Holly Kim: 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: MundeleinWebsite: http://www.facebook.com/voteforhollykimOffice sought: Mundelein Village Board (4-year Terms)Age: 32Family: I've been married over ten years to my husband Ken. My daughter Kelly attends Mechanics Grove, daughter Wendy attends Washington, and both are members of the local 4-H. Malachi, the youngest, is cared for by his grandmother during work hours.Occupation: Manager of Marketing and Communications for The Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (non-Profit).Education: Graduating from Northeastern Illinois University with a degree in Spanish and Mexican Studies, I am very qualified and at one time had an interest in diplomacy as a Consulate in a Spanish speaking country.Civic involvement: Loch Lomond Kid's Fishing Derby, Mundelein Farmer's Market, Mundelein Moms, Chili Cook off for Scholarships, Mundelein Craft Beer Festival, Mechanics Grove Science Night, Carmel High School Street Scenes, Relay for Life, Walk On Water Charity Ice Fishing Derby for the Andrea Lynn Cancer Fund, Citizenship workshops for Congressman Gutierrez, Citizenship workshops for Centro Sin Fronteras, Wild Ones Lake-to-Prairie Chapter, Conserve Lake County, Hoffman Estates Junior Chamber, Frankfort Area Junior Chamber, Green Oaks-Libertyville-Mundelein Junior Chamber, Church of Christ, Presbyterian - Worship singerElected offices held: -(Past)Local Director, Hoffman Estates Junior Chamber -(Past)Treasurer, Green Oaks Libertyville Mundelein Junior Chamber -(Current)Local Director, Green Oaks Libertyville Mundelein Junior ChamberHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: No.Candidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Lower property taxes by supporting our local businesses and attracting new ones. Encouraging developers and businesses to Mundelein means more sales tax revenue which lessens residential property tax dependency by village and other taxing bodies. We must also support our existing businesses by shopping locally. Every dollar we spend in Mundelein ultimately helps fund our roads and schools.Key Issue 2 Transparency of government with increased resident input. Along with better customer service, the development of more online conveniences and open communications will be a valuable amenity. These initiatives are "Little Things" that make a BIG difference to our residents.Key Issue 3 Uniting the community and launching a hometown pride campaign to bring us into the spotlight as a modern town while preserving the character of historic Mundelein.Questions Answers The village is moving ahead with plans for a municipal hub near the train station that would include a village hall, retail space and office space. What is your vision for that area and how would you fund the project?This project is already being funded in three ways: TIF (Tax Increment Financing) District Financing, Leasing out of the second floor, and a savings the village had accrued in order to fund a new downtown. The village hall project will not increase or burden taxpayer dollars. That being said, I would love a coffee shop with live music, or an artisan restaurant featuring local foods.Talking with your friends and neighbors, what seems to be their biggest public safety concern? Explain the concern as you see it, an discuss how you think it should be addressed?In the past there were some issues, but Chief Rose has done an excellent job with the Mundelein police. In talking with my neighbors, they feel this is a safe place to live and raise children. A recent study by NeighborhoodScout? revealed the "Top 100 Safest Cities in the U.S." and Mundelein was #52. I pledge to continue that commitment to a stellar community and diligent police force with the partnership of the Mundelein police, and new police Chief Eric Guenther.In these tight economic times, municipal budgets have to be prioritized. Where, if anywhere, could the current budget be trimmed? Conversely, is there something that should be reinstated or have resources directed toward?I believe in not reinventing the wheel. Some of our community related initiatives can be shared with volunteer groups or non-profits within the village who are aiming for the same goals. Increased urgency should be put on road improvements which are a two million dollar program now and it needs to increase through grants or new sources of revenue such as expansion of the sales tax base through bringing in new businesses. There are some flooding issues in town. Funding storm water mitigation projects will be a top goal. This is long overdue and must be made a priority since residents have homes flood and thousands of dollars in damage occur during heavy rains.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?I have observed the Mundelein Board of Trustees by attending their meetings frequently and this experience leads me to believe that in many ways our Board would benefit from some new ideas and the energy that some new members would provide. Therefore, a "Hometown Pride" campaign is a great project I'd love to start. My goal is to unite the community in a joint effort to interconnect our neighbors in Mundelein. Our Village has many great organizations for good causes, great shops, and good people. We need to acknowledge and promote these strengths - especially in the news. Our residents are our most valuable asset. Combined with the heart of our people, and a thriving downtown, Mundelein will be a great destination village.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've heard the response from several residents that our taxes are higher than our surrounding villages. This is true due to several reasons including excellent amenities in our village but also is reflective of the residents bearing the burden of the many empty storefronts. Lower property taxes can be achieved through an influx of new businesses making their home in Mundelein. Therefore, my opinion is: currently, taxes are too high, and with supporting our own local businesses and welcoming new ones, we can in turn lower the property taxes for all of our residents.