James Thompson: 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: Lake BarringtonWebsite: noneOffice sought: Lake Barrington Village Board Age: 72Family: Spouse Virginia Son Jason, his wife Debbie and sons Arthur and MaxOccupation: semi-retiredEducation: BBA - Augusta State MB - University of GeorgiaCivic involvement: Past - volunteer with Cook and Lake counties IL Catholic Charities. Current - V.P. Veterans of LBS, Lake Barrington ShoresElected offices held: noneQuestions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?I am strictly a volunteer with no personal or business related agendas.I believe in citizen politicians, just as our Founding Fathers did, who want to serve their communities. The office of Trustee is a representative office and I would be elected to serve the interests of the Village as a whole. I want the very best personal family and economic growth opportunities for our Village. I believe my ability to be unbiased, calm and collected when looking at issues is an important asset. AS I talk to people across the Village I am finding folks who are enjoying their lives in this community.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.Local sales property taxes are currently just right because they enable our Village to provide the necessary governmental services and security. The Village of Lake Barrington has maintained a good balance between sales taxes and property taxes. If elected I will work to make sure that the balance is maintained.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?Our current police and fire coverages, Including our EMT services, are quick, efficient capable responders. One area for the future that I would like to see explored is the ability to have a stroke defibrillator available to folks in the Barrington area. I have not looked into the viability of this type of equipment in other parts of the country. It has saved lives by being able to respond to stroke victims and their particular symptoms through a specialized vehicle containing the equipment used in the hospital.Where, if anywhere, could the current budget be trimmed, and conversely, are there areas the budget does not give enough money to?I believe that it is important to maintain the semi-rural nature of our Village and hold the line on taxes. People on fixed incomes cannot tolerate higher property taxes on top of other expenses that continue to climb.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?Our Village can attract the best residents and appropriate businesses by developing its Brand Image and Marketing itself to selected residential and business targets. By doing so it will continue providing an excellent residential living space, while building the right types and numbers of businesses to sustain low tax rates and continued economic growth.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?I am a strong supporter of encouraging citizens to register to vote and VOTE!Please name one current leader who most inspires you.NoneWhat's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Be true to yourselfIf life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I would have more childrenWhat was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?History, because it's the best directive for what you do and today and tomorrowIf you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Be true to yourself