Raeanne McCarty: 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: Round Lake ParkWebsite: http://www.vte2013.comOffice sought: Round Lake Park Village Board (4-year Terms)Age: 31Family: Candidate did not respond.Occupation: Owner at Handmade Specialties in Round Lake ParkEducation: Bachelor of Science in Marketing, Roosevelt University, 2004Civic involvement: Director, Round Lake Area Chamber of CommerceElected offices held: Candidate did not respond.Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 The first campaign issue I have is regarding the revitalization of Main Street Rt 134. I would like to continue to see improvements in our downtown area in order to sustain our current businesses and attract new ones to Round Lake Park.Key Issue 2 I would like to improve communication between the residents and the Village. An open door policy could encourage residents to voice their concerns and make them feel heard. Our residents should be the village's number one priority and improved communication could help strengthen a better sense of community.Key Issue 3 Our residents should feel safe in this community so maintaining protection for Round Lake Park is an important issue. By maintaining our police services, families can continue to play safely in our parks and feel protected while in their homes.Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?I have spent my entire life in Round Lake Park. My family started RM Auto Body in 1983 and because of my family's success being in business in Round Lake Park, I was inspired to start my own business here as well. In 2005 I opened Handmade Specialties and officially became a resident of this community. I have invested my home, business and many memories in Round Lake Park. I have been involved in the planning of our past festivals and participated in the village's Main Street Committee. I want to see this village move forward and improve and I am willing to work hard to see that happen.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.Our sales tax rate is just right. Round Lake Park's tax rate is 7%, which is very close or the same as our surrounding municipalities. For instance, Grayslake and Round Lake Heights is 7%, and Round Lake Beach is 7.5%.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.We need to continue to provide a safe environment for our families to thrive. Round Lake Park has many parks for children to play and those parks should continue to be protected and maintained. Our police department makes this community a safe place for residents to walk from their homes and utilize the businesses on Main Street, so maintaining our police services will allow our residents to continue safely walk our streets.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 like to see more research go into finding grants in areas that our budget may not give enough money to. For example, the sidewalks on Main Street were installed by the use of a grant. Before any finances are utilized, all monetary alternatives should be explored.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?Our downtown area has made many improvements over the past year but we still have a ways to go. We have started with the parking areas and sidewalks, but I would like to see improvements on the buildings as well. I would like to explore options on how the village and business owners can work together to continue the revitalization of our Main Street.