Jeffrey Harger: 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: LibertyvilleWebsite: www.hargerformayor.comTwitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Libertyville Mayor Age: 62Family: Wife Cindy, Daughter Rebecca/Husband Matt Grandchildren Evan Joshua, Son Justin/Wife Deedee Grandsons Callum GrahamOccupation: Lightning Protection ContractorEducation: BS Western Illinois UniversityCivic involvement: Libertyville Sunrise Rotary ClubFormer Member of the Lakeside Cemetery Association, Former Director Libertyville Little League. Member Board of Directors Libetyville Bank and Trust.Elected offices held: Libertyville Plan CommissionerLibertyville TrusteeLibertyville MayorQuestions Answers Why do you want to serve again/continue to serve in the position? Please explain.I have been encouraged to get back involved by both residents and local businesses. There is a feeling that leadership is not in touch with the desires of the community. Decisions are being made that are drastically changing the face of the village. People feel that all these changes are done deals and that a few individuals in town control everything and there is no transparency. If people are thinking this, then there is obviously an issue. I have always been open and honest. This is what people want in a leader.Intense public sentiment has surfaced in recent months over various residential developments. Are changes needed in the guidelines and/or the review/approval process? If so, what would you suggest?Changes are not needed in the process. The process is fine. Leadership needs to learn how to say no to these developments and listen to the community at large. The Butterfield Road issue is a prime example. In 2005 the comprehensive plan after years of public input was finalized showing this property to remain institutional. Comprehensive plans determine the long-term vision of a community and typically last 20 to 25 years. While minor updates are expected to a changing community, the 2005 plan had a major change in less than five to allow a medium density residential classification. It is not the responsibility of the Village to allow a developer to change a comprehensive plan or zoning so they can make a huge profit. I am not against development, I am against developments that go against the plans, desires and vision of 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 actually pretty tight. The department heads have always been extremely conservative in their spending. It has been that way for years. Should the Village be fortunate enough to sell off part of the Sports Complex property, there obviously would be opportunities to shave the budget there.Describe your leadership style and explain how you think that will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions with your village board or city council.My leadership style is to be open and honest and support those around me. There is never a time when a board member or department head will not know what is going on. I never take meetings alone. My job is to provide the direction and let the professionals provide the options. I detest when people of leadership take credit for those under their direction but will not take responsibility when something goes wrong. I encourage and expect input from everyone. While I may not agree with certain viewpoints, if it is determined that the end result would be good for the majority, I will support the decision.What is one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?Through all of the public hearings I constantly hear that people are not aware of certain issues. While there are so many ways to stay involved and informed, obviously, it still isn't working properly. What I would like to do after I am elected is provide weekly updates out of the Mayor's office. Probably by an e-mail, I would share what is going on within the different departments of the village. I would try to eliminate the questions before they need to be asked.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?We need to restore trust in our local government. We need leadership that explains their viewpoint and not blame others. We need to work better with the schools and other taxing bodies so we know we are all on the same page as a community. Why do we hear from developers about what they think an impact will be on our schools when they haven't even talked to the school districts prior to their presentations? We need the community to feel that their concerns are being heard and that the Village is looking out for them.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Kerri Murray, President of ShelterBox USA. Annually they provide rapid response and basic emergency needs to over 30,000 surviving families of disaster word wide.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Be honest and treat people with respect.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Spend less time at the office and more time with family and helping those less fortunate.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Anything in the "Shop Wing" at LHS. I rarely have to call for anything to be repaired.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Be honest, kind and take responsibility for your actions.