Bernice Konwent: 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: Fox LakeWebsite: http://www.commonsense4foxlake.comOffice sought: Fox Lake Village Board (4-year Terms)Age: 72Family: Married, (2)Children, (3)GrandchildrenOccupation: Retired - Sr. Buyer/PlannerEducation: Educated in Business Management at Oakton Community College University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, WisconsinCivic involvement: Fox Lake 4th of July Fire Works Committee Fox Lake Neighborhood March Against Crime Fox Lake Halloween for Kids at the Police Department 4th of July and Korpans Christmas Parades Fox Lake Citizens Police Academy Fox Lake Mayor's 5K Breast Cancer Awareness RunElected offices held: Current President of Leisure Village Board in Fox Lake for 3 yearsHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: Candidate did not respond.Candidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 More open government better lines of communication, residents and businesses need to feel they can contact us about issues that concern them and items that will apply to their homes or business.Key Issue 2 We need to improve the future vision of Fox Lake by bringing in a Community Development director. We have too many vacant buildings and empty lots.Key Issue 3 Review current spending trends and financial obligations to be proactive through current economic times while planning future growth of Fox Lake.Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?Not only do I feel that I would be a great asset, I'm retired and I feel I have quite a bit of time experience to devote to the Village of Fox Lake. I also have (30) years experience in business and know the importance of getting a Job done correct and in a timely manner. I have the knowledge and understanding of contracts which demonstrates strict attention to detail.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 believe the tax rates continue to rise in Fox Lake with the Utility Tax and 911 taxes, why isn't the Board fixing our roads, adding more water users to our system'there seems to be no plan for the taxation other than the general fund. I also feel that we need to seek new sources of revenue.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.Most of our residents feel we have a problem with our senior citizens apartments (Lakeland Apartments) changing to section 8, as well as the apartment complex on Devlin Rd. I believe the board of Fox Lake should have been more proactive with these changes, it really impacts our community. Why is this happening, what can we do for the seniors and residents that currently live in these complexes?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 would have to attend the budget workshop to give a definite reply.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?To better our community I feel we should promote the Lake front Park more. Let local businesses promote themselves there, create weekend festivals; bands that are just starting out could donate their time with music. Scout troops, explorers can help run events to raise money for their causes. There are so many resources there to host fishing derbies and such, the sky is unlimited to its untapped potential! That property was bought for the entire community let them use it. Let's be part of watching our kids accomplish things that everyone can be proud; after all someday they will be our leaders!