Tim Howe: Candidate Profile

Back to Wauconda Village Board, 2-year term

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: WaucondaWebsite: http://www.unitedforprogress.net/Office sought: Wauconda Village Board, 2-year term Age: 54Family: Married to Beth Ann BeasleyOccupation: LawyerEducation: BS, Political Science, Quincy College JD, IIT Chicago-Kent College of LawCivic involvement: Member Past Pres, Wauconda Lions Board Member, Veterans RR Board Member Sec'y, Harbour Club Condominium Assn Volunteer, Wauconda Lic Adm CmteElected offices held: Candidate did not respond.Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?I believe I have a diverse background which provides a variety of perspectives. I spent 17 years in broadcasting, much of it working with businesses in their marketing, advertising and promotional efforts. After law school, my practice turned initially to helping businesses manage receivables, which expanded to a full service commercial practice when I joined a few friends. I'm now a small business owner myself, in practice for 20 years now. I've also served on a wide variety of community, professional and charitable boards, so I know how to work effectively in group settings. Finally, my involvement in groups like the Lions and Veterans RR has introduced me to a large number of people throughout our community; I think I have a good sense of our Village's personality.How would you describe the condition of your community's budget, and what are the most important specific actions the town should take to assure providing the level of services that people want?We're currently in a positive, stable position, but like many communities have a looming pension obligation and need for some capital improvements in the near future. We'll need to focus on economic development to increase revenue to meet these needs.Where, if anywhere, could the current budget be trimmed, and conversely, are there areas the budget does not give enough money to?There's little room for further cuts, and a need to bolster administrative support and hire dedicated economic development and finance professionals.Do you support or oppose eliminating the 911 center and outsourcing the service? Why or why not?I support keeping it and expanding it. We need to stabilize our current customer base and attract new customers. We need to give our current dispatchers the training they need to be the very best. Consolidation of dispatch services on a regional basis is coming. Positioning our Village as a potential hub sends a message to prospective businesses that Wauconda is a leader in the region and an ideal place to locate. That's a revenue driver we could use.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?In addition to leveraging our Dispatch capabilities, I think we need to target specific mid-sized niche retail chains for location along Liberty Street. This is why a talented economic development professional with strong marketing skills is vital.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Most important to me is getting us back on track to take advantage of an improving economy instead of being passed by. We have assets other Villages can't match in a vibrant Main Street district and Bangs Lake. Our Mayor has been an impediment, keeping us from exploiting our assets and opportunities. I believe I can overcome that impediment.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.I'm impressed by Sen Melinda Bush. She's bringing growth to our District by working with diverse stakeholders, and can be an important ally for us.What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Tell the truth and don't be afraid to stand up for what's right.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I would have gotten involved here sooner. We moved here in 2001, but due to work and family obligations, didn't really get active until 2008.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Geometry in HS. I was a creative type, and it helped me develop a more analytical side.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?I don't have kids, but if I did, I'd tell them to take chances. To try, even if folks are telling you you can't.