Jeff Lynam: 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: East DundeeWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: East Dundee Village boardAge: 48Family: Single, one child.Occupation: AccountantEducation: Bachelor of Science in Accounting Finance, Northern Illinois University, 1988Civic involvement: Candidate did not respond.Elected offices held: Trustee for the Village of East Dundee, 2007-PresentHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NO.Candidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Economic development. The largest source of revenue for any municipality is sales tax. East Dundee, like so many towns, has seen an erosion of its commercial base. While we have enjoyed some successes in this area, we needKey Issue 2 To ensure that policies and ordinances are implemented that will serve fairly the greatest public good while disregarding emotion and patronage.Key Issue 3 Establish and maintain reserve accounts for future public works expenses.Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?I've lived in East Dundee nearly all my life. I am very proud of the community and the work I have been elected to do. But what makes me a good canidate is a realization that the public's purse contains money that I contributed. And I will work hard to ensure that the residents of East Dundee have a strong and reliable steward of that purse.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.When compared to surrounding communities, the sales tax level in East Dundee is favorable. The sales tax in our Business Development District is one half of one percent higher than the rest of the community and this still represents a level that is at or lower than other municipalities.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.The inconsistent application and enforcement of village ordinances. I have known a number of residents who have questioned matters such as the issuance of permits, the enforcement of local codes and ordinances, and direction given to the board to act on such matters. I believe that emotion needs to be removed with regard to the management and direction that has been given the board and staff to address any such issues. Public exposure to these inconsistencies should be a first step.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?As a member of the finance committee, I can say there is not a lot of fat to be trimmed in the budget of East Dundee. However, more attention can be paid to ensure that we are getting the best value for the dollars we do have. Obviously, the town needs to provide essential services such as police, fire protection, water, sewer and roads. These, along with all other expenditures, must be considered when looking for cuts in spending. Roads and special events appropriations represent less painful cuts than do others.What#146;s one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?Vision and planning workshops that can be held to generate ideas to support the business community and faciltate feedback from the residents. We have established effective tools such as a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district as well as a Business Development District to help fund growth. Now, we need to take these efforts to the next step and implement various projects to ensure that growth.