Christopher Mitchell: 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: Lake BarringtonWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Lake Barrington Village Board (4-year Terms)Age: 53Family: Married to Cara Richardson, for 28 years, with four children: Zach (23); Tyler (20); Grace (15); Jake (12). Chris and Cara and their family moved to Farm Trails neighborhood in Lake Barrington in 2000.Occupation: Marketing Communications consultant and community volunteer. He previously worked for Northwest Community Hospital, and the Barrington School District 220, where he managed the school volunteer program and also the Adult Community Education program.Education: Duke University, B.A. 1982 Dual Major: Religion and Sociology, with Honors Boston University School of Theology, M.T.S. 1985 Theology Ethics Boston University School of Medicine, M.P.H. 1988 Health ServicesCivic involvement: Current Village of Lake Barrington Trustee; Barrington Area Council of Governments, Finance Committee, Legislative Committee; School volunteer; BMS Station Campus, Drama set builder crew; Coached for Barrington Park District Youth Basketball, BASA Soccer, BYF Flag Football;Elected offices held: Village Trustee, Lake Barrington, Il, 2009-present Board of Health, Hudson, MA,Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 I want to continue to balance the rural, pastoral nature of Lake Barrington with the growth of appropriate business and development. People choose to live here because of the quality of life, including excellent schools, and the commitment to being business-friendly.Key Issue 2 One of the most important issues for this region is the protection of our land and water. We don't have the option of drawing water from Lake Michigan or some other remote source. When we open the tap, that water comes from our wells, and all these wells are drawing from the same aquifer. If we allow this to be polluted, depleted, or otherwise damaged, this area will quite literally, and figuratively, dry up.Key Issue 3 Part of what has impressed me so far on the Village Board, is the incredible wealth of talent and skills that we have residing in our community residents. I want to increase the involvement and the awareness of our residents, as we seek responsible growth for this area. We are fortunate to have a well-functioning local government that will only be enhanced by more people getting involved. I am presently working with my colleagues and village staff to implement expanded Village communications with residents using social media (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest etc.).Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?I am ready and willing to continue my contribution to the Village.We have a strong Village Board, staff, and team of contracted service providers with whom I have established a good working relationship. I am open and accessible to help our residents with resolving their concerns.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.Just right. Lake Barrington is fortunate to have achieved a delicate balance between our local levy and the services we provide. For our Village, the issue is the timely receipt of our share of the Local Government Distributive Fund, Motor Fuel Tax, and other revenue streams from Springfield. We continue to balance our budget, offer a high level of services, and also focus on protecting our open space and expanding recreation. All this, while also maintaining a rainy-day reserve of 66%. I credit strong leadership from our Board and an incredible staff for this success.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.This may seem strange, but in all my time on the board, no one has expressed to me a concern about public safety in our community. We are fortunate to have a strong, responsive police service through our contract with the Lake County Sheriff. There may be the occasional concern about speeding or noise, but not the main concern of our residents. As for fire protection, our coverage is split between Wauconda and Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District. My personal experience, with a lightning strike and fire at our home in 2011, was unbelievable! The prompt response, including mutual aid, saved our home and furnishings from a devastating loss. We have also just completed one class of Certified Emergency Response Training (CERT) to prepare trained volunteers; the interest is so high that we anticipate additional classes in 2013. We are also working with BACOG to review and enhance the emergency preparedness of all area villages on a cooperative basis. This is a very safe area in which to live and work.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 actually believe we have achieved a nice prioritization of our budget areas. We have worked hard to make sure that all of the services needed are provided effectively and efficiently. Each year we go through an intensive budget review process, lead by our Village Manager and financial staff; these workshops help us identify priorities and areas for savings. A great example is our contract with Cuba Township Highway Department. Our cooperative relationship has brought about savings, better maintenance, and even additional services. Recently we helped with the purchase of a new, multipurpose dump truck, thereby reducing our cost-per-mile for services, and allowing the Highway Department to purchase and recondition/rebuild the old, worn out truck, putting it back into service for other purposes. Savings and better, expanded services benefit everyone in the Village. These innovative solutions are made possible because of strong Village government in cooperation with a creative, well-managed Township Highway Department.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?I want to greatly expand and improve access to food and supplies for area residents that are struggling. I have been exploring options to formalize and make our programs stronger. I am especially interested in access to fresh vegetables and produce, and see a great contribution from implementing a Community Supported Agriculture program, along with development of Frier Farm as a community recreation and gathering place, made possible with a recently awarded state grant (OSLAD), spearheaded by our Village Manager. This is a wonderful opportunity to use our open space resources for the direct benefit of residents, with the contributions of residents who love to garden and grow, sharing the bounty with others.