Kevin D. Waldenstrom: 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: GrayslakeWebsite: http://www.VoteForKevinW.comOffice sought: Grayslake Village boardAge: 37Family: Married to Tracy with two childrenOccupation: Owner of Mold Seekers a mold inspection and remediation company Commercial Division Manager and Broker Associate at Century 21 Maki UnitedEducation: Graduate of Grayslake Community High SchoolColumbia College #8211; B.S. Business Administration with a concentration in ManagementCertified Mold RemediatorCertified Mold InspectorLicensed Illinois Real Estate BrokerCivic involvement: Member of Grayslake Chamber of Commerce Member of Grayslake Historical SocietyBoard Member Grayslake Farmers MarketBoard Member Grayslake Heritage Center committee Cub Scout Pack 91 Den Leader, Den # 3AYSO U-8 Boys Soccer CoachElected offices held: Grayslake Village Trustee May 2009 #8211; PresentHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: No.Candidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Maintaining the Village's strong financial position, by working to(1) Maintain a balanced budget(2) Ensure that the Village remains Debt Free(3) Continue to hold village operating costs below the rate of inflation while maintaining public services and a high quality of life for the residents of GrayslakeKey Issue 2 Economic Development: As a local, small-business owner I know what businesses need to thrive and what it takes to bring a business to town. As a real estate broker I have helped bring close to 20 businesses to Grayslake and helped many others expand their Grayslake locations. As the only small businessman on the Village Board I provide my experience and unique perspective on maintaining a business friendly government, attracting businesses and retaining businesses.Key Issue 3 Improving traffic flow: In addition to brining economic development to town, as a Trustee I will continue to work to improve transportation in Grayslake by ensuring that Atkinson Road is extended south of 120 to meet route 83, and that Peterson road receives necessary improvements to facilitate East/West traffic in the southern part of the village.Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?I have a diverse background, including experience in zoning and land usage, finance, construction (industrial, commercial and residential), environmental issues (air quality and building science), management, and even snow-plowing. This extensive background enables me to understand the issues that come before the board in depth.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.Grayslake does not have a local sales tax. Only the Illinois State sales tax rate applies within the Village. Grayslake is not a home rule community and does not have the authority to establish one.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.Grayslake has historically been and continues to be a safe community in which to live, work, raise a family and retire. Grayslake has a nationally accredited, highly professional police department. Their professionalism ensures that the high level of safety is maintained.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?Grayslake has a balanced budget and is debt free. The Village has been controlling costs and keeping their growth below the rate of inflation through out-sourcing, process improvements, public-private partnerships, government to government partnerships. Ensuring that these polices -- which have maintained Grayslake's strong financial position -- are maintained is my top priority.What#146;s one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?Creativity and innovation should not be limited or focused on a single idea. Rather they are needed on a regular basis to assess legislation and policy as it is presented to the board. My diverse background allows me to apply this the differing challenges that come before the Village Board on a regular basis.