Lakemoor candidates discuss key issues facing village

Village finances, planning and public safety are among the key issues cited by Lakemoor village board candidates.

Three challengers and two incumbents are in the race for three, 4-year terms in Tuesday’s election.

Current board members Ralph Brindise and Kathy Lennon are facing newcomers Matthew Dabrowski, Jeff Nykaza and Ray Wollschlaeger in the contest.

The candidates offered the following responses when asked to identify key issues in the race on a Daily Herald questionnaire and in interviews.

Brindise, 62, has worked as a tool salesman in the village for 34 years and said he wants to see the board continue its fiscal responsibility.

“The village has stayed financially stable so far in the current economic environment,” Brindise said. “We need to be very careful about staying within our budget.

Dabrowski, 40, the development planner for Arlington Heights, said he wants to use his work experience to help the village.

“Establishing a new, vibrant vision for the community through corridor planning, design guidelines and the creation of an appearance commission,” Dabrowski said are among his priorities.

Lennon, 74, a former Avon Township clerk finishing her first term on the board, said she would like to see more citizen involvement in public safety.

“I feel more community members should contact the police department when they see or suspect and suspicious activity so that the proper authorities can try to take care of the problems,” she said.

Nykaza, 45, a member of the village planning board, said he is also concerned with public safety issues.

“I believe we should live in a community where we do not have to worry about our children playing outside,” he said. “I would like to see an official neighborhood watch program started.”

Wollschlaeger could not be reached for comment on his plans for the office.