Lake Zurich candidates share unique ideas

The candidates running for seats on the Lake Zurich village board came up with some interesting suggestions when they were recently asked to name unique ideas for the town.

Five candidates are running for three seats in the April 5 election. They are: incumbents Tom Poynton and Dana Rzeznik; newcomers Jenny Talley and Mark Ernst; and former mayor John Tolomei. All three seats have 4-year terms.

The candidates spoke about their visions for Lake Zurich and other issues during recent Daily Herald interviews and in digital questionnaires. During one interview, they were asked to name one idea for Lake Zurich that no one else has put forth.

Ernst said officials should make the village more friendly for businesses by improving the building inspection and permitting processes. It should be predictable and consistent for everyone, he said.

“It should be as streamlined as possible,” Ernst said. “People (should say) it’s easy to do business in Lake Zurich.”

Tolomei said the village should build pedestrian paths around the lake from which it gets its name. The two ends should connect in Paulus Park, he said.

Similarly, Tolomei suggested making a path in a marsh area off Lions Drive that would connect to a nearby existing path.

Talley said she’d like to see an attraction for high-school age kids open in town, such as a roller-skating rink or a video-game and restaurant operation like Gameworks.

Rzeznik said the village is “far behind” other towns when it comes to environmental sustainability. She believes the town needs water- and energy-conservation programs and suggested the town should make all businesses use the same waste hauler and institute a recycling program.

“I believe that if we get greener, this will improve the quality of life for all residents,” Rzeznik said.

She also said the town’s parks are underutilized and suggested more bike paths and community gardens would be good for the environment and residents.

Poynton suggested the creation of an economic development advisory board to encourage new businesses to open in Lake Zurich. Right now, economic development falls to the building department.

“And I just don’t know how good a job they can do with economic development with all the other stuff they have to do,” Poynton said.

The group would put together an economic development plan for the community and would advise the village board directly, Poynton said.