John Schaller: 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: www.weselllakebarrington.comOffice sought: Lake Barrington Village Board Age: 74Family: Married to Carole Franzen since 1983. (3) sons, (1) step-son, (1) step-daughter, (2) step grand-daughters. Parents: Dr. Mrs. Louis Schaller - deceased.Occupation: Broker Realtor - Re/Max NowEducation: Bachelor's Degree - Marquette University, Communications MajorCivic involvement: Former President of the Lake Barrington Community Homeowners' Association (13 years); President of Lake Barrington Shores Condominium Seven HOA (20+ years). Current Chair of the Village of Lake Barrington Public Safety Committee and Gated Community Committee. Former Board Member the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce; Former Diplomat of the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce. Past 'Outstanding Young Man' - West Bend, WI Jaycees.Elected offices held: Trustee - Village of Lake Barrington (10 years).Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?Knowledge of the area, having been a resident of the Village of Lake Barrington since 1989...and of the northwest Chicago suburbs since 1976. Involvement with the Lake Barrington Shores Homeowners Association (which represents almost 60% of the population of the Village of Lake Barrington, serving as President of the HOA for 13-years and of the Condo Seven HOA for over 20-years. During the past 10-years, have promoted an harmonious community among those within Lake Barrington Shores and the rest of the Village of Lake Barrington. Organized and developed a 'Neighborly Awareness' program for the entire Village - working in conjunction with the Lake County Sheriff's Department. Have always been concerned about the 'total well-being'of the community, rather than any 'special interest'.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.The Village of Lake Barrington has one of the lowest municipal property taxes....and therefore it is imperative to continue efforts to enhance proper economic development in order to maintain necessary services, retain the rural atmosphere, and still keep the tax situation from dramatic escalation.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?The Village of Lake Barrington contracts with the Lake County Sheriff's Department for it's police services...and they have done an outstanding job, providing services far beyond what a small Village could sustain. As Chair of the Public Safety Committee, they are extremely co-operative in responding to any particular needs and have the resources to bring a high level of manpower services when needs arise. The Village is also served by the Wauconda Fire Protection District and the recently created Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District - both providing excellent service to the community.Where, if anywhere, could the current budget be trimmed, and conversely, are there areas the budget does not give enough money to?The budget is finely-tuned and executed well...maintaining excellent service at a minimal investment. That it is why it is so imperative to continue seeking ways to responsibly increase income (economic development and retail sales) without having to increase local property taxes.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?Continue to promote an harmonious community, rather than a 'we versus them' between those in the Lake Barrington Shores and those outside the 510-acre 'gated' community. To that extent, the Veterans of Lake Barrington Shores have recently invited everyone in the community to participate in their Memorial Day and Veteran's Day festivities. Lake Barrington Shores HOA has also reached out to the community, encouraging all residents to take part in their annual '5K Run the Shores'. Finally, the Village continues hosting an Annual 'Barn Stomp' at their 26-acre Frier Farm, where ALL residents come together each fall. The farm has also been developed for other recreational uses, including a 'community garden'.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Being open, transparent, and always attempting to work in the best interests of the 'entire' community, not just any special interests.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Nick Sauer - Current local representative on the Lake County Board.What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?To be truthful, honest, and hard working.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Really have no regrets...happily married for over 31-years.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Communications Speech...as it allowed me to not only spend over 30-years in radio television broadcasting, also to accurately express my thoughts to others.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Simply be honest and love your fellowman (and woman).