Michael M. Marquardt: 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: Vernon HillsWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Vernon Hills Village boardAge: 56Family: Married 31 years Wife: Ina two children Michael 28 years old Kristin 26 years oldOccupation: Real Estate Developer and ManagementEducation: Western Illinois University 1977B.S. Physical Education HealthCivic involvement: In the 31 years of living in Vernon Hills I have coached Baseball,Track,Soccer and for the last 7 years Cougar Youth Football.Volunteer at Vernon Hills Summer CelebrationElected offices held: Vernon Hills Trustee for 7 yearsAppointed by Mayor Roger Byrne 2004Elected 2005Re-elected 2007Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Maintaining and increasing sales tax revenue.My intention is to augment retail shops and businesses into Vernon Hills so they can generate more sales tax revenue for the village.With some additional sales marketing strategies, we can promote Vernon Hills' excellent location.Key Issue 2 To maintain a balanced budget.I would propose increasing revenue before reducing amenities to the residents of Vernon Hills.We stand as a triple A bonded Village. We are financially sound to operate the village for over one year without additional income.Key Issue 3 Improve communication with our representatives down state.By voicing our opinions, our representatives will be aware of our needs and work with us and for us.Questions Answers Should the village continue to offer incentives to fill building vacancies?Yes, I do think the village should continue to offer incentives to fill building vacancies.A leased commercial property will attract more businesses and will increase the market value of the neighborhood.Additional funds to the business owner should be used for improvements to the property to benefit the consumers, employees, and the owner.I would also support offering incentives to real estate developers for the construction of new commercial businesses to be built on vacant land. For example there are over 100 acres along Route 21.If state funding drops, how do you propose making up the difference? Would you consider a village property tax? Explain your answer.If state funding drops, I think we should not consider a village property tax.The Village has and will continue to have strategic planning.We always look for ways to produce additional income.For example at the moment we have cellular towers on village property, primarily to improve communication with police, fire, and public works. They not only provide more safety to the community but at the same time they generate additional income to the village. And again NO I absolutely would not consider Village property tax.What can the village do to convince the owners of Westfield mall to make improvements?The village has already approached the owners of Westfield mall and will continue to offer them incentives(tax breaks)for improvements, because of the possibility of a huge revenue stream in the future years. This would keep the big retail stores and attract more retail shop owners.Of course, restrictions and contingencies should be clearly stipulated in the contract and carefully reviewed by our legal counsel.What do you regard as the most pressing transportation need in the village?Widening Route 45 to four lanes from Route 21 to Route 83.I believe this will alleviate the roadway traffic immensely.I also support the extension of Route 53.The village shall continue to maintain the roadways for safe motoring.What suggestions do you have for increasing revenue and/or decreasing expenses?Cost-cutting initiatives are always under review at the Village level, such as our recent consolidation of police and fire dispatch services. Scrutiny over operational efficiency is absolutely necessary, particularly during times when all citizens are making budget conscious decisions.