Laura L. Dunbar: 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: Candidate did not respond.Family: Married to the same man for 32 years! I have two grown children, Kelly is 27 and resides in Schaumburg, Pamela is 29, married and living in Hampshire. Pamela is mother to my only grandchild, 4 year old Andy.Occupation: I am a realtor at Century 21 New Heritage in Hampshire.Education: I am a licensed realtor. Previously I held a license as a respiratory therapist.Civic involvement: Hampshire Area Chamber of Commerce, Sunday School teacher and Missions chairperson at First United Methodist Church in Hampshire.Elected offices held: Previous Director Hampshire Area Chamber of Commerce 2007-2009Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 The budget seems to concern most people.Key Issue 2 Bringing jobs to Hampshire.Key Issue 3 Vacated/abandoned subdivision projects.Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?I live and work in Hampshire; an important part of my family lives in Hampshire. I want what is best for them, and for all residents in the village. I have a listening ear and will strive to make the right voting decisions based on what the taxpayers want/need as the budget allows.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 think the tax rate should stay as it is. I think the ""bonus"" would be for residents to spend their money in Hampshire when possible. Keep Hampshire working!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.There really has not been a lot of talk with regard to public safety concerns, other than vandalism in unoccupied homes in unfinished/bankrupt subdivisions and the occassional unlit street light. This should be addressed by increasing police patrol (which has been done) and replacing street light bulbs as needed.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 not seen the village budget. I would imagine it is tight. Most residents have had to tighten their budgets, I would venture to say the village has had to do the same. I cannot give an opinion to where changes should be made without seeing the budget. Public safety should remain a priority and we should look in to any grant money that might be available to us for public improvements, etc.What#146;s one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?I would like to see unfinished subdivisions move forward. Additionally, I would like to see Hampshire area companies/residents put back to work in those subdivisions. I would like to see the Board of Trustees come up with a plan that would benefit companies who put Hampshire residents/small business to work within the village.