and charm of Hampshire, while still being progressive. With the opportunity to change members of the Village Board, I believe that new ideas and enthusiasm, may help revive the community and it's development and can also address the need for more senior services and opportunities for all.Key Issue 3 Work with the Village Budgeting to look for ways to be more fiscally responsible than we are, without affecting the services provided, but trying to enhance them.Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?Since moving to Hampshire over 17 years ago, Myself and my children have been involved in many community projects, through my business and the Chamber of Commerce. I have been a volunteer for the Hampshire Fire Protection District since 2002,eventually becoming a full-time firefighter/paramedic. I believe in Hampshire enough to have raised three children here and have invested my time and energy into starting Lil' Wonder's Development Center a daycare/preschool which has been in business since 1999. I have always done what I can to participate in local fund raisers to benefit the community and local schools whenever possible. I have been fortunate enough to have made many wonderful friends who have helped my family through difficult times with my son Andrew and the loss of my daughter Jessica, so much so, that I want to do what I can to give back to the community which has given so much to me and my family. I also believe there is a need to bring in new ideas and by bringing in new members to the Village Board, the opportunity to change things up and bring in those new ideas will be a benefit to all the residents of Hampshire. Aside from that, I am a great listener, and more pro-active than re-active, while still being able to think soundly.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.Having contact with many of the local business owners and knowing that all of us are having difficult times and not wanting them to leave or go out of business, I would like to see the sales tax stay the same and prepare myself to help recruit more possible businesses to the areaTalking 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.It seems as though many people are concerned about the possible loss of police and fire services due to the poor state of the economy, as well as the amount of buildings being foreclosed and left empty or in poor condition, bringing down local property values.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 believe the board has already made some changes to cut the budget, but the new board would have to make a concentrated effort to review the budget, item by item and make the most fiscally sound determinations they can on whether or not there are areas the budget could be trimmed. As for areas the budget does not give enough money to, I would say that I have already seen many changes to address areas that are lacking some of the funding, in particular the area of street maintenance and safety.What#146;s one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?I'm sure there is plenty of chatter about many issues, but I would like to see more businesses and public transportation come to Hampshire. I would also like to see ways for Hampshire to help reduce utility costs to residents by ""Going Green and using natural resources to accomplish this goal.