Todd Minden: 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 ZurichWebsite: http://www.facebook.com/#!/UnitedLakeZurichOffice sought: Lake Zurich Village Board (4-year Terms)Age: 47Family: I have been married for 23 years to my wife, Ann. We have 3 children (Kyle, Colin and Sarah). Kyle is a recent graduate of ISU. Colin is attending Western Michigan University and Sarah is a sophomore at Lake Zurich High School.Occupation: More than 20 years of management experience providing marketing services to some of the largest marketers in the country across many industries. I have managed large and small organizations.Education: Iowa State UniversityCivic involvement: I served on the Lake Zurich Plan Commission for 6 years. I have coached Football, Baseball and Soccer. I am a past President and Director of the Lake Zurich Property Owners Association. Member of the Direct Marketing Association committee for Environment and Social Resonsibility.Elected offices held: I have not run for any elected government position in the past. I have held a position as a Lake Zurich Planning Commissioner from 2006-2012. I was also a director and former President of the Lake Zurich Property Owners Association.Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: No.Candidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 We must create an environment that supports and attracts increased residential and commercial development. We need to see progress in developing the downtown area. We need to provide growth opportunities for existing businesses, jobs and activity options (sports, restaurants, etc.) for our residents. Our board must share a similar vision for progress, be capable of change, plan effectively and be focused on taking action.Key Issue 2 Financial responsibility is another issue that needs to be addressed. We need to attract development that generates new revenues, meet our financial commitments, ensure that budgets and priorities are established based on the needs of the community, efficient operation and the goals that we have for progress. We need to operate efficiently, eliminate status quo bureaucracy, prolonged debate and inability to make decisions.Key Issue 3 Believe it or not?many developers find working with Lake Zurich to be prohibitively difficult and as a result look elsewhere for development opportunities or avoid Lake Zurich if possible. This needs to change. Lake Zurich must evolve into a modern and professional service centric organization. A strong community service orientation throughout the village will? 1. Support development by making Lake Zurich more attractive and easy to work with while focused on results (less talk, more action) 2.Provide consistency of recommendations and actions based on line of site to the boards objectives 3.Set an example for development of viable projects throughout the community 4.Welcome regular feedback to the village that will establish and maintain best practicesQuestions Answers What is your position on what needs to be done to jump-start downtown redevelopment and how soon does this need to get happen?The need for development applies to more than just the downtown area. However, there is no doubt that downtown is in need of development and the Village owns many properties in this area. Jump-starting redevelopment starts with understanding the numbers, the value of the properties, the market and several other factors, which I don't believe the village can do accurately at the moment. The Village needs to work with the chamber, business? and property owners to proactively attract viable development opportunities and to promote the unique values that Lake Zurich has to offer. No idea is off the table. I am supportive of residential, commercial or mixed use develops. I have heard many ideas, few of which seem to have the financing necessary to actually do anything. I know many people would like to see more specialty retail or restaurants and I fully support these ideas. This needs to happen immediately.What are your views on any kind of financial incentives to attract future development? Do you have any concerns about offering breaks in the wake of those recently received by the developer of Mariano?s?Any incentives need to be evaluated based on the merits of the project and the incremental benefits to the community. These considerations may include incremental revenues, jobs or functional amenities that benefit the community. I am not opposed to incentives when appropriate.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?This requires effectively prioritizing our finances. We need to be focused on establishing a reliable budget that is prioritized based on our needs and goals for the community. The department heads and the village administrator need to be actively involved in specific recommendations that do not impact jobs or critical services. All departments need to have visibility to the big picture and contribute to being accountable for responsible financial decisions and efficient management. Prioritizingneeds? over expenses that are nice to have is critical.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?There are a lot of good ideas already out there. Getting the downtown development moving is certainly a priority. I would like to see more restaurants in the area, sports facilities, live music, sidewalks and bike paths. Everyone has ideas that they would like to see but ourneeds? have to come first. I have heard many creative ideas that people have experienced in other communities. I would like to see developments that offer more evening and weekend recreation choices to stay local and promote Lake Zurich as a destination that may draw people in from neighboring communities. I would like to see an environment where small or startup business can flourish.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.There are many topics in the news driving local conversations on public health and safety issues.Consulting with experts in these fields is well advised. I have confidence in the Lake Zurich Police, Fire and Rescue departments and believe their input, recommendations and a review of the records on local public health and safety is critical for establishing village policies and a professional response.