Valerie Griseta: 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://focusedonfoxlake.orgOffice sought: Fox Lake Village Board (4-year Terms)Age: 43Family: Candidate did not respond.Occupation: Executive Sales AdministratorEducation: Candidate did not respond.Civic involvement: Village Board Trustee, Public Safety Liaison. Volunteer with numerous community charities, fundraisers and Village events. Previous member of the Village Planning Board.Elected offices held: Trustee, Village of Fox Lake 2009-2013Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Public SafetyKey Issue 2 Thriving Business CommunityKey Issue 3 Street ImprovementsQuestions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?I am humbled, proud and passionate about representing and being a part of the decision making for Fox Lake today, tomorrow and the future. While I am passionate about many issues, I do not allow my decision making to be about personal opinion or based on emotions of the moment. I do my homework on all matters. I make objective decisions for what I believe is the best for the Village of Fox Lake. Having access to all the outdoor activities is one of the things I love most about living in Fox Lake and being able to bring people to our area and share what I enjoy is priceless to me.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.Since Fox Lake is not a Home Rule community, our options with regard to sales tax increases are limited. Sales tax is our municipality's primary source of revenue, but I would rather focus on improving our business climate to attract new, vibrant businesses to increase our overall revenue rather than even considering a sales tax increase. We have to be smart about what we do with incentives for new businesses. For example, we have negotiated a reimbursement incentive for the new Thornton's whereby they pay for requested improvements up front and have to meet certain new sales tax criteria each year to get reimbursed. In order to receive their full reimbursement within the 5 year period, the Village will receive revenue of $1,050,000. Additionally, the work they are paying for includes major benefits to the Village, namely correcting a decades old drainage problem on Grand Avenue. Instead of having monies from the Village Street Department budget correct the problem, it will be paid for by the new business. Bringing back the Facade Improvement Program will have the business community and the Village working closely together to make aesthetic improvements creating a more enjoyable place to live, visit and do business. Our residents and businesses have high expectations concerning the services provided to them. As elected officials, we have to ensure they receive all necessary services and that we properly maintain the Village's infrastructure for tomorrow.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.Safety in schools, gangs (drugs) and home safety (burglaries) are issues every community must deal with. Having a very proactive, well educated and strong presence in the community assists our Police Department in ensuring the safety of our residents. Since teenagers are at the focal point of many police related issues, it is important that we try to "build some bridges." As such, I am pleased that we have been able to negotiate an agreement with Grant Community High School to have a Resource Officer from our Police Department on their campus. This has proven to be a valuable asset for both the school and the community in the past establishing personal relationships with many of the students. Based on events that have occurred accross the country, parents, students and faculty appreciate knowing that an officer is present in the school. Our Police Explorer Unit has been a very successul program, providing structured activities and volunteer work at events, giving them knowledge of law enforcement, teaching teamwork, responsibility and laying the groundwork for developing career paths. Working closely with the county and waterway agencies to promote safety on the lakes enhancing the image of a fun, safe place for the whole famliy to come out and enjoy. Promote our Fire District and 911 Department that provide top of the line training in rescues and equipment to keep our lakes safe.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?The current Village Board and Administration has a very hands on, thorough approach in reviewing our budget. We look at every department and take into consideration their needs and make any necessary adjustments. Each and every area is covered with the same importance. One of our first moves taken by this Administration 3+ years ago was to hire an experienced Financial Turnaround Specialist to guide us out of the Village's negative financial situation. We did "trim the budget" by tightly controlling expenses, reducing staff size, making effective organizational changes and utilizing vastly improved financial reports for our decision making. The most important goal has been to replenish the badly depleted Reserve Fund. As that area comes under control, we are now positioned to address some of the departmental areas that have been operating on thin budgets. I would like to see more funds provided for the much needed street repairs and to hire an Economic Deveopment person. We are now poised to address these issues with our now improved budget review process.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?Bringing an identity to Fox Lake. Utilizing our natural resources that surround us, promote the "get out there and enjoy" idea. A canoe/kayak rental business to take advantage of Nippersink Creek. Take advantage of the Fox River, the State Park, Glacier Park, Wilmot Mountain, snowmobile trails, promote fishing and hunting tournaments. Pursue the possibility for tansportation to and from these destinations to attract outdoor enthusiasts. Transportation from the downtown business district, working together with a hotel and train access would be wonderful for residents and guests alike. Adding more diversity to the business district to support retail, restuarants, artisans, music and outdoor activities.