Gregory Garner: Candidate Profile

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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:BioQA Bio City: GurneeWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Gurnee Village Board Age: 57Family: Spouse: Lavonna Garner Children: Nneka (21), Myles (19), Jared (16), Abeni (10)Occupation: Sr. Executive Sales SpecialistEducation: B.S. Biology-Loyola University of Chicago, MBA-Lake Forest Graduate School of Business ManagementCivic involvement: Village of Gurnee Trustee (2004-Present) Boy Scout Troop 77 - Gurnee Days Booth Coordinator Youth Ministry Leader, The Chapel LibertyvilleElected offices held: Trustee / Village of GurneeQuestions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?As a 10 year veteran on the board with a track record for supporting the interests of the residents, I bring a wealth of experience to this position. I am a fiscal conservative who is committed to seeing the Village operate with integrity. If re-elected, residents can be confident that I will be a watchdog for their tax dollars and will speak out and vote against unnecessary tax increases. As a forward thinker, I will seek creative solutions to problem solve and hold leadership accountable. My goal is to insure that residents receive the highest level of village services possible.What is your opinion of your community's present level of local sales and property taxes? Is the tax just right, too low or too high? Explain.Illinois sales and property taxes are too high in general, however, Gurnee sales and property taxes, when compared to more affluent communities, are somewhat lower and present a better value for its high standard of living. Gurnee is unique in that its tax burden is offset by a strong retail/entertainment economic base driven significantly by outside visitors shopping in its community. We must continue to nurture this to insure that Gurnee remains a great place to shop contributing to a strong economic base which helps to further decrease the tax burden on its residents.Rate the efficiency of your town's police and fire coverage. Are the departments well prepared for the next decade? What, if anything, should be changed? Do you have specific public safety concerns?Gurnee Police and Fire Departments are competent and well trained. I have great confidence in Police Chief Kevin Woodside and Fire Chief Fred Friedl; both men run efficient organizations which consistently update their policies and procedures. Gurnee police and fire departments are well equipped with the latest equipment and are ready for the next decade. Our police and fire departments are prepared for the unique exposures associated with Six Flags Amusement Park and Gurnee Mills Shopping Mall. In terms of efficiency, our police and fire department are excellent; no changes are warranted at this time.Where, if anywhere, could the current budget be trimmed, and conversely, are there areas the budget does not give enough money to?Gurnee has done a good job of balancing and spending within its budget guidelines. However more money could be allotted to Village clean-up especially along Grand Avenue. Sidewalk snow removal on routes where children walk to school could also be improved.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?We must expand the success we have experienced on the west side of Gurnee to the east side of the Village to provide better economic balance, and to strengthen and further support the no village property tax policy.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?The current board is strong, diverse and unified; we are focused on the business of the Village and its residents. As the second longest sitting member of the board, I bring stability to the leadership team which is important if we are to continue moving forward. If we are to remain a "Community of Opportunity", we must protect the gains we have made. (No Village Property Tax, dedicated funding source for roads, excellent police and fire protection and efficient snow removal) The board we now have is a board focused on the Village. I feel good about this board moving forward and look forward to serving another term.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Warren BuffettWhat's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Love the Sinner hate his sin.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I would marry my wife sooner.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Biology- the study of living organisms helped me to understand the science of the human body and how it is affected by pharmaceuticals.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Listen and obey and choose powerfully.