Jeanne Balmes: 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.Twitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Gurnee Village Board Age: 67Family: Candidate did not respond.Occupation: FloristEducation: Illinois State Univ. BMENorthern IL Univ. MSEdCivic involvement: Exchange Club of GurneeWINGSVOG Chamber of CommerceElected offices held: TrusteeQuestions Answers Urban Land Institute makes several long- and short-term suggestions on how to improve the East Grand Avenue business corridor in a report issued in 2016. What ideas do you see as realistic and can be done as soon as possible to help boost the area?The idea of weekly or monthly food truck visits or small festivals in the area would be something realistic and bring exposure to the area while the village works with the businesses and property owners to develop the East Grand corridor.Gurnee is one of the few Illinois municipalities without a property tax. Do you have any concerns this will need to change at some point or is this a commitment the village must continue? Please explain.No one wants to pay more taxes and it is not something anyone would like to put into action. The village is dependent on sales tax and amusement tax to sustain the quality of life for our residents. If either of these fails to give the community the much needed revenue, then a property tax would have to be looked at along with other sources of revenue.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 is very blessed to have proactive police, fire and public works departments. They keep up with all innovative ideas to help enforce the safety of our community while keeping in mind any budget constraints. Their services are ready for any emergency situation that occurs as witnessed in the flooding events that the village has had to endure. I am very proud of their care and outreach 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 village has a responsible staff under the leadership of the present Village Administrator Pat Muetz. They have worked tirelessly to keep the village in it's high bond rating. The staff has developed a forecast and comprehensive plan to anticipate future projections. That being said, there is conscientious regard placed on the budget to anticipate what the village income will be and the expenses do not exceed that amount. No spending is done without careful consideration and no proposals brought before the village board without careful forethought. I see little or no waste in our village and if I had a concern, it would be to make sure we keep the great leadership and staff we presently have working for the village.What is one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?I wish I could be that innovative. I believe we have a great community and the strategic plan always provides some wonderful input from the residents that we try to put into action as long as there is funding to do so.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Keeping Gurnee as an inviting community for residents and businesses to live, work, play and thrive is what I feel is important. I have tried to uphold the strengths of the village in the past and will continue to do so if reelected.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Condoleezza RiceWhat is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Be responsible and care for your family and friends.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Performing on Broadway.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Music was the subject and music helps me through the highs and lows of life.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?You cannot always win but you must always keep trying.